Merakey is a non-profit organization with over 50 years of experience, originally founded in October 1969 as the Northwest Center in Philadelphia. It evolved from Northwestern Human Services to Merakey in 2018, embracing a mission to provide exceptional developmental, behavioral health, and education services across the United States. The organization employs more than 8,000 staff members who support nearly 40,000 individuals and families annually across 12 states.
The organization’s programs are designed to support a broad spectrum of community members, including those with addiction issues, intellectual and physical disabilities, homeless veterans, and children in need of homes. Merakey focuses on advocating for and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, emphasizing inclusivity across all races, ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, and experiences.
Merakey’s vision is to be a nationally recognized leader in health and human services, driven by a dedicated team that has members committed for decades. The name ‘Merakey’ reflects a Greek term meaning to put something of oneself into one’s work, symbolizing their approach to care with compassion, creativity, and integrity. The organization continues to innovate new care models and expand its geographic footprint to meet the complex needs of individuals and community partners.
Overall, Merakey stands as one of the largest providers in its sector, committed to holistic, integrated solutions that address both individual needs and systemic challenges in health and human services.