Merakey

Merakey's story began with the Community Mental Health Act of 1963, a landmark piece of legislation that provided federal funding for services to support individuals with mental disabilities. Inspired by this, our founders drafted a proposal to utilize some of these funds to establish one of Philadelphia's pioneering service providers, the Northwest Center. In October 1969, the Northwest Center opened its doors at 27 E. Mt Airy Avenue in Philadelphia. This marked the genesis of an organization that would evolve, first into Northwestern Human Services, and then, in 2018, into Merakey. The name 'Merakey' is derived from a Greek word signifying the act of putting something of oneself into one's work – a principle that resonates deeply with the daily commitment of our team members as they strive to fulfill our mission of assisting those in greatest need.

From that single location in Philadelphia, Merakey has grown into one of the nation's largest non-profit human services providers. This journey, spanning over five decades, has been characterized by an unwavering dedication to enriching the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Our programs are designed to support a diverse range of needs, catering to individuals grappling with addiction or intellectual and physical disabilities, as well as homeless veterans and children requiring safe homes. We stand as advocates for those who need support and a voice. Though our name has changed over the years, our core commitment to providing exceptional service has remained as steadfast as it was on our very first day. Today, Merakey is a leading developmental, behavioral health, and education non-profit, offering a comprehensive suite of integrated services. We leverage our extensive experience and expertise to develop innovative solutions and new models of care, addressing the complex needs of individuals, their families, healthcare funders, and community partners. We believe in a holistic approach, and with compassion and expertise, we empower everyone within our communities to achieve their fullest potential.