The Meristem Monitor is a listing of activities and news items occurring at Meristem. This newsletter is a student-centered effort (with a parent advisor) to help students, staff, and parents stay updated on and involved in the Meristem community. For items to be listed or questions and comments, please contact Laura-Lynne Powell at lauralynne.powell@gmail.com, or Taylor Oide, Meristem Marketing Coordinator, at tayloro@meristem.pro.
May 5-9
A Note from Erin on Big Day of Giving
I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to all of you for your support. We finished with $71,826 raised, which has almost completely replenished our scholarship fund for the coming year. This is $26,000 better than our past efforts. It was also a fantastic day for Sacramento in uncertain times, beating last year’s total of $13.5 million raised in one day. It was fun to interview students on Facebook Live all day. Thank you for tuning in and making it fun.
Now Enrolling!
Meristem is now enrolling for Day Program, a re-designed Work Skills program (more information coming soon), and for the ILS/Dorm Program and is encouraging families and friends of the campus to get the word out. To refer a potential student or family, have them email info@meristem.pro to get the enrollment process started. For more information on enrollment processes, visit meristem.pro/enrollment.
Day Program
Snow Trip Fun!
Day Program Director Shea Smith shares some photos from last week’s trip to snow country and these comments:
Our winter field trip up to Soda Springs Snow Resort was a lovely day with inner tubing and snow ball fights! Students left campus, driving into the rain and snow but arrived in a window of good weather after having to cancel twice earlier in the month, due to weather and road conditions. Amidst lots of “whee’s” and proud moments of trying something new, the students all agreed it was a “great day!”. Plans to return next year were met with cheers. Special thanks to newest staff member, Chef Josh Dellar, who made a hearty snack, lunch and warm dairy free hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy!
Students and Families Invited to Shakespeare Performance
Theater Arts instructor Jamie Van Camp has invited students and families to attend his production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at a venue near Placerville. ILS/Dorm students will be welcomed to attend with ILS instructors on Saturday, May 10. Day students are also welcomed to attend. If parents would like to drive and chaperone the trip, there are two Day Program instructors who will also attend. As this event occurs outside of regular school hours it is not a formal Day Program event. There is a sign up sheet for interested students. Interested parents who would like to drive or chaperone can contact Shea Smith at shea@meristem.pro.
Jamie is the director of the production as part of Folsom Lake College’s Falcon’s Eye Theater. The play runs May 8 – May 11 and will be performed at the outdoor Wakamatsu Farm in Placerville. Tickets are here.
We Need Your Help in the Garden
Get some free hours and want to get your hands dirty? Come help us for an hour or two in the Garden. Contact Twyla at twylat@meristem.pro to learn more and schedule your visit.
ILS/Dorm Program
ILS Trip to Six Flags
Katelyn reports that dorm students had a successful spring public transportation trip that was filled with memories and laughter. On Saturday, April 26, they navigated their way via Amtrak and vans to Vallejo for a long day at Six Flags amusement park. She’s sharing photos here in the newsletter and says it was successful in large part to the work of the student committee that made sure everyone had been reminded with a visual checklist of things to bring. She notes, “Whether someone rode Medusa seven times, or someone took silly pictures with friends, they all found a piece of the trip they hopefully won’t forget.”
Prom for Day and Dorm Students on May 9
The annual Enchanted Prom for special needs teens and young adults will be held this year on Friday, May 9. This event is sponsored by Bayside Church in Granite Bay, includes red carpet entrance, dancing and is an opportunity for students to dress up for the evening. Day students will be able to dress at the Meristem Bed & Breakfast. It will be preceded by an on-campus pre-party 3:30-5 pm at Town Hall. Departure for the prom (8191 Sierra College Blvd.) is at 5 p.m. Event is 6-9 p.m. Day students must have their own ride back to campus or home. More details to follow but RSVPs were requested by April 11. Email ILSM@meristem.pro for confirmation of attendance.
See the flyer for more information.
Information for Dorm Students for Summer Break
With the break rapidly approaching, the Independent Living Skills Team wanted to reach out with information regarding summer break. Summer break is May 26-30. Please see the below:
For packing, please coordinate with your student coordinator any support that may be needed, and they’ll advise Independent Living Skills Management for us to coordinate supports. Students will be supported with:
- Ensuring they have suitcases / bags packed for home
- Rooms are cleaned
- Common shared spaces are cleaned
- All garbage / perishable items will be thrown out
- Support will be all week, with Wednesday as a mid week check-in and push to finish what they need to wrap up
- Wednesday, students will turn in their PEX cards for Independent Living Skills Management (ILSM) to hold on to for their return
Please note: Students will remain in the same dorms they are currently in and will not be packing their items in boxes, their rooms will remain as is over the break.
On Friday May 23, dorms close and no staff on site after 5 p.m.
Students return on Sunday June 1 and dorms will open at 10:30 a.m.; students will be preparing a grocery shopping list and doing the shopping when they’ve returned and settled in. Dinner will be provided to the students.
Student Coordinators
Family Support Group Meetings Shortened to One Hour
Participants in both Monday and Thursday sessions have chosen to shorten these sessions to one hour. This first series of sessions is wrapping up as Meristem evaluates how well they went and how to keep them going.
The last Thursday support group meets May 15, 6-7 p.m.
The last Monday group meets May 19, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Student Coordinator Helpline
A reminder that students and parents should use their SC as their primary contact and utilize the SC helpline if a quick response is needed (or to report absences, etc.) Perhaps text BOTH your SC and the helpline to be sure your message is received. The SC help line is 916.546.9422.
Cafe Updates
How to Make a Reservation
Want to make a reservation at the Cafe? Email reservations@meristem.
Hours:
Thursdays and Fridays
11:30am-1:30pm
Meristem Cafe’s Menu
MERISTEM SALAD
Seasonal Greens | Artichoke Hearts | Roasted Peppers | Grilled Squash
Dried Fruit | Feta | Pepitas | Citrus Thyme Vinaigrette
(option to add Chicken for additional charge)
ROASTED TOMATO BASIL SOUP | GRILLED CHEESE SANDO
Pesto | Parmesan | Balsamic Glaze | House made GF Bread | Cheese
MERISTEM BURGER
Beef Chuck, Brisket, Short Rib Patty | Lettuce | Tomato | Onion | Pickle Chips | Cheese | GF Bun House made Pickle | Potato Wedges
STREET TACOS
Chicken Chili Verde | Mild Salsa Roja | Guacamole | House Pickled Escabeche
Chips & Salsa
TUNA POKE STACK
Yellow Tail Tuna | Citrus Avocado Smash | Toasted Sesame & Crunchy Garlic
BAKERY All baked goods are Gluten Free and Dairy Free
Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie
Peanut Butter Cookie
Brownie
Blueberry Lemon loaf Cake
BEVERAGE
Sparkling Water
Sparkling or Still Apple Juice
Pellegrino – Blood Orange or Lemon
Coffee or Tea
Development & Philanthropy
Kick-Off Taste and Transform Brought Dozens to Meristem
Meristem’s new TASTE AND TRANSFORM event was held Sunday, April 27, and it was so much fun! It was an afternoon of tastings from restaurants, wineries, and breweries; live music; silent auction; sales of herbal arts items, and more. It was the first event of this kind but will hopefully become an annual tradition because it’s a great way to build community and to welcome people to Meristem’s beautiful campus in the Spring (despite a light rain this first event).
New Development Director Zoe Fishman came up with the idea for Taste and Transform as a Spring fundraiser. Gavin partnered with her and did amazing work and brought a team of friends who volunteered to pour wine, build bouquets, and help in so many other ways. The event was ticketed and proceeds were part of Meristem’s efforts to cover 2/3 of expenses that have to come from fundraising and grants. It also raised funds through a very large offering of donated items in a silent auction including a $200 gift certificate for custom-made jewelry at Ararity, a purple ukulele and cello lessons, one-month gym membership and personal trainer, and several wine tastings and winery tours, all of which was donated by generous neighbors and friends of Meristem. The event was also a way to kick off Big Day of Giving, the virtual fundraising event to support local nonprofits on May 1. Kudos to Meristem staff and so many helpers and donors for a successful inaugural Taste and Transform!
Big Day of Giving and the Generosity of Supporters
As noted above, the Big Day of Giving on May 1 was an incredible success! With nearly $72,000 raised it beat out all previous events like this. That success is thanks to donors big and small, but especially to those who gave incredibly generous matching donations: Two donors gave $10,000 in matching donations and one donor gave $5,000 in matching donations. Thank you!!
Administration
A Few Updates from Erin
In the recent family member Zoom call with Executive Director Erin Schirm last week, Erin reminded parents that weather is about to shift in Sacramento and students should be prepared for cool mornings but potentially hot and sunny afternoons. He hopes students dress in layers and make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, glasses, and something to drink with them to classes.
He also noted that Meristem has just signed papers with UC Davis’ MIND Institute to work with researchers there on a study about moving young people with autism into a work environment. The project will involved training of Meristem teachers in May and probably launch in June. More details will be provided as they become available.
Next Family Zoom Meeting with Erin Will Be Held Wednesday, May 21
The next family Zoom meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 21, at 5 pm. Salina will email families a link prior to the meeting. And a recording of the meeting is sent in the days that follow it for those who missed. Contact: Salinas@meristem.pro
Job Openings
The following job opportunities are available at Meristem: Independent Living Instructor, three positions: one the week day shift and two the weekend shift, and a Work Skills Program Specialist. Details on careers at Meristem are here.
