Last year was a whirlwind for us all. Despite the multitude of challenges, we were able to adapt our operations to meet the needs of the times and continue offering valuable services to our clients. Despite the pandemic and lockdowns, our clients still needed to receive important transition training and instruction. So, in March of 2020, we launched virtual one-on-one independence coaching sessions and expanded our reach beyond what we thought was possible. At this time, we now have more virtual clients than we had active clients total in January 2020. It is a testament to our clients and staff that Merakey Gateway is now reaching and helping more transition aged adults than ever.
In the past year, Merakey Gateway has become a vendor for Louisiana Rehabilitative Services for Pre -Employment Transition Services. Through this program we have expanded our reach to teens in high school. Currently, we are providing Pre-Ets service in Central Community
Schools, St. Lillian Academy and The Dunham School. Soon, we will have the pleasure of serving students at Zachary High School. It is our distinct pleasure to explore new opportunities to serve young adults with the goal of independence.
This past year has provided our clients with a number of new challenges and barriers in reaching their vocational goals. In this time of high unemployment, and fewer work opportunities, we have had to update our methods in aiding our clientele. We have been proud to have continued successes in placing clients into work opportunities, and, as a staff, have been able to rejoice in each of our clients’ successes alongside them. We would like to applaud the staff and the clients for their hard work and perseverance throughout this difficult time.