Rene Araiza, who is the Assistant Manager for the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc., has joined the MERCI Board. Araiza is a graduate of Alhambra High School and a retired member of the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1980-2000 and retired as First Sergeant F-8. He continues to volunteer with the Marine Corps League in West Covina. Araiza and his family have a long history with MERCI with two of his brothers being MERCI consumers. Last year he conducted a very successful flapjack fundraiser for MERCI. Besides his fundraising experience, Araiza brings a knowledge of insurance and human resources to the Board.

MERCI Executive Director Marta Escañuelas in welcoming Araiza to the Board recognized Araiza’s experience in working with the developmentally disabled and his willingness to help MERCI especially at this time when MERCI is in the midst of construction of the classroom and administration buildings at 525 N. Chandler Avenue in Monterey Park. Escañuelas goes on to say, “We are thrilled to welcome Rene to the

MERCI Board, his energy and enthusiasm will help move us to the next chapter!”

Planning for the construction of the new buildings at MERCI started in 2006 with the award of $829,000 of federal HUD funds administered by the City of Monterey Park. John and Mary’s Place for six clients opened in January 2015. Construction on the other two buildings is anticipated to restart this summer. Escañuelas says, “It is not too late for people to donate to the construction of these buildings which are being financed via loans by contacting me at (626) 289-8817 x17.”