Meet MERCI’s New Executive Director, Jillian Van Leuven

Liz Diaz, Bernice Lascala, Diana Romens, Rene Arauza, Jillian Van Leuven and Rita Kays met together on May 15th in MERCI’s Multipurpose Room.

Jillian Van Leuven began working as the Executive Director of MERCI on January 22nd. She was born in New Jersey and moved to California when she turned18 years old.

She holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Administration and Management from California State University Northridge.

She provided the parents and guests with her educational background that includes more than 17 years experience with FACT (Family, Adult and Child Therapies), an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities and other mental health challenges where she served as an integral member of the senior leadership team as both the Director of Operations and the Director of Adult and Transition Services. In these positions, she gained expertise in community-based program management, program development, securing and maintaining collaborative partnerships and fiscal and operational management.

Executive Director Van Leuven says, “My passion lies in serving mission-driven organizations that are dedicated to making lasting changes for people with developmental disabilities. MERCI’s long and respected history of empowering and dignifying people with developmental disabilities aligns with my core belief that every person has the right to develop lasting social and emotional connections furthering their ability to become fully integrated members of the communities in which they live and work. It will take a lot of hard work to maintain the greatness MERCI has already achieved while innovatively expanding upon their programs and services, but I am thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of their vision and mission.”

She and the parents exchanged ideas to enhance the quality of life for their adult children who attend classes at MERCI.

She also thanked everyone for participating in our Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser on April 7th, and our Savers Fundrive Fundraiser.  We had a great turn out and were able to raise much needed funds.

Whether you are celebrating a milestone or planning a business event, we welcome you to rent our newly constructed 5,000 square ft. multipurpose room complete with a commercial kitchen for special events, social gatherings or private parties.  Our indoor event space can accommodate up to 400 guests or it can be sectioned off for smaller groups as well.  Please contact Jillian Van Leuven, Executive Director, at (626) 289-8817, ext. 131, or via e-mail at jvanleuven@merci.org, for more information.

Message from the Executive Director:

I am delighted to report that Assemblymember Ed Chau has selected MERCI to be honored at the California Nonprofits Day in Sacramento on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. The ceremony is to recognize the valuable contributions nonprofits make to our communities and our state. I will be flown up to Sacramento to accept this award on behalf of MERCI and take a photo with Assemblymember Chau.  This is such an honor for MERCI to receive this award as we strive to provide safe innovative services to each of our participants.  We would like to thank all of our stakeholders in helping us be recognized for the work we do in supporting the people who attend our services.