(9-26-24) The Celina-Mercer County Combined Services Appeal annual fundraising drive is underway. We are asking Mercer County residents and those who use Mercer County services to consider donating to this year’s drive to help us reach our goal of $95,000 to benefit eighteen (18) local nonprofit organizations. You may notice that banners around town and mailers you received say the drive ends on October 6. We accept tax-deductible donations through December 31.

The Celina-Mercer County Combined Services Appeal, a 501(c)(3) organization, helps fundraise for other nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations that benefit Mercer County residents. The Combined Services Appeal is an all-volunteer Board with minimal overhead, enabling member organizations to receive more donation dollars as items like salary, benefits, and other administrative expenses do not get taken out of the donation pool.

The Combined Services Appeal Board vets every member organization to ensure that all 501(c)(3) statuses are current, resulting in all donations being tax deductible. Additionally, all member organizations must provide evidence that the funds raised through our drive will be used for Mercer County residents.

Donations can be made specifically to one of the member organizations below or can be unallocated. ALL funds that are specifically made to a member organization will go to that member organization. Unallocated funds are split between the organizations based on the allocation amounts determined during our application and approval process. The allocation amounts do not interfere with specifically marked donations.

American Red CrossChoosing Life Pregnancy CenterMercer County D.A.R.E. Boosters
ARC of Ohio in Mercer CountyCHP Home Care and HospiceMercer County Historical Society
Boy Scouts of AmericaEverHeart HospiceMercer County Imagination Library
Cancer Association of Mercer CountyFamily Care OptionsMercer Residential Services, Inc.
Celina Adult Daycare – Private Duty (CHP)Foundations Behavioral Health ServicesOur Home Family Resource Center/Family Crisis Network
Center for Neurological DevelopmentM.A.V. Youth MentoringYMCA (North Branch)

For more information on the member organizations and how to donate, please visit our Facebook page (search for Celina-Mercer County Combined Services Appeal) or our website, www.celinacombinedservices.org.

Celina Combined Services Appeal Agency Profiles

Mercer Residential Services, Inc.

MRSI is a nonprofit organization established in 1977 by a group of parents and professionals as an alternative to the institutionalization of people with cognitive disabilities. Our mission is to be the leader of quality and affordable housing and support services for people with intellectual or emotional disabilities in the communities of West Central Ohio.

MRSI provides services to individuals with developmental, mental health, or addiction disabilities, and employs over sixty individuals in the West Central region. All staff is highly qualified and highly-trained that has also met stringent background check requirements as mandated by the state and federal government.

The organization provides an array of services including group residential homes, respite care, adult foster care, homemaker/personal care services, transportation, and Adult Day Services. MRSI operates two group residential homes licensed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Ohio Department of Health. These homes provide individually designed support services on a twenty-four hour, seven-day a week basis and can offer services to eligible male or female consumers.

MRSI is also the designated housing agency for the Tri County Alcohol, Drug Addiction, & Mental Health Services Board. Collectively MRSI owns and manages twenty apartment units, which provide safe and affordable housing for individuals and families suffering from chronic mental illness.

The goal of MRSI’s community services division is to provide the necessary supports which empower people with disabilities to live in their own homes. Staff is selected for each consumer according to personal needs and preferences. This assistance allows individuals to achieve maximum independence, while making decisions and personal choices that positively affect their lives.

Adult Day Services (ADS) are available to adults enrolled on Medicaid Waivers administered by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities. Individuals may choose to participate in MRSI’s Adult Day Support or Vocational programs one to five days per week and from one to five hours per day. The ADS program is planned around an individual’s assessed needs and preferences. Our goal is to enrich the lives of the individuals by providing social activities and making connections with community members. The staff assists and coaches individuals to participate in activities of interest both within their ability levels and with accommodations as needed.

Adult Day Service provides a coordinated program of professional and compassionate services for adults in small, community-based group settings.  Individuals explore local areas of their choice while also learning skills that will help them as community members.  Many of our individuals have also made lasting friendships.