HISTORY
Mercer Residential Services, Inc., (MRSI) is a private nonprofit organization established in 1977 by a group of parents and professionals as a local alternative to the institutionalization of people with cognitive disabilities.
Since establishment, MRSI has grown from an agency serving eight people with developmental disabilities with six staff members to serving over 70 people in three counties and employing over 65 people.
A Brief History of MRSI
What follows is a brief history of MRSI from it’s incorporation to its current position as a provider of residential services and supported living services to people with developmental disabilities and mental health illness in Auglaize, Mercer and Van Wert Counties.
In 1977, Mercer County Residential Home was formed as a private non-profit agency with the mission to promote, plan and provide residential alternative to protect and nurture the mental, physical and social development of each individual with developmental disabilities. In 1978, the initial group home development plan was announced. Construction of the group home was completed in May 1982 with the first residents moving into the home. This home was known as the Mud Pike Group Home.
In 1990, the agency changed its name to Mercer Residential Services, Inc. thus placing emphasis on what the agency provides and minimizing stigma of the people who might use its services.
The 1990s was a busy time as MRSI ventured into providing supported living services in Mercer County and then in Van Wert County.
In 1997, through the Tri-County ADAMHS Board, MRSI was awarded a grant from the Ohio Department of Mental Health to build a four-unit apartment complex in Van Wert. In 1999, a drop in center began to be built for the Tri-County ADAMHS Board in Van Wert. Tri County ADAHS Board designated MRSI as the housing agency for Van Wert, Mercer, and Paulding Counties. Overtime, MRSI has increased the 4 apartment complex in Van Wert to 6 units and has built two additional six unit apartment complexes along with a duplex in Celina.
MRSI was awarded the contract by the Van Wert County Board of Development Disabilities to operate the Thomas Edison Group Home in 1999.
During the early 2000’s MRSI expanded into Auglaize County and began providing supported living services.
In 2007 MRSI opened a new administrative office and also began offering Adult Day Services in Mercer County.
In 2012, MRSI began construction of a new eight bed group home in Mercer County. In August 2013, the Wayne Street Home opened and the Mud Pike Home closed. During 2013, MRSI began to offer ADS services in Van Wert and partnered with the Van Wert YMCA to run the Healthy Fit Program.
Today we provide an array of services from group homes, respite care, affordable housing, homemaker/personal care services, vocational, recreations and social activities.