Independence and Support for Seniors and Adults With Disabilities

We provide trusted support and resources for seniors and adults with disabilities throughout Northwest Missouri. Our team is committed to helping people maintain independence, dignity, and real choice in how they live.

We believe every person should have control over their daily decisions, achieve their personal goals, and stay connected to their community. Our services are designed to meet individuals where they are—offering guidance, access to care, and support that helps them live confidently at home and in their everyday lives.

About Our Staff

Our team is made up of compassionate, dedicated professionals who are deeply committed to supporting the individuals and families we serve. With many staff members bringing more than 10 years of experience in disability services, advocacy, and community support, our team combines expertise with genuine care. We believe in treating every person with respect and understanding while working together to promote independence, opportunity, and meaningful connections within the community.

Since 1994, MERIL has provided five core services in Northwest Missouri:

Information and referral
Independent living skills training
Transition services
Peer support
Advocacy

What People Are Saying about MERIL

“MERIL hooked me up with a CCTV so I can read my newspapers, magazines and whatever else I need to read, and got me connected with the Wolfner Library so I can listen to audio books and got me a (TAP) phone. MERIL has been great! Without MERIL I would be sitting in this house feeling very sorry for myself. I would be pretty bored just sitting around not being able to listen to books.” – Beth Miller

[Charles is living independently, thanks to his Aunt telling him about MERIL, and for now at least, the cancer is gone. But where would he be without some help?] “Well, before I had it, I was down at InterServ at the shelter because I was on the street. I’d probably be back on the street. Now I’m doing great!!!” – Charles Harris

“MERIL does things for me that I can’t do. When I had surgery they helped me get my bandages. I’m glad that MERIL is here because at least I get to be home. Otherwise I would probably be in a nursing home, so I’d rather be here. The best choice a person can make is to be with MERIL. They would be a winner. That’s how much I love MERIL!” – Martina Contreras

“I think it’s important because you get your independence back which is very important when you’re an independent person and all that is taken away from you. It’s hard to get back to where you were.” – Patsy Moss

“I’m able to stay in my own home and to be able to be with my grandkids and do what I want to do when I want to do it with them and they can come as they please. I’m always out preaching about MERIL, always. Some people say I can’t do this or I can’t do that and I always let them know they can do everything they want to do with MERIL.” – Penny Moreno

“Employees need to be trained and our employees need to have tact when it comes to dealing with people with disabilities. I challenge all the businesses out there to get with MERIL and do the same thing Hy-Vee has done [MERIL Seal of Accessibility]. It’s been a great experience.” – Brad McAnally, Store Director, St. Joseph HyVee