Activities for people with special needs

Inclusion
& the Arts

We give people with special needs the chance to express themselves creatively.

Building a Lasting Legacy of Inclusion

Merrimack Hall offers services to children and adults with special needs that no other organization in the Southeast currently provides.

Our mission is to provide visual and performing arts education and cultural activities, to children and adults with special needs.

Impacting Hundreds In North Alabama

Founded in 2008, Merrimack Hall started as 1 weekly dance class for 10 children with special needs. Over more than a decade, our programs have grown to 23 arts related classes that serve hundreds of individuals with special needs from Huntsville, Madison County, and across North Alabama. These extracurricular activities enrich the social and creative needs of all who are involved.

Visual Art

Art is inspiring and affords a space for independent and creative expression. It brings joy to individuals and has multiple benefits for those with visual impairments. ​

Theatre

Rehearsing lines and acts enhance cognitive and communication skills while allowing individuals the opportunity to shine on stage in front of a live audience!​

Dance

Movement through dance expresses emotions in a remarkable way, while simultaneously improving confidence & self-esteem in a non-judgemental setting.​

Music

Music creates a unique and powerful connection between our participants and builds communication, motor and social skills for all of our participants.

Adult Day Program

After School Arts

Summer Camps

Gift the Arts.

Your donation gives children and adults with special needs a chance to experience the freedom of the arts.

Fundraisers & Events

We host events around the year to promote community inclusion.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the bulk of our funding comes from individual donations and sponsorships at our community events. Click an event below to learn more information about how you can get involved.

Rocket Chef
Rocket City Microthon
Golf Tournament

Latest News & Updates

Using the arts to unite our community
Merrimack allows all of our community to unite and live together, making each other’s lives better in the process. As our co-founder Debra Jenkins said, “Normal is a dryer setting.” Every one of us has special needs. Some are harder to spot than others, but all of us deserve equal opportunities to live a live filled with purposeful connection.
February 2025 Newsletter
Keep up to date with the latest Merrimack News! This month, we're hosting a Valentine's Day part, Pop-Up Hip-Hop Class, a Bowling Social and more!
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Billy Bob Thornton’s Heartfelt Return to Merrimack Hall: A Star Among Friends
Billy Bob Thornton’s recent visit to Merrimack Hall was more than just a reunion—it was a celebration of friendship, art, and the power of creative expression. From heartfelt moments with longtime friend Robbie Clark to joining students in dance and music, Billy reminded us that true stars are those who recognize and uplift the talents in everyone.
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Listening
We believe that everyone deserves the right to have access to a fulfilling spiritual life and the opportunity to find fellowship with others.
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nor·mal

1. conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.

2. everybody is more alike than we are different.

At Merrimack Hall, we firmly believe that every one of us has special needs. Some have special needs on the outside readily visible; some have special needs on the inside. Everyone has the need to feel loved. Everyone has the need to feel accepted.

Please join our efforts to make Huntsville & Madison County the gold-standard for diversity and inclusion by becoming a volunteer, donating or spreading awareness on behalf of our mission.

Watch a TEDx Talk from our co-founder Debra Jenkins on what it truly means to be normal.