Our PROGRAMS
An Inclusive Explosion of the Arts
Our mission is to provide visual and performing arts education and cultural activities, to children and adults with special needs. Merrimack houses The Happy Headquarters is a visual and performing arts program for children, teens and adults with special needs. Our programs drastically improve the quality of life for people with special needs, as we work toward bringing the people we serve out of the shadows and into the life of our community.
A Vibrant and United Community
The focus of Merrimack’s mission is to provide visual and performing arts education to children and adults with special needs, but the heart of Merrimack is the community of lives that have been connected through the arts. The quality of life for people with special needs has been drastically improved by Merrimack, as we work toward bringing the people we serve out of the shadows and into the life of our community.
Arts Classes
After school multi-disciplinary arts education classes for children and adults with special needs. Classes offered include dance & creative movement, acting, choir and many more!
Adult Day Program
Hosted on weekdays, Monday - Thursday, our adult day program is a cultural and socially engaging program for adults with special needs.
Summer Camp
During the summer, a series of week-long summer camps in multidisciplinary arts education. Students spend half a day at Merrimack, while learning and growing creatively.
Everyone is free to express themselves and embrace their individuality while growing and learning together
Parents and family members of participants frequently praise Merrimack for the unique nature of its elements and for helping their loved ones reach milestones previously thought impossible. We have both anecdotal and therapeutic evidence that many of our students are hitting milestones ahead of schedule, are behaving better at school and at home, are more confident, have improved communication skills and are more physically fit than before they joined us. First words are uttered on stage, first unassisted steps are taken, and lasting friends and fellowship are all celebrated for the miracles that they are at Merrimack. We believe empowering these individuals to participate in meaningful arts related activities will give them increased independence skills and an improved overall quality of life.
Music
Music creates a unique and powerful connection between our participants and builds communication, motor and social skills for all of our participants.
Dance
Movement through dance expresses emotions in a remarkable way, while simultaneously improving confidence & self-esteem in a non-judgemental setting.
Theater
Rehearsing lines and acts enhance cognitive and communication skills while allowing individuals the opportunity to shine on stage in front of a live audience!
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.
Everyone Deserves Access to the Arts
Original Shows
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.
In addition to our weekly programming, the Happy Headquarters at Merrimack produces two major showcases each calendar year. The Dream BIG! Showcase is held on the first Saturday of May, while our Holiday Showcases are slated for the beginning of December to kickstart the Holiday Season.
Each showcase is a comprehensive production with professional sound, lighting and costumes featuring original acts and dance numbers rehearsed in our Happy HeARTS classes.
As if that isn’t enough, our adults enrolled in the Happy Days program treat our community to a concert performance, accompanied by a professional band in the Spring and Fall. Music plays an integral part in all of our programs at Merrimack, and we are privileged to see first hand how it positively impacts the lives of all at the Happy Headquarters.
