There are a lot of things to love about the Munroe-Meyer Institute, but the Trunk or Treat – or this year, “Trick or Treat,” since volunteers weren’t allowed to park their cars inside the building – is a community favorite. Not only is it a whole institute effort, but the passion and commitment, the institute’s genuine affection for the people MMI serves, is so clearly on display.
This year, more than 400 children and adults attended the event, held indoors for the first time to give visitors a look inside the new MMI building at 6902 Pine St.
Organized by Jackie Hankins of the community engagement office, this year’s event drew more than 100 volunteers. Staff and faculty from speech, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, psychology and many other departments were on hand and enjoying themselves.
It’s not hard work – and MMI staff strive to make the day easy and enjoyable for the departments and community partners who join to hand out candy. But wearing a costume, giving out treats and interacting with excited visitors who come through, one can get the smallest taste of the joy and fulfillment MMI’s direct providers and staff must feel on a regular basis as they work with these wonderful families.
And seeing MMI colleagues out in force, dressed in elaborate costumes, happily greeting and posing for photos with the clients they know, shows once again that MMI is an amazing organization.
“MMI is committed to removing obstacles to a positive family experience by providing barrier-free access in an inclusive environment where everyone has fun,” said Melonie Welsh of MMI’s community engagement office.
Community partners and teams from the wider UNMC community joined to provide an accessible, welcoming event for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities MMI serves. This year, there were groups from the UNMC College of Dentistry, Autism Action Partnership, the UNMC Department of Public Safety and many others. In all, there were more than 35 stations, stretching across the entire first floor of the institute, at this year’s event.
