by Barb Quaintance
Under the leadership of Sister Rosemary Connelly, Scott Mendel and Geana Connelly, Misericordia is a founding member of Together for Choice (TFC), a coalition whose mission is to protect and advance the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live, work and thrive in a community setting of their choice.
Founded in 2018, TFC’s position is that individuals and their families know best what type of residential and vocational programs and opportunities best meet their needs and preferences. The role of government, state and federal, should be to support all quality residential and vocational options. By doing so, the government treats individuals with disabilities the same as those who do not have disabilities.
Did you know that:
Click on the image to view the Benefit Book.
by Linda Buchalo
Today’s article focuses on the third Community of Believers core value: Diversity and Inclusion.
We embrace the diversity of the human family respecting the race, religion, color, ability, national origin, gender, and age of each. We strive to be inclusive, seeking to mirror the larger community of which we are a part. This enriches the lives of us all and makes our world a better and a more just and equitable place.
Although placed third, this is the newest core value and reflects Misericordia’s commitment to celebrating our shared humanity. We embrace the diversity of all humanity, and we strive for Misericordia, its staff, residents, and families, to mirror the diversity and inclusion reflected in neighboring communities.
Click here to watch the signature event video from the MFA Annual Benefit at Soldier Field. Thanks to Pam Capraro for conceptualizing and creating the content, to the many talented photographers, to Jim Capraro for assembling the video, and thanks to its cast of "Heroes".
With great sadness, we share that our dear Sister Rosemary passed away on June 19th, after entering hospice a short time ago.
On Monday, June 23, a wake was held at Misericordia, and her funeral took place last Tuesday at Holy Name Cathedral. Both events were overflowing with the many, many friends of Misericordia. And while it is a sad time, we are comforted by knowing that Sister Rosemary is at last reunited with her family and the Lord.
We extend special thanks to Lois Gates and Bob Noga, as well as Sister Rosemary’s care team, for the wonderful care they provided at the end of Sister’s remarkable journey. We will continue to honor Sister Rosemary and her amazing legacy by helping to maintain a community where our residents may live lives of kindness, dignity, respect, and love.
During July, Misericordia is recognizing the hard work and dedication of the QIDPs (also known as the “Qs”), House Managers, Environmental Coordinators and Managers, and OJT (On The Job) Trainers. There will be an Appreciation Event on Thursday, July 17th, featuring a catered luncheon and staff gifts.
Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals (QIDPs) oversee the needs of the CILA residents, including their programs, goals, medical/dental needs, community outings, and nearly all facets of daily life. QIDPs work closely with Supervisors, DSPs (Direct Service Providers), and parents/guardians to ensure quality care and programming for all residents.
The House Managers and Environmental Coordinators & Managers ensure the environment of each living area is consistent and meets Misericordia's high standards of cleanliness, organization, and safety for residents.
The OJT Trainers assist with helping new employees onboard and feel welcomed by their team. They play a key role in improving retention and promoting Misericordia as an employer of choice.
Click here to read the June 2025 issue of Campus Connections.
Stay up-to-date with all of the information, training, and support that Misericordia provides to our wonderful staff! Everyone will benefit from reading Campus Connections!
To view previous Campus Connections click on Misericordia Info in the menu bar at the top of the page, and then click on Campus Connections.
We are looking for parent/guardian volunteers for two upcoming concerts in July for the residents. Please consider assisting at the concerts that the residents have been enjoying.
The first concert is on Saturday, July 12th, and Tank and the Beez (Bluegrass and Americana) will be performing in the Jean Marie Ryan Center from 7 – 8 pm. Thirty (30) volunteers are needed from 6:15 – 8:30 pm to help staff escort residents to and from the concert and assist throughout. Please click here to review the available slots and sign up.
The second concert is on Thursday, July 17th, and Windy City Winds will be presenting a Summer Performance outside on the Holbrook lawn from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Thirty (30) volunteers are needed to help staff escort residents to and from the concert and assist at the concert from 5:45 – 8:00 pm. Please click here to review the available slots and sign up.
Dear Friends,
It is with great sadness that I share that our dear Sister Rosemary passed away last night after entering hospice a short time ago. It is a sad time here at Misericordia but we are comforted knowing that Sister is reunited with her family and the Lord. Sister Rosemary will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing here and I know Sister Rosemary would say thank you to each and every one of you for being part of her amazing journey.
We are sharing her obituary CLICK HERE and there was an excellent online article by Neil Steinberg in the Sun-Times today (CLICK HERE) that talks about Sister Rosemary and the impact she has had on the Chicagoland and I/DD community.
Please keep Sister Rosemary's family, especially her devoted sister Kathryn, the Sisters of Mercy, the entire Misericordia community and Sister Rosemary in your prayers and know that we continue to pray for you as well.
May God bless you all and may God bless Sister Rosemary.
Sincerely,
Father Jack
by Linda Buchalo
Today’s article focuses on the second Community of Believers core value: Connection.
The Community of Believers document summarizes this core value as follows: We value relationships, connecting to our residents and to one another with a caring heart. Our residents are valued for who they are, and we seek to connect to that loving person within them. We connect to our co-workers as well, honoring each other.
The general atmosphere is one of friendliness, and this is evident as you stroll through the campus, take an official tour, or attend one of the many activities taking place. Residents and staff greet each other by name, and it’s amazing to realize that staff from all over the campus are familiar with so many of the residents. Likewise, residents know many of the staff. Indeed, life at Misericordia provides our family members with the connections that most of us take for granted in our own communities. The integrated setting provides this common dimension that is often missing in the lives of people with disabilities.
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