by Linda Buchalo
This article begins an in-depth exploration of each of the core values that make up the Misericordia Community of Believers. Today we focus on the first core value: Quality of Life.
The Community of Believers document summarizes this core value as follows: We value excellence and strive for it in all we do. Each of our residents is a valued person and deserves a worthwhile, quality life. Our staff creates and maintains a professional workplace, which benefits them and provides the residents with a positive environment in which to live. We are committed to this goal.
by Kathryn Moery
You may be familiar with the term DSP, or Direct Service Professional, but what exactly is a BSP? Far from being a typo, a Behavior Support Personnel (BSP) is a specially trained staff member whose role is to help individuals engage more successfully with their environment. BSPs provide targeted support that enables residents to participate more fully in daily life and activities.
To become a BSP, individuals must first complete certification as a Direct Service Professional (DSP). This foundational training covers essential areas, including safety care, verbal de-escalation, physical management, and proactive intervention techniques.
by Barb Quaintance
Misericordia needs many new staff to not only fill vacancies, but to staff the new residences at Rosemary Park. Human Resources is hard at work recruiting staff and training them on their job responsibilities and the culture of Misericordia.
When DSPs and Qs are hired, they are hired for a specific residential area. Then, all direct care staff—DSPs, Qs, DT Instructors—go through a four-week new staff orientation, conducted by Misericordia’s Staff Development team. The most recent classes had 55 participants. Here’s what’s covered in the orientation:
by Linda Buchalo
As part of the Misericordia community, we know that groups from all over the country look to Misericordia as the model for caring for people with disabilities. In fact, some families have relocated to the Chicago area for the express purpose of having their children reside at Misericordia Home. What makes this place so special?
At its very core, the culture of Misericordia is driven by five specific values, which are exemplified by residents, staff, families, and the organization itself. These values, collectively known as A Community of Believers, make Misericordia the community that it is—a group of individuals connected by common beliefs and values.
by Marlo Cohen
We wanted to share a bit about how the incredible staff at McAuley Residence has made a positive impact supporting our daughter, Isabel, and our family during her first year at Misericordia.
When we arrived, we were all a little flustered with the unavoidable whirlwind of activity and our emotions. Then one of Isabel’s nurses quoted us a line from Rocky to help us remember her name. Having someone make you laugh in a stressful moment is a kindness. She lightened the mood, and just like that, it was easier to trust others with Isabel and let go a little.
by Terri Rafter
I recently had the pleasure of tagging along on the bus to go to the South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade. What a fun experience that was! Not only did the staff show respect, patience and kindness to each resident, but the residents themselves were kind and helpful to each other. Added to their kindness is their sheer exuberance and joy. For some reason, laughter is the key to their happiness. Giggles and belly laughs come so easily to the residents. Wish we could all live our lives that way!
by Rick Nash
About two years ago, my son Bryan, who is a resident at Shannon Apartments, told me on the phone that he was late for “Man Cave”. Man Cave? What the heck is Man Cave? Bryan just said he needed to be there and hung up the phone. Later, I learned that Man Cave was a program started by one of the Shannon Qs. It’s part physical fitness, part team building, part motivational exercise, part dance party, and really a lot of fun. Here's how the Shannon Q describes the Man Cave:
"Man Cave was created to address the challenges faced by the guys at Shannon Apartments, especially some of their health issues related to weight gain and not-so-great eating habits. Many of them struggled to express these concerns, so I wanted to provide a safe, open space for them to come together and be vulnerable without feeling less than a man. The program encourages physical fitness and unity, teaching the guys not only how to work out, but also valuable life lessons like motivation, accountability, and teamwork.
by Judy Wall
About a month ago, Bob Erlenbaugh (of “Bob and Madge” fame) passed away, leaving a big hole in the hearts of many of us at Misericordia. Below are thoughts from a handful of folks--staff, residents, parents--that his kind heart touched over the years here at Mis.
“Bob, along with Madge, of course, became a fixture at all things Misericordia, from formal events, like directing the Heartzingers Choir at the MFA dinners and Family Fest, to informal visits at resident homes...and spontaneous conversations anywhere and everywhere in between (i.e., sidewalks, GHI, etc.). Much of this had to do with his general enthusiasm towards life - "Never better!" - was his ready response to, "How's it going?" - but also his zeal towards faith and family. In the people and mission of Misericordia, he recognized and delighted in an opportunity to attend to both and did so for years and years with ever ready hands and an open heart.”
by Barb Quaintance
One of the most important roles on the Misericordia Family Association (MFA) Board is that of a Site Representative. There is a Site Rep, or Site Rep couple, for each of the residential areas: CILAs, Marian Center, McAuley, Mercy Glen, Rosemary Connelly/McGowan, Quinlan Terrace, Shannon Apartments, and the Village.
The Site Reps are communicators and organizers. They attend MFA Board meetings and share pertinent information and Board decisions with families/guardians in their residential area. They also participate in the Nominating Committee and staff family tables at the MFA general meetings. The Site Reps work with families to recognize and support the staff.
by Merrily Smith
Like most Misericordia parents, I have a deep appreciation for the staff that serves my son, Tyler. I am grateful for their hard work and dedication, and I try not to take that for granted.
Day after day, they are there making sure our guys are safe and well cared for. It is not something we usually think of, but they spend more time with our kids than we do, and because of that, they sometimes pick up on things that we may not notice during home visits or when we visit them on campus. Once such time really stands out to me…
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