by Thomas Blake
For families whose residents live on the Misericordia campus, CILAs—Community Integrated Living Arrangements—may be a bit of a mystery. What is a CILA? How are they different from campus homes? Who are the residents of CILAs? Let’s explore these questions.
CILAs are licensed by the Department of Human Services, unlike most campus homes that are Department of Public Health-licensed. A CILA is, basically, a group home in a neighborhood that are occupied by individuals with various special needs
by Kathryn and John Moery
With overflowing anticipation and wide-eyed wonder, we entered the magnificent Misericordia Hearts and Flour Bakery and Cafe at 6130 North Ravenswood under its banner 'Welcome’ sign. On our way in, we were warmly greeted outside by four newly-hired baristas, Ken, Bekah, Dylan and Connor, who offered us a cup of the featured Collectivo coffees – Blue Heeler or Toro Blend Espresso – a brochure with a menu of all that awaits inside, and a $1.00 off coupon for our next visit. Until its opening on April 26, these ambassadors will be relocating to various sites throughout the neighborhood to herald the opening of this great new asset to the community. Sitting on the former site of a run-down strip mall, this pearl of a place provides community-based employment for 10 Misericordia residents. Flowing from their current campus locations, the upper floors of this architectural beauty will soon house an Art Studio overlooking the expansive second-floor outer terrace and a new coffee packaging facility on the third floor.
by Ann Wilson
Mary Ann Goode has been a Mis employee, on and off, for the last 24 years. Initially a DSP, she then became a supervisor and director. Following that, she took off seventeen years to raise her four kids. A dedicated runner and tennis enthusiast, she also makes a mean fruit pie, brownie and cookie. (Watch out block club bakers!)
Mary Ann has now returned to Misericordia as the leader of PHI and Fit For Success, training initiatives that focus on professional development, team-building and effective communications among staff In residential departments, Therapy, Social Services, and Recreation and Leisure.
by Ann Wilson
Any property owner knows that toilets leak, lawns need mowing and, in our Chicago climate, snow must be cleared. Misericordia’s campus is no exception to that rule.
John Tortorello, Misericordia’s Building Operations Director, is there to make things on both the inside and outside of Misericordia run smoothly. Since 2003, John has been employed as Misericordia’s Building Operations Director, but he worked as a contractor at Misericordia for several years prior to that. A journeyman carpenter since 1984, John has varied work experience from new construction, reconfiguration and remodeling. This has provided him with a wealth of knowledge from which he draws almost daily. John says, “Everyday at Mis is a learning experience, as change across the campus is a constant. Working at Mis for twelve years prior to my direct employment allowed me to gain additional knowledge of fire and life safety codes, as well as IDPH regulations particular to Misericordia.” To keep all operations running smoothly, John has a variety of direct reports across a wide variety of trades and sub-contractors.
by Kathryn Moery
A number of parents attending a recent meeting asked for some guidance on how to help their children handle the changes that the coronavirus has brought.
Geana Connelly, Administrator of Clinical Services and Strategic Planning, shared her insights on how the residents and the campus has responded and adjusted in this time of covid. Overall, the residents have shown amazing resilience. Access to the campus environment and services, reduced feelings of isolation. The continuity of their connectedness to our Misericordia community and their families was an important factor throughout Covid even though it looked different at times. Residents and families learned to use technology in the absence of face to face visits. They adjusted and adapted to what was in front of them at the time. While the residents are back to experiencing home visits again, many residents and families still look forward to their family zoom time as a way to catch up regularly. In addition to using technology to connect with their families, the residents have also had opportunities to connect virtually with their friends across campus which has been an important factor for our residents. Today, the virtual platform, Staying Connected continues to be offered weekly and is a resource many of the residents look forward to.
by Ann Wilson
Each of Misericordia’s one thousand employees plays a critical role in helping the residents live healthy, fulfilling lives. To name a few: cooks, housekeepers, the bakery staff, coffee packagers, nurses. But the role of the Q (short for Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional, or QIDP) is akin to the conductor of an orchestra. She/he coordinates all of the behind-the-scenes activities to oversee the care of the residents in their charge.
I interviewed two Q’s for this article. Jessica Disbrow is a Q in Marion Center, apartment 205, where she manages nine ladies. Jessica happens to be my daughter’s Q. Jae Shin is the Q at Baumgarten House, a group home in Chicago, where five young men live.
by Linda Buchalo
Misericordia is a beautiful campus with many wonderful amenities, but those with a family member at Misericordia know that the quality of staff is what sets it apart from similar organizations. While staff at every level are compassionate and creative, personal direct care staff are a truly amazing group who bring warmth, understanding, and empathy to the residents. They work round-the-clock to ensure that our family members are well cared for.
Both Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide personal care depending on the residence and level of need. Their jobs often take on multiple roles: mentors, motivators, educators, tour guides, chaperones, friends, and more. Their work includes helping with grooming, mealtime, therapy plans, program plans, and recreation, all while helping residents to learn, communicate, and become more independent.
by Ernie Stark, in conjunction with Jenna Colangelo, MS, OTR/L, Beth Muckler, PT, DPT, Jill Sparacio, OTR/L, ATP/SMS, ABDA and Sam Sexton, Therapy Manger and McAuley QIDP
An educative experience for a visitor to Misericordia, be they parent/sibling or friend, would be to be present on campus during the "morning rush hour." The person would see the hustle and bustle of the residents as they make their way to their various destinations. Some are on their way to community day services; others are reporting to their various campus work opportunities; some are on their way to therapy…
In witnessing the parade of residents the observer might notice the variety of the their mode of travel: some may appear to be progressing independently; others are walking in a group accompanied by a staff member; others are ambulating with the assistance of a device such as a walker; others are in wheelchairs being pushed by a fellow resident or staff member; others may be zipping along in their power wheelchairs.
They are all on the go as they have things to do!
by Martha Floberg
Year after year, a dedicated team of charity runners supports Misericordia in ways that few others could imagine doing – running 26.2 miles through the streets and neighborhoods of Chicago to raise much-needed funds that benefit our children and adult residents.
From first-time marathoners to seasoned runners, each Misericordia Heartracer team member commits to raising between $1,250 and $1,750, depending on the date they register for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The Chicago Marathon is a proud city tradition and international running event. Each year 10,000 charity runners representing more than 150 local, national and global charities raise millions of dollars. There was no marathon last year, due to the pandemic, but runners converged on the streets of Chicago for this year’s race.
by Linda Buchalo
The newest wing to the main building at Misericordia started as an idea to build a large chapel that would accommodate more people for weekend Mass. After conversations with Cardinal George, it was decided that building a multi-purpose center was the most fiscally responsible and best solution. Thus, the Jean Marie Ryan Community Center was born. The construction of the JMR Center answered the need to have liturgical celebrations for large groups as well as hold all members of the Misericordia Family Association (MFA) for quarterly meetings.
Dedicated in 2008, the center was funded primarily by Bill and Mary Ryan, parents of Jean Marie Ryan, who lived a part of her short life at Misericordia’s south campus. The Ryan family remains active at Misericordia today. Jean Marie’s sisters are involved with both Women’s Golf and the Women’s League. Other family members remain faithful donors and friends.
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