The MFA Site Reps: Keeping Us Connected to Our Residents and Staff
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.
The Site Reps are the voices of their families/guardians, sharing with the Board issues that have arisen or concerns families may have. Perhaps their most important responsibility is to engage families and guardians in their residential area. They organize all kinds of events: virtual family meetings, Valentine’s Day parties, scavenger hunts, information sessions with Misericordia key staff - whatever fits the needs and ‘personality’ of their residential area.
Ann Wilson and her husband, Dave Newcorn, were Marian Center Site Reps for several years. Here’s how Ann describes what it meant to her to work with other Marian Center parents:
"In my role as Marian Center Site Rep, I had the pleasure of meeting lots of parents of residents. I observed how they meet the challenges of their special needs child. The challenges of finding joy and gratitude in sometimes small ways gives me pause. In a parent journey with a special needs child, it’s easy to feel as if you are the only one. So, I derive strength from observing those parents whose struggles led them down a path like mine. It speaks to the strength and resilience of our humanity. It brings me awe."
Send yours to
