Dear Staff and Families,
I wanted to write one more time before the holidays. On Tuesday, the 5th, we welcomed the Women’s League from the western suburbs. They are a wonderful group. Many of them have children who have made applications to us.
The next day, our Board President, Mary Dempsey, and I met with the COO of the Archdiocese, Betsy Bohlen. We continue to look at long-term plans for Misericordia.
On December 7, we had a very busy day. The Board of Directors met from 1 p.m. until 3:30 followed by the Board of Advisors. This was all followed by Mass for our major donors and a reception. It was a wonderful day for so many folks who believe so deeply in us. We are grateful to them all for their time, talent and treasure.
Michael started his career in the Marian Center in Apartment 101 on the PM shift. It was there that he developed his passion for working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. From there, he moved onto the Village where he became the Miniat QIDP for several years. As Michael grew, so did his skillset. He was then promoted to Village director and then Assistant Vice President of Community Day Services.
Michael's contributions are vast and we are grateful for all that he has done during his tenure. He helped successfully lead CDS through the Settings rule and has been a strong advocate for our residents down in Springfield through IARF, where he served on the board.
We wish Michael the best in the next chapter of his career and we thank him for his many years of service.
Misericordia is once again providing space for the local Alderman to host a job fair for refugee immigrants. 30 employers, including Misericordia, will offer employment opportunities for an expected 400 attendees. The event will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024 in the Jean Marie Ryan Center
Eight volunteers are needed:
Speaking Spanish is a big plus, so if you do, we need you. Volunteers will be registering employers and attendees.
Please click here to review the available slots and sign up. Thank you!
Dear Families and Staff,
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mine was nice but different this year without my sister. Thanks to all who prepared the celebrations for our residents who did not go home. Thanks also to all of the volunteers who came to help with the brunch on Thanksgiving morning. A special thanks to all of the staff who gave up family time to be here with our residents.
Shopping and meals continue as part of our fundraising efforts for the holidays. Thanks to Judy and Nancy in the gift shops and to all volunteers who got everything ready and worked at every event. We welcomed our Women’s Auxiliary, the Women’s Board for lunch and the Illinois Catholic Women’s group – great shoppers one and all. Special thanks to the Kitchen and Bakery staffs, to Housekeeping, Maintenance and all who helped to make these events happen.
On Friday, November 10, our Women’s Auxiliary held its Home for the Holidays cocktail party. It was a beautiful event, raising much funds for Misericordia. Kudos to the Foundation staff, the Kitchen staff, IT and Housekeeping. You did a wonderful job. The event was also a reminder of how many young adults are on our waiting list. These families are so anxious for services for their loved one. We are doing all we can to be ready when there are beds available.
On Sunday morning, November 12, our CILAs put on their talent show. It was truly delightful. It is amazing how talented our residents are with the help and direction of the wonderful staff, Bravo!!!
Misericordia's Christmas Cards are on sale now! Shop at our Heartstrings Giftshop on Campus, 6300 N Ridge (Tue-Fri 11-3pm, Sun 9:30-2:30pm), our Sweetheart Shoppe in Glenview, 989 Waukegan Rd (Tue-Sat 9-4pm) or order them online!
Click here to purchase -> https://www.misericordia.com/store/christmas-holiday-cards/
On Monday, November 20th, Misericordia is bringing The Fat Shallot food truck (made-to-order sandwiches) to campus for an appreciation event for Misericordia Staff. Volunteers are needed to greet staff, check them in and keep the area clean.
The Food Truck will be on campus at the Holbrook Lot (between Holbrook and Quinlan). Two volunteers are needed for each shift: 9:30 – 11:45 am; 11:45 am – 2:00 pm; and 6:00 – 8:45 pm.
Please sign-up at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-45985871-thefat#/
Thank you,
Lisa Masucci & John Butler
MFA’s Volunteer Coordinators
Click here to make your donation
Do you remember: the first Special Olympics medal your loved one proudly showed you? Your daughter’s walk down the Red Carpet for Artist in All? A lovingly-made Mother’s Day card from your son? The look of love between your child and a special staff member?
Think about all of these beautiful moments in your loved one’s life at Misericordia and reflect upon the fact that none of this would be possible without the devotion of our wonderful staff. We are now facing what Father Jack calls a second pandemic, that of a severe staffing shortage. While Misericordia is doing everything possible to hire and retain quality employees, the shortage requires our already hard-working staff to sign up for extra shifts, assume additional responsibilities, and work even harder to provide the uplifting environment where our loved ones can continue to thrive.
Dear Families and Staff,
When last I wrote to you I was on my way to Springfield. Thanks again to our volunteer lobbyists, John Nicolay and Margaret Houlihan. They are wonderful. They hosted a dinner with Senator Bill Cunningham, and Representatives Mary Gill and Mike Kelly. Many others came by the table to say hello. Misericordia has a wonderful reputation with our elected officials. They all comment how lovely our staff is. Keep inviting them out.
The following morning, I went to a breakfast hosted by IARF (Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities). Michael Diaz has been our representative on their Board. Geana Connelly has been nominated to the next Board. So many Executive Directors thank Legislators for their support. It was great to meet with so many peers and hear the same challenges that we are all facing in terms of employment.
The cold weather is upon us and let us give thanks to God for having warm shelter to shield us! How blessed we are. For those not as fortunate as we are, Misericordia is organizing a Coat Drive to meet the desperate need for warm winter coats, sweaters and sweatshirts, gloves, hats and scarves for newly arrived immigrants to the City of Chicago. So many have never lived through winter, much less a Chicago winter. If you have any items you could donate, please know we would appreciate receiving them. There are people in desperate need whom we would like to help. This Coat Drive is also a project that Misericordia’s residents can help us with to sort, box and distribute the warm clothing to Chicago-area organizations assisting our newly arrived families. At the end of my letter are details about this important endeavor.
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