Update from Fr Jack Clair
Dear Families and Staff,
People have been so responsive to the information I sent following our MFA meeting, that I thought I would continue the practice of regularly sharing information with you. This will help you all to know what I know from the past couple of weeks. I hope you find this helpful and enjoyable.
The MFA meeting and Program Tour was a great success. Again, thanks to all who participated. There is so much going on here for the residents, it’s wonderful.
As I mentioned at the meeting, we were able to purchase St, Henry Parish property after its closing. We continue to study uses, but did not want an adjoining property to go just anywhere. The Board of Directors were very supportive of us purchasing this property. The Rectory has several private suites with Bathrooms. These are not appropriate for resident use. We have reached out to the City and Catholic Charities to see if we could do a small amount of housing for immigrants currently living in very difficult situations. We are pursuing this as it is safely separate from our operation and the need is so great. We will be looking for clothing and food donations as time goes on. Residents will be assisting with this program.
We continue to work on CILAs as there is a high need and finding staff for these smaller settings is a bit less challenging. Staff is the key to everything we do. If you know of anyone, please send them our way. A family member who was at the Ball last weekend, just reached out from St. Mary’s college. These are the kind of situations we need to build. Your help will be so appreciated.
The Board of Directors has formed two new subcommittees. One will deal with all of our Personnel need and the other will deal with our Finances. They have approved a wonderful group of people to work on these committees and I am so grateful for their help and Guidance. There work has already begun!
We have brought a consultant on to look at all of our businesses. He is looking at Bakery, Shops, Restaurants – everything that is a business. This is a great opportunity for us to evaluate how things are going and where they should head.
Deloitte just finished our Audit. Congratulations to Kevin, Carolyn, Amy and their staff. There was not 1 single exception to anything. It is a great report going to the Archdiocese. Thanks Business Office!
We have also said goodbye to three of our residents, Stacey Choslovsky, Michele Kurt and KathySchloss. It is always so hard on residents and staff. May they rest in peace. As Stacey’s sister said, the silver lining in this cloud is that another family will now get a bed.
Congratulations to the Women’s Board and our Foundation for a beautiful Ball this past Saturday. Outstanding as always.
I am off to Springfield this afternoon to thanks legislators who worked to advance our issues. I will also be meeting with the Secretary of State to pursue the possibility of Misericordia License plates. Say a prayer that all goes well. I will write again soon.
God Bless You all!
Fr Jack Clair