Misericordia Community of Believers: Connection 

by Linda Buchalo

Today’s article focuses on the second Community of Believers core value: Connection.

The Community of Believers document summarizes this core value as follows: We value relationships, connecting to our residents and to one another with a caring heart. Our residents are valued for who they are, and we seek to connect to that loving person within them. We connect to our co-workers as well, honoring each other.

The general atmosphere is one of friendliness, and this is evident as you stroll through the campus, take an official tour, or attend one of the many activities taking place. Residents and staff greet each other by name, and it’s amazing to realize that staff from all over the campus are familiar with so many of the residents. Likewise, residents know many of the staff. Indeed, life at Misericordia provides our family members with the connections that most of us take for granted in our own communities. The integrated setting provides this common dimension that is often missing in the lives of people with disabilities.

Residents … At Misericordia, residents develop special friendships and spend quality time with each other. Because of the nature of many programs, residents mingle with people from other living areas, thus increasing their circle of friends. Residents also work, socialize, and volunteer in the greater community, further widening their circle of friends. Community outings are very much a part of life and provide residents with many opportunities: attending sporting events, watching movies or listening to concerts, enjoying neighborhood restaurants, and participating in Special Olympics.

Conversely, people from the community visit the campus to dine, shop, volunteer, and attend various events. It is not uncommon for others to bring their expertise to work with Misericordia residents, whether in the fitness center, the swimming pool, or the art rooms. And visits from sports heroes, musicians, dancers, and choirs are not uncommon. Several years ago, residents had the chance to see and touch the Stanley Cup during a visit with Jonathan Toews.

This steady pattern of residents venturing off campus and community members coming into Misericordia means that people who live in the Mis community are not isolated and have a healthy connection to the greater community.

Staff … There is a strong connection between staff and residents. Staff get to know the residents, become familiar with their individual needs, their likes and dislikes, and enjoy their unique personalities. Communication between staff and residents is tailored to the needs of each resident and always delivered in a positive manner.

Staff also communicate regularly with families to share information. The yearly staffing is one example of the connection between staff, residents, and their families.

Staff also participate in many of the Mis activities outside of their normal workday, patronizing events such as Family Fest, further demonstrating the strong bond between staff and residents.

Families … Through the Misericordia Family Association (MFA), families have an easy way to connect with other families. When a new resident enters the Misericordia family, parents and guardians automatically become members of the MFA. Meetings, newsletters, and various activities keep families informed and involved. Because we all share similar concerns for our family members and have firsthand knowledge of dealing with special needs, family members connect with residents in a way that exhibits compassion and understanding. For example, it’s not unusual to see a Mis Mom or Dad help to button a coat, cut up food, or offer other types of assistance. As Mis parents, “we get it” and can use our learned skills to connect with others on campus.

Volunteerism is one of the greatest gifts that Misericordia families give. By volunteering, families connect with other families, with residents, with staff, and with administrators. Visits with family are a regular part of the curriculum, both on and off campus. And throughout the year, the extended Misericordia family gather at events such as Artist in All, the MFA Benefit, Family Fest, and more. In addition, family groups for each residential area plan get-togethers where smaller groups can connect and share common concerns.

Organization … As an organization, Misericordia connects with the larger I/DD community to ensure best practices and to engage with local, state, and federal lawmakers to make our voices heard. A partnership with the Together for Choice organization makes connections outside of Misericordia with other parents, guardians, administrators, and individuals with disabilities. In doing so, we promote the choice of a residential setting and lifestyle geared to the special needs of each person, rather than a "one size fits all" philosophy.

Misericordia also works with foundations, corporations, benefactors, auxiliary groups, families, and the community at large to share our mission and obtain resources. Some examples of this include a partnership with Loyola University, where residents are employed on the Loyola campus, often attend Loyola sports events, and interact with students in a Best Buddies program. A partnership with ComEd sponsors community outings, such as baseball games, spreads awareness through the ComEd ambassador program, and supports the Hearts and Flour bakery through generous orders of baked goods. Still another example is a partnership program with the Chicago White Sox.

Misericordia leadership also encourages and fosters volunteerism among families and other community members, which promotes the connection between Mis families and connects residents to the greater community.

Families of children with special needs often feel somewhat isolated from the greater community because our experiences are unique. At Misericordia, it is truly a blessing to feel that we are a part of this greater family with shared needs, concerns, and expectations.