New this year, we did not mail out the MFA Benefit printed materials “Packets” to the MFA membership with the anticipation that that everyone will go to the Benefit website mfabenefit.org to read the “Packet” documents and print them as needed. They can be found under the Documents item on the Benefit website’s menu bar. The Benefit Guide and the other 9 documents provide great information about the Benefit.
There are extra paper copies of the Raffles Flyer and Ad Book order forms available in a file box in the vestibule at Thome reception if you are unable to print these at home. If you do need a printed “Packet”, please contact Beth Donovan at 630-890-2655 and she will make sure there is one available for you to pick up at Thome.
This past week, prize winning photojournalist and documentarian, Steve Schapiro passed away. He is best known for his photos of key moments in the Civil Rights Movement, the film industry and documenting the lives of some of the most notable figures in our recent history. At Misericordia he will be remembered as the kind gentleman who captured how beautiful our residents are and the amazing quality of life they have here at Misericordia every day. The Misericordia photo book, "Together We Celebrate" is an absolute treasure and we are forever grateful.
January 20, 2022
Dear Families,
As always, I continue to be overwhelmed by our families’ unbelievably generous achievement in your fundraising efforts. Even though the MFA Benefit was a virtual event, the results were remarkable! You, united as one, raised $1,673,000!!! How blessed we are to be able to claim you all as our own.
I continue to believe we have the very best Family Organization for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the country. (If anyone can challenge this, please let me know!) I’m so proud of every member who always goes the extra mile. Your loving gratitude to Misericordia is so obvious! To call each of you generous members of our Misericordia is such a joy.
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.
Happy New Year to all of our Misericordia family, friends and supporters!
Happy New Year from Sister Rosemary/Misericordia FoundationDear Friends,
As we come to the end of this year – a year that has challenged us with learning how to live with the Covid-19 pandemic – we want to welcome with you the New Year and all the hope and promise it holds. It can be difficult during times of disruption and uncertainty to trust in the future. But, one thing we know for sure at Misericordia is how fortunate we are for your friendship and support. We close our 100th Year Anniversary with gratitude – and start a new century of making a difference in the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities because of you and the love we share for Misericordia’s children and adults.
Merry Christmas Friends,
Two days ago, I woke up in the morning full of enthusiasm for the holiday. I was anxious to celebrate Christmas Mass and then spend several days safely celebrating with family and friends. But things changed quickly as my fourth phone call of the morning informed me that, while I am asymptomatic (and continue to be), I tested positive for Covid. The whole season changed in a moment. This is part of living in the world today. This is my first Christmas in leadership at Misericordia, and it is not going to be as planned. It will give me more time for prayer for all of you who make our lives here possible.
Covid gives me another opportunity to look at the limits in life. We all have to live with them. Our children and adults do this with graciousness every day. I cannot complain about anything. My life has been so richly blessed. When I spend time with our residents and feel their joy and hopefulness, even throughout this pandemic, I am in awe of them. They live life with such joy even with the limitations that can be so much a part of their lives.
Click here to view 'Twas the Night before Christmas at Misericordia!
Click here to view Merry Christmas from Misericordia!
Fabulous coverage on the soon to open Misericordia Hearts and Flour Bakery on the CBS Chicago News.
Dear Misericordia Family Members:
Thank you to everyone who signed up to help in our Holiday Bakery. We are so grateful for your support and willingness to give up your time to help us provide bakery to all of our fans near and far.
We are making another plea to you to help in our Holiday Bakery. The Bakery is still in desperate need of volunteers to help in the final days before Christmas. They are in most need of volunteers to help out in the evenings, this upcoming weekend and next Monday.
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