Sister Rosemary has often said about our loved ones, “They cannot create a world for themselves, but when we create the world for them, they become the gift-givers”. Only we, as family members of these perfect and challenging individuals, can fully understand the depth of this statement. Think of how we feel when we bring our precious ones back to Misericordia after a perhaps exhausting family visit or come to see them in their Misericordia home. We know they are living safely and happily in their home, their world. They deserve a world that allows their gifts to shine and where they do become gift-givers in our lives.
Who creates this world for them? The Misericordia staff. Think about the beautiful moments in your loved one’s life at Misericordia and reflect upon the fact that none of these moments would be possible without the devotion of our wonderful staff. While progress has been made through hard work to supplement our staff, we still face a severe staffing shortage. Misericordia is doing everything possible to hire and retain quality employees. Nonetheless, the shortage still requires our already hard-working staff to sign up for extra shifts, assume additional responsibilities, and work even harder to provide an uplifting environment where our loved ones can continue to thrive.
Now is the time when we, as friends and families of Misericordia, can step up to truly demonstrate our appreciation for the commitment and love our staff shows every single day for our beloved residents. Your donation enables Misericordia to give each and every staff member, from DSPs to the kitchen, from security to maintenance, and from nurses to Qs, a year-end bonus, which is a tangible reflection of our deep gratitude. Moreover, it enables us to compete with other potential employers for the high-quality staff that Misericordia demands.
Please give as generously as you are able to the MFA Holiday Staff Gift Fund. We encourage you to donate online.
Click here to make your donation
You may also donate by mail by making your check payable to Misericordia Family Association and mailing it to:
by Barb Quaintance
Day Services is a broad term used to describe all the programming that happens on the Misericordia campus, as well as in the surrounding community. This includes work opportunities, volunteering, art, fitness, horticulture and educational classes. Not only is there something for every resident, but there are also many things for every resident!
Within Day Services, there are three divisions:
The busy holiday season is fast approaching, which means there are numerous ways to get involved at Misericordia! Below there are all of our links with volunteer opportunities throughout November and December. We would especially encourage Misericordia families to support our upcoming holiday events, whether it's helping with bakery table sales, supporting the holiday gift shops, or assisting at events like the Sunday holiday brunches.
Click on the links below for dates, times, and complete details!
by Barb Quaintance
Misericordia takes care of the physical needs of its residents, of course. It also offers them day services and recreation and employment opportunities and fun and friendship. But Misericordia also tends to their spiritual and religious needs, a privilege and responsibility joyfully attended to by the Ministry Department: Father Bart Winters (VP of Mission), Andrew Blomquist (Director of Ministry) and Kathy Morris (Ministry Coordinator). Under the overall guidance of Fr. Jack Clair, who began his journey at Misericordia as Chaplain (and who now serves as President), they approach their ministry as one of “presence”, accompanying residents, staff and families alike along their journey of life and faith.
Stay up-to-date with all of the information, training, and support that Misericordia provides to our wonderful staff!
To view Campus Connections click on Misericordia Info in the menu bar at the top of the page, and then click on Campus Connections.
Our fall MFA General Membership Meeting was well attended and we were given valuable information from Father Jack and senior staff about current and future initiatives and plans.
The MFA donated $1,245,000, the proceeds from Benefit '24, to the Misericordia Foundation, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Holly Jennings, Fundraising Chair, Ellen Malone and Kay Lunkes, Benefit Chairs, and the enthusiastic participation of so many MFA members.
We saw an exciting video that introduced the plan for our all-new Benefit '25.
by Sue Hartemayer
On Sunday, October 6, Misericordia CILA residents and their families gathered at the Walsh-Slattery CILA in Lincolnwood for a Good Ole’ Fashioned Picnic! A glorious, autumn day brought 175 residents, parents and assorted staff members together for food, games, music and merriment. Lunch was provided by Chipotle, and no one went home hungry. Games were played on the spacious Walsh-Slattery lawn, while the crowd was entertained by music from Misericordia’s very own resident, "Dj-Hermannator-X". Two television viewing areas inside kept the group apprised of "Da Bears" game, and a good time was had by all!
Dear Families and Guardians,
Hope you had a nice weekend! We had a beautiful day yesterday for the Bank of America Marathon and would like to acknowledge the 85 runners who ran for Misericordia. Almost $150,000 was raised through the Heartracers, and they were seen throughout the 26.2-mile course, as evidenced by the posts/pictures on social media. Thank you/congratulations to everyone who ran, and thanks to family member Martha Floberg for coordinating the marathon on our end.
We are reaching out to families/guardians as your commitment and participation are crucial in enhancing the lives of your family members whom we are privileged to serve and allow us to achieve our mission each and every day here at Misericordia. And, as you know, your involvement, along with volunteering, makes a significant difference not only for your own family member but for all who call Misericordia home.
We are reestablishing the Family Participation Form and sharing the following link - MFAparticipation - which will allow you to complete it electronically. We are asking all families/guardians to complete the form no later than this Sunday - 10/20/2024.
Misericordia Champagne Holiday Brunches will be here before we know it. The dates will be Sunday, December 8th and 15th.
We still have seating available for December 15th.
The times in the Jean Marie Ryan Center will again be 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The Lois Gates Courtyard Inn times will be 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
The brunch prices will be $75 for adults and $20 for children 6-12 years of age (under 6 is no charge).
You can make your reservation and payment by visiting this link: https://www.biddingforgood.com/Misericordia.
During October, we are recognizing the hard work and dedication of the Misericordia Day Services, Resource/Recreation, Fitness/Pool, Community Outreach and Ministry Staff. There will be an Appreciation Event on Wednesday, October 23rd, which will include a catered lunch, staff gifts and raffles.
Misericordia Day Services is an enrichment program that focuses on developing and enhancing the residents’ daily living skills, economic self-sufficiency and independence. Day Services include Developmental Training, Community Day Services and McAuley Day Services.
The Resource/Recreation/McAuley Rec group includes recreation therapists, recreation specialists and a music therapist. They are responsible for Special Olympics, the Heartbreakers and Showtime plus many of the events that happen on campus such as yoga, art and team sports.
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