Beautifying and Expanding the Misericordia Campus: The Notre Dame Study
by Barb Quaintance
If you ask, they might just say yes.
When Father Jack and Sister Rosemary went to Notre Dame for Sister Rosemary to accept the 2023 Laetare Medal, they were joined by Matt and Joyce Walsh. The Walshes had not only funded an architecture school at Notre Dame, but they also have a niece who resides at Misericordia. Knowing this, Father Jack and Sister Rosemary asked the Notre Dame architecture department if they would conduct a study of the Misericordia campus, recommending improvements and enhancements. And Notre Dame said, "Yes"!
The Dean of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture came to Misericordia to explore possibilities. He was immediately impressed by the campus and assigned a team of architects to work on the study. The scope of the study was the physical plant, not services or current residences. Their focus was on using the campus most efficiently and building/modifying structures to meet Misericordia’s evolving needs.
by Barb Quaintance
They say that aging is not for the faint of heart. We all hope to age with grace and dignity, surrounded by people who will support and love us throughout the aging process.
Misericordia has an aging population. Geana Connelly saw that many residents were facing the challenges of aging. She also heard from families who had questions about what to expect as their family member aged. Aging is not a chronological number, but rather, a biological process. Would it happen sooner than it would for the general population? What are the signs? What might the trajectory be? What can a family do to support an aging family member?
Because Misericordia is so attuned to the residents and their families, Geana decided to host a webinar series addressing aging issues. Coordinated by Sarah Peters, this three-session series addresses various components of the aging process:
by Linda Buchalo
Misericordia is a “happening place” and now even more so, thanks to the creation of the Resident Events department, led by Jordan Atkins with the assistance of Ken Gasch and Julia deGruchy. The team works alongside the Recreation and Leisure and the Pool and Fitness departments to promote participation in existing programs, increase exposure to various activities through large-scale on-campus events, and promote a sense of community within the greater Misericordia family. The result is increased program attendance, a greater focus on more diverse experiences, and more opportunities for families, staff, and residents to engage with each other and have fun.
by Linda Buchalo
This article covers one of the many blessings on the Misericordia campus—the Donovan Dental Clinic. This dream come true is the result of generous donations from Thomas and Vita Donovan and others. With the opening of the clinic in March of 2015, Sr. Rosemary was able to check off another item on her bucket list.
The clinic serves approximately 420 residents and has been a godsend for families who find it difficult to find dental care for their family members. The clinic employs five staff members: two dentists, Dr. Ashley Kauffman and Dr. Daniel Bicknell; two certified dental assistants, Camille Donolko-Sanders and Maggie Farfan, and a licensed and registered dental hygienist, Jena Cahill. Jena also manages the clinic.
by Linda Buchalo
This is the last in a series of articles that covers the core values of the Misericordia Community of Believers. This article explores the final core value: Spirituality.
A summary of this core value follows: We value our mission entrusted to us by God. We are passionate about the care of our residents, hoping to enrich their lives as witnesses to what loving people can accomplish when they work together for the good. We are grateful for those who support our mission with their hearts and generosity.
The idea of spirituality extends far beyond religion. We respect the faith traditions of all members of the Mis community and feel committed to caring for those who call Misericordia their home. We understand that each person has a special gift:
by Linda Buchalo
On August 20th, 26 Misericordia residents attended the Golden Games. This annual event, sponsored by the Chicago Park District and Special Children’s Charities, honors Special Olympics athletes aged 45 and older. The honorees included both active and retired athletes from the various park districts and agencies that are a part of Chicago Special Olympics.
Traveling with the group were 14 Misericordia staff members, including special recreation staff, residential staff, and the nurse from Shannon apartments, who administered medications to the various residents. The group also included five volunteers, including two long-time volunteers from Team Sports and three parent volunteers. I was privileged to attend as my son’s chaperone.
by Cynthia Maroon
A message from Fr. Jack is always a welcome email, and his most recent one ended with his plea to “please continue to reach out to your Illinois senators/representatives to invite them for a tour”. This was a personal reminder that I had promised to author an article for Mis Biz about the various types of tours and the importance of families arranging them.
Misericordia has now been my son’s “home away from home” for over 41 years, and during that time I have been able to arrange numerous tours. Each time I have personally learned something new and seen exciting changes and improvements at Misericordia. I can’t recommend them enough! Each one is different, depending on the tour leader and the tour group. We are blessed to have so many amazing tour leaders who are all skilled at giving a tour designed to focus on the interests of each touring group. They work closely together, and they decide which leader will be best suited to give each tour.
by Linda Buchalo
This is the fifth in a series of articles about the Misericordia Community of Believers and focuses on the fourth core value: Responsibility.
The Community of Believers document summarizes this core value as follows: We value self-motivation and the energy it creates for teamwork and quality of care. As an organization, we are responsible to our residents, staff, families, supporters, the community, the nation, and our Catholic traditions.
As members of the Misericordia community, we know and feel the blessings that have been given to us, and we feel an awesome responsibility to show our thanks and to contribute to the mission of Misericordia. From a former orphanage to the beautiful campus that we see today, Misericordia has evolved thanks to the commitment and hard work of many people. Administrators, community leaders, staff, families, and residents have taken ownership and responsibility for growing and maintaining this wonderful place.
by Barb Quaintance
Picture thirty-two excited Misericordia athletes boarding a bus headed to the Special Olympics state games at Illinois State University. There, they joined almost four thousand athletes from across the state to participate in a variety of summer sports.
Any Misericordia athlete who won a gold medal in the Special Olympics regional games qualified for state. They included residents from the CILAs, Mercy Glen, the Village and Shannon. The Mis’ athletes competed in swimming, track and field, powerlifting and soccer. Many of the athletes had participated in state games before, but some new residents joined in the fun. Athletes could participate in one sport, whether that was part of a team (e.g. relay team, soccer) or in individual skills events (e.g. powerlifting).
by Linda Buchalo
Many times, I am reminded how fortunate I am that my son resides at Misericordia. Attending Mass at Jeanne Marie Ryan, going to Family Fest, dining in the Greenhouse Inn— these are just a few shining examples where I can attest to the goodness of Misericordia. This summer, when my son qualified for the statewide summer Special Olympics competition, I decided that I would attend. I did not travel with or stay with the group, but I arrived bright and early in the morning to oversee his getting ready for the day and I enjoyed meals, attended the opening ceremonies, and watched the swimming competition with the group. Often, over that weekend, I was again reminded of how blessed we both are to be affiliated with this very special place.
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