Community of Believers: Responsibility
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.
Residents … The residents learn to take responsibility for themselves and to help each other. They look out for their friends, offering encouragement and providing practical help, such as tying a friend’s shoe. Within their homes, residents have chores and take pride in helping to keep their spaces tidy. Getting ready for work and working hard at their jobs is another expectation. And staff stress the importance of communication when something is wrong or someone needs help. As with every aspect of Misericordia, the abilities of each resident determine expectations and the level to which each person can take responsibility.
The recycling center, laundry, mail room, restaurant, and other locations provide gainful employment, and give residents the opportunity to make a positive contribution.
Residents also play a part in promoting and fundraising for Misericordia. During Candy Days, groups collect money at local businesses. For many events, the Misericordia Heartzingers, Heartbreakers, and Show Time group provide the entertainment. These groups not only encourage the support of people in the community but are a witness to others of the abilities of our residents.
Staff … The staff at Misericordia abide by the state and federal guidelines that apply to caring for people with disabilities, but the care that they provide goes above and beyond the minimum requirements. Staff are amazingly tuned in to the residents and quickly learn the habits, likes, and uniqueness of each individual. They are keenly aware of safety, ensuring that each resident is as independent as possible, yet taking into consideration any special needs. They anticipate situations where help is needed and provide that support without being asked.
Staff treat residents with kindness and respect their privacy. They are available in times of distress to offer help, comfort, and practical advice.
Staff are also good stewards to the organization itself, observing sound financial practices by being aware of costs and saving resources wherever possible.
Families … Volunteering and fundraising are two primary ways that families contribute to the mission of Misericordia. Financial giving and participation in activities that generate donations are a practical means to ensure the future of an organization that is subject to cuts in government funding. Participation in major fundraisers, such as Candy Days, Artist in All, the MFA Benefit, and Family Fest furthers the growth of Misericordia. As part of Candy Days, families promote Misericordia, establish new patrons, and seek donations through their FirstGiving pages. And many families plan their own local fundraisers and open these to other families and friends.
A strong family commitment is the backbone of Misericordia. Parents and guardians maintain an active role in the lives of their family members. For most residents, regular home visits ensure that families share the responsibility of caring for their loved ones.
Organization … Misericordia is committed to quality services and sound business practices. Leadership bears a huge responsibility as they have been entrusted with the care of our most precious family members. They also oversee the growth and development of Misericordia employees, answer to families, make important decisions about services, and oversee the care and maintenance of the facilities.
The organization is dedicated to recruiting and retaining good employees and offers a variety of incentives for this purpose.
The executive team communicates regularly with stakeholders, whether reporting on relevant legislation, announcing new services, or offering information about the campus and all that it has to offer.
To ensure continued quality services under any circumstances, Misericordia administrators pursue private funding as a primary source for growing the campus and the organization. While many similar organizations exist primarily on government funding, their services often ebb and flow depending on the political and economic circumstances. By encouraging strong fundraising practices, Misericordia has been able to continually upgrade its services, even during trying times. This impetus is a great comfort to families and reinforces the idea that becoming a willing participant in taking responsibility for the organization is a shared venture.
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