by Holly Jennings
If you see a resident all decked in shamrock clothing, you can be sure it is Ryan Jennings. Ryan loves his Irish heritage, and he specifically loves the bagpipes. When Ryan was a young boy before living at Misericordia, we would attend Family Fest every year. When the Shannon Rovers played, Ryan would dash away to find them to hear the beautiful music.
Years later, when he became a resident, I asked one of the Rovers if Ryan could carry the flag at Family Fest. I bought him a kilt online, and he carried the flag proudly. But after this experience, he wanted more! He told me he wanted to march with the Shannon Rovers at the Chicago Saint Patrick’s Day parade. I said, no, that’s probably not possible.
During July, Misericordia recognizes the hard work and dedication of the “QIDPs,” better known as the “Qs,” House Managers, and Environmental Coordinators & Managers. There will be an Appreciation Event on Thursday, July 18th, which will include a catered luncheon, staff gifts, and raffles.
Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professionals (QIDPs) oversee the needs of the residents, including their programs, goals, medical/dental needs, community outings, and nearly all facets of daily life. QIDPs work closely with Supervisors, DSPs (Direct Service Providers), and parents/guardians to ensure quality care and programming for all residents. The House Managers and Environmental Coordinators & Managers are also instrumental in providing for the needs of the residents.
We are asking that you send emails and/or written notes of thanks and appreciation directly to your residents’ Qs/House Managers/Environmental Coordinators & Managers during the month of July.
In addition, we need six volunteers to help set up, greet the staff, and clean up at the July 18th luncheon. For more details and to sign up, please go to this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-50190474-qidp
by Barb Quaintance
A staple at every Family Fest is the wonderful “Creations from the Heart” booth. Led by Jim & Lenore Varey and Mary Jo Gallaher, the booth sells beautiful handmade and handcrafted items. It’s a popular stop at the Fest!
The items sold at the booth include handmade afghans, blankets and quilted hats. Handcrafted wooden items, such as bird houses, cutting boards and holiday decorations are very popular as well. All items in the booth are donated by Misericordia family and friends.
Some of the “Creations from the Heart” artists have ‘retired’ over the last few years, so the booth leads are looking for additional artisans to donate their crafts and bolster the profits for Misericordia. And…they are open to all ideas!
If you're interested in donating or know someone who might be, or just have some creative suggestions, please contact Jim Varey at
Dear Coworkers and Families,
I am sorry I have not written since before Easter. I will fill you in as I go along. Thanks to all who made our Holy Week so special, especially Madge, Bob, Andrew and our Choir Members, as well as Fr. Bart.
A special thank you to the HR Committee of our Board of Directors. They have been working very hard to find the new VP for Human Resources to work with Sharon Keane and her team. We hope to find someone by the time Family Fest is here.
Congratulations to Julie O’Sullivan and our Young Professionals group. They had another outstanding Red Heart Bash this year. They were able to present over $100,000.00 in proceeds from last year’s Bash. Thanks!
I had a planned hernia surgery that ended up way more challenging than expected. I had to be re-hospitalized with blood clots in my abdomen. Recovery took much longer than was planned. Hence, why this message has taken so long to get out. I am back to 100% and am in the gym 5 to 6 evenings a week. Thank God for health!
The 64th Annual Misericordia Family Association (MFA) Benefit is in the books! Huge thanks to Kay Lunkes, Ellen Malone and their committees for putting on such an amazing event for Misericordia! It is still possible to DONATE to the MFA Benefit. Go to MFAbenefit.org and click the DONATE button at the top.
Thank you to everyone who supported the 64th Annual MFA Benefit in so many ways! We will report on all of our successes in the coming days.
The MFA Benefit Raffle winners are...
Click here to read the May 2024 Campus Connections Newsletter and to catch up on any past ones you've missed.
The Campus Connections Employee Monthly Review Newsletter will follow a new format and schedule. It will now be distributed at the end of the month to provide staff with sufficient time to learn about and seek clarification on important organizational news. This also helps Campus Connection capture weekly events and stories about our staff and residents, as requested by readers. So please look for us in Mis Biz, following the last Wednesday of the month. And as always, thank you for reading!
During June, Misericordia is recognizing the following departments, and there will be an appreciation luncheon on Thursday, June 13th, with employee gifts and raffles:
Information Technology (IT) supports Misericordia staff with their computer and network needs. In addition to day-to-day computer support, IT has completed a number of initiatives, including campus-wide Wi-Fi and the resident care system (AWARDS).
Purchasing & Receiving order supplies for the campus, including diapers, wipes, cleaning, office, and PPE supplies, which they deliver to all residential and administrative departments. They also handle deliveries to campus.
The Business Office supports Misericordia by conducting all financial transactions/needs of the campus, including oversight of the residents’ personal funds; billing the state to receive program funding; payment of expenses incurred by the Home; oversight and cash disbursement to support staff/resident needs on outings, activities, etc.; and cash management of fundraising funds.
Development/PR/Volunteer Office continue to raise awareness and funds for Misericordia. Under the leadership of Lois Gates and the Misericordia Foundation, these departments work with the fundraising groups and volunteers to support Misericordia. Paul Schwartz is the Misericordia Volunteer Coordinator.
We need three volunteers to help set up, greet the staff, and clean up at the June 13th luncheon. For more details and to sign up, please go to this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-49927160-june
In addition, we are asking that families write notes of thanks and appreciation to the staff in these departments and email them to us at
by Kathryn and John Moery
“Anything we do should be done with the residents,” affirmed Daniel Driscoll, one of the founders of the Yesterday's/Tomorrow Composting Company - a new initiative that aims to create meaningful work opportunities through composting. Currently, there are nine CILA residents fully participating under the guidance of Daniel Driscoll, Liam Sanchez and Carmen Manfredini, staff members who founded the project. The founders exude a passion for this initiative to “shift the culture of Misericordia on how we perceive and process food waste while empowering residents to have a lasting impact on their community”. This work appeals not only to our residents but also to those who seek a better connection to themselves and the Earth.
Celebrating her Jubilee as a Sister of Mercy for 75 years
Thank you, Sister Rosemary, for making a difference and caring for so many in need for the past 75 years, especially for the children and adults of Misericordia and their families who have been a blessed part of your journey since 1969.
To hear more about Sister Rosemary's journey, listen to a Conversation with David Axelrod.
Misericordia will be celebrating Nurses Week from May 6th – 12th with the delivery of bakery goods and meals, raffles, and employee gifts. The nursing staff includes:
Nurses/Nurse Practitioners/Nursing Secretaries who manage the day-to-day health of the residents and provide campus-wide care 24/7, 365 days a year. There are over 130 nurses, including LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses), RNs (Registered Nurses), and BSNs (Bachelor of Science in Nursing).
We are asking that families write notes of thanks and appreciation to the staff and email them to us at
Shannon, Quinlan, Rosemary, Connelly, Mercy Glen, and McGowan families: please indicate that your notes are for Main Campus South Nursing
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