by Ann Wilson
Any property owner knows that toilets leak, lawns need mowing and, in our Chicago climate, snow must be cleared. Misericordia’s campus is no exception to that rule.
John Tortorello, Misericordia’s Building Operations Director, is there to make things on both the inside and outside of Misericordia run smoothly. Since 2003, John has been employed as Misericordia’s Building Operations Director, but he worked as a contractor at Misericordia for several years prior to that. A journeyman carpenter since 1984, John has varied work experience from new construction, reconfiguration and remodeling. This has provided him with a wealth of knowledge from which he draws almost daily. John says, “Everyday at Mis is a learning experience, as change across the campus is a constant. Working at Mis for twelve years prior to my direct employment allowed me to gain additional knowledge of fire and life safety codes, as well as IDPH regulations particular to Misericordia.” To keep all operations running smoothly, John has a variety of direct reports across a wide variety of trades and sub-contractors.
The Women’s League was so fortunate to gather in-person this year for the annual Heart of Gold benefit celebrating 25 years of the Misericordia Women’s League.
After coming together to celebrate virtually last year for the true 25th anniversary, the League was thrilled to reunite with friends, family and Misericordia supporters to honor the milestone with a proper tribute.
Coordinated by co-chairs Amy Allegra, Stephanie Clark and Cathy Murphy, the event honored the Women’s League with a sparkling Silver Jubilee celebration. Between fabulous live and silent auctions, great wine, paddle raise and live music, the event was a huge success, raising more than $850,000 for Misericordia.
March 6, 2022
Every month this year, Misericordia will be recognizing different departments with Appreciation Events. The February event honored staff from five departments with a catered lunch, Misericordia gift, raffle drawings and posters with notes of thanks from families.
We need your help this month as we recognize the following departments:
We would like to share some updates on life here at Misericordia. Thank goodness it has been relatively quiet!
We hope all our families are staying healthy. As always, please feel free to call or email me with any questions.
Mary Pat O'Brien
Assistant Executive Director
Dear SIBs,
Please see the below video presentation for our Annual Sibling Meeting. We so wish we could be together in the Jean Marie Ryan Center this year, however, we are still so grateful for your time and tuning in to hear these important messages and updates. Below are the links to:
1.) Donate for your Annual Sibling Donation
(Please designate your gift to "Sibling Organization")
2.) Candy Days 2021 Giving Page Set Up Instructions
3.) The Artist in All - Changing Colors 2021 Summary Report
4.) The Annual Family/Sibling Fundraiser Report
5.) Information about the Misericordia Heart Racers Chicago Marathon Group
by Kathryn Moery
A number of parents attending a recent meeting asked for some guidance on how to help their children handle the changes that the coronavirus has brought.
Geana Connelly, Administrator of Clinical Services and Strategic Planning, shared her insights on how the residents and the campus has responded and adjusted in this time of covid. Overall, the residents have shown amazing resilience. Access to the campus environment and services, reduced feelings of isolation. The continuity of their connectedness to our Misericordia community and their families was an important factor throughout Covid even though it looked different at times. Residents and families learned to use technology in the absence of face to face visits. They adjusted and adapted to what was in front of them at the time. While the residents are back to experiencing home visits again, many residents and families still look forward to their family zoom time as a way to catch up regularly. In addition to using technology to connect with their families, the residents have also had opportunities to connect virtually with their friends across campus which has been an important factor for our residents. Today, the virtual platform, Staying Connected continues to be offered weekly and is a resource many of the residents look forward to.
Every month this year, Misericordia will be recognizing different departments with an Appreciation Event. We are requesting your help this month as the following departments will be recognized at an appreciation luncheon on Wednesday, February 23rd, in the Jean Marie Ryan Center:
The Resource/Recreation 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.
The Fitness/Pool group assesses residents to provide appropriate workouts and modified exercises to meet their individual needs. There are swim classes, swim team practices, water basketball and free swim. Residents have access to treadmills, bikes, weights and wheelchair accessible equipment.
The Therapists group consists of physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), speech language pathologists (SLPs), a certified occupational therapist assistant (COTA) and a physical therapy assistant (PTA).
The Community Outreach program offers parent support and quality programs to families in the Chicago area with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ministry offers the virtual weekly Mass and supports the diverse religious backgrounds of Misericordia residents.
Home Visit MedicationsMisericordia has recently been experiencing issues with medications for Home Visit. In lieu of sending meds via FedEx and Misericordia incurring the cost, we are offering the following options available to families:
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.
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