I hope you have had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. We at TFC have continued to push forward our mission to ensure that individuals with developmental disabilities and their families have the widest array of quality residential and vocational services to choose from.
We also know that the upcoming election will result in a change in administration, regardless of which party prevails. There will be a number of new members of Congress. This means that we will have to expend considerable resources to make sure that our voice is heard by the new administration. We will also need to educate the new members of Congress on the issues of greatest concern to you. We will need to make sure that the new administration and the new members of Congress (along with returning members) understand that one-size-fits-all solutions do not work for a disabilities community that has a wide range of needs and preferences. This is particularly true for those with the most significant intellectual disabilities.
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.
CALLING ALL PARENTS AND GUARDIANS, IT’S TIME TO GET TOGETHER!
Sunday, October 20th at Misericordia’s Jean Marie Ryan Center
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
10:00 Sign-in, Coffee, and Bakery Sales
11:00 MFA General Meeting including:
12:00 Social time with beer, wine, soft drinks and pizza from JB Alberto’s
September 20, 2024
Greetings Co-workers and Families,
We have celebrated several holidays since I last wrote. I hope everyone had a good 4th of July and Labor Day. The long weekends are really nice.
From the 4th of July until right before Labor Day, the Human Resources (HR) Sub-committee of the Board met very often to make their recommendation for a new Vice President of HR Services. We are pleased to announce that Hayes Kennedy has joined us in this role. He comes to us from Conagra, but with a wide variety of HR experience. His family has been familiar with Misericordia for years. We are delighted to welcome him as he spends his first couple of weeks meeting everyone and getting acquainted with us. Welcome Hayes! Thanks to Sharon Keane for her years of dedicated service and keeping the Department together as we searched.
The Campus Connections Employee Newsletter is full of interesting information for families also. Click here to read the August 2024 issue. To catch up on past issues, click on Misericordia Info in the Menu bar and then Campus Connections in the drop-down menu.
Let’s show our appreciation for the more than 500 direct care staff. The DSPs/CNAs/Therapy Aides are the “backbone” of Misericordia. Their appreciation week will include a food truck and social times for staff to mingle with each other.
Volunteers are needed for the Cheesies food truck (gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches) on Wednesday, September 11th. Duties include greeting staff/thanking them for their service, collecting tickets, helping guide the food line, and keeping the area clean. The shifts are: 9:30 – 11:30 am, 11:30 am – 2 pm, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, and 10:45 – 11:30 pm. For more information and to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-50930396-thecheesies
In addition, volunteers are needed to serve beverages and snacks at “Social Gatherings” on Thursday, September 12th. There will be trivia, games and music. These gatherings will give staff the chance to visit with each other and families. The shifts are: 5:30 am – 6:30 am, 10 – 11 am, and 6 – 7 pm. For more information and to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-50974704-social
Congratulations to our very own Sister Rosemary for her upcoming honor by St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, at the Rector's Classic on September 12 at Pine Meadow Golf Club.
Sister Rosemary will be honored with the 2024 Cardinal Joseph Bernardin In Service of One Another Catholic Humanitarian Award.
Congratulations, Sister Rosemary!
If you would like to hit the links that day and/or attend the dinner, click on: https://usml.edu/rectors-classic/ for more information. Proceeds benefit the University of St. Mary of the Lake – Mundelein Seminary.
During August, Misericordia is recognizing the hard work and dedication of the Supervisors. On August 29th, there will be catered meals, staff gifts, and raffles.
While the Supervisors’ roles vary depending on the residential area, the Supervisors manage the day-to-day routines of the residents, staff, and programming plus the communication with families. Some areas have a Supervisor on-site 24/7, while others have AM and PM Supervisors. Supervisors are an integral part of the care Misericordia provides to its residents.
We need volunteers to help set up, greet the staff, and clean up at the August 29th luncheon and dinner. For more details and to sign up, please go to this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4EACAE2DA7FBC52-50560563-supervisors
In addition, we are asking that families write notes of thanks and appreciation to the Supervisors and email them to us at
Thank you,
Lisa Masucci & John Butler
MFA’s Staff Appreciation Coordinators
Misericordia’s largest fundraising event of the year brings our families, friends, and neighbors together for a day of celebration that has something for everyone — you don’t want to miss it!
Fest tickets are currently discounted, so get them now and avoid full price at the Fest!
For more info and to purchase tickets, please click here -> https://www.misericordia.com/store/fest-tickets/
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
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