For the Sunday brunches, we rely on an online SignupGenius and can have new people come through each week. The one spot that needs consistent volunteers is in the cashier role, as they keep all of the bills and orders organized. We have a rotating roster of volunteer cashiers, and many people sign up to work once every 4-5 weeks.
If you're interested in helping on Sundays in the Greenhouse Inn as a cashier, please email Paul Schwartz at
On Wednesday, September 17, Misericordia is bringing the Q-Tip Food Truck (soul food) to campus for an appreciation event for Direct Care and Support Staff Week. A total of eight (8) volunteers will be needed across four (4) shifts (two per shift). Volunteers are needed to greet staff, check them in, and keep the area clean.
The Food Truck will be on campus at the Holbrook Lot in front of the soccer field. There will be four shifts: 9:30 – 11:30 am, 11:30 am – 2:00 pm, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, and 10:45 – 11:45 pm. Two volunteers are needed per shift.
Click here for details and to sign up!
On Saturday, September 13, Misericordia is hosting a dedication to celebrate many of the new buildings and programs that have opened at Misericordia in the past five years:
We hosted a similar event when Quinlan Terrace opened, and this event will celebrate many of the additions to the Misericordia campus that have opened since then. This will be an outdoor event - there will be a Mass taking place in the space between Holbrook and the Greco Gardens, and a luncheon taking place under the big tent from Fest.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Misericordia is experiencing an increase in COVID activity in several areas across campus, affecting both residents and employees. Based on historical data, we’ve seen an increased incidence in Aug/Sept each year. We are implementing mandatory employee masking for all resident care areas and areas that have daily interaction with residents at this time, and will re-evaluate monthly.
With respect to Family Fest, any residents, parents, and family members who have had a high-risk exposure should wear a mask if able to, and we ask that people practice social distancing to the best of their abilities.
In May, we shared Scott Mendel’s letter (Click to view) to the U.S. Department of Justice, regarding the rights of individuals with disabilities to choose their service settings.
We would like to share the DOJ’s response letter (Click to view), dated August 5, 2025, along with Scott's response to the DOJ (Click to view), dated August 19, 2025.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at
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.
Click here to read the July 2025 issue of Campus Connections.
Stay up-to-date with all of the information, training, and support that Misericordia provides to our wonderful staff! Everyone will benefit from reading Campus Connections!
To view previous Campus Connections click on Misericordia Info in the menu bar at the top of the page, and then click on Campus Connections.
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 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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