Happy New Year to all of our Misericordia family, friends and supporters!
Happy New Year from Sister Rosemary/Misericordia FoundationDear Friends,
As we come to the end of this year – a year that has challenged us with learning how to live with the Covid-19 pandemic – we want to welcome with you the New Year and all the hope and promise it holds. It can be difficult during times of disruption and uncertainty to trust in the future. But, one thing we know for sure at Misericordia is how fortunate we are for your friendship and support. We close our 100th Year Anniversary with gratitude – and start a new century of making a difference in the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities because of you and the love we share for Misericordia’s children and adults.
Merry Christmas Friends,
Two days ago, I woke up in the morning full of enthusiasm for the holiday. I was anxious to celebrate Christmas Mass and then spend several days safely celebrating with family and friends. But things changed quickly as my fourth phone call of the morning informed me that, while I am asymptomatic (and continue to be), I tested positive for Covid. The whole season changed in a moment. This is part of living in the world today. This is my first Christmas in leadership at Misericordia, and it is not going to be as planned. It will give me more time for prayer for all of you who make our lives here possible.
Covid gives me another opportunity to look at the limits in life. We all have to live with them. Our children and adults do this with graciousness every day. I cannot complain about anything. My life has been so richly blessed. When I spend time with our residents and feel their joy and hopefulness, even throughout this pandemic, I am in awe of them. They live life with such joy even with the limitations that can be so much a part of their lives.
Click here to view 'Twas the Night before Christmas at Misericordia!
Click here to view Merry Christmas from Misericordia!
Fabulous coverage on the soon to open Misericordia Hearts and Flour Bakery on the CBS Chicago News.
Dear Misericordia Family Members:
Thank you to everyone who signed up to help in our Holiday Bakery. We are so grateful for your support and willingness to give up your time to help us provide bakery to all of our fans near and far.
We are making another plea to you to help in our Holiday Bakery. The Bakery is still in desperate need of volunteers to help in the final days before Christmas. They are in most need of volunteers to help out in the evenings, this upcoming weekend and next Monday.
December 8, 2021
Dear Friends,
As many of you know, we have been quietly celebrating our 100th year here at Misericordia, and we still plan to celebrate this centennial accordingly when it is safe and prudent to do so as it deserves a grand celebration. I have always said that I am in awe of our residents, in awe of our families, in awe of our staff, and I am in awe of the countless volunteers and benefactors who have walked this journey with the Sisters of Mercy since Misericordia opened in 1921. Together we have made a difference, and Misericordia looks forward to the next 100 years of making a difference for our deserving population whom we are privileged to serve.
MFA members,
When you, your family or friends donate to Misericordia it is important to enter your Misericordia Family Association number (MFA#) correctly. The correct format is 4 numbers and a letter, such as: 1111A. It is important that you only enter 5 characters. Please DO NOT add any extra characters (such as # or -).
All MFA #'s started with an A after the 4 digits; but, for some families/individuals there may be a B or C after the 4 digits. This denotes spouses living separately, siblings as guardians etc. Proper entry of your MFA# allows for donation data to be easily imported into Raiser's Edge by Misericordia and credited to your family. If you don't know the letter attached to your MFA# please enter the letter A after the four digits.
Pam & Jim Capraro
MFA Chairs
We wanted to inform you of changes made to the structure of Misericordia’s Day Services, known through the years as “DT”, and the last few years as “CDS”. Day services guidance comes from the Department of Human Services (DHS). Under new guidance, DHS has designated two forms of day services, based on the source of funding for each resident’s services, which have different service requirements from one another and require more independence. Those residents who receive home and community based funding, which are CILAs and home-based individuals, will receive services through Community Day Services (CDS). Residents that live in an ICF will receive services through Developmental Training (DT). The Shannon Apartments have a third funding source outside of this new guidance, but will receive Community Day Services.
by Linda Buchalo
Misericordia is a beautiful campus with many wonderful amenities, but those with a family member at Misericordia know that the quality of staff is what sets it apart from similar organizations. While staff at every level are compassionate and creative, personal direct care staff are a truly amazing group who bring warmth, understanding, and empathy to the residents. They work round-the-clock to ensure that our family members are well cared for.
Both Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide personal care depending on the residence and level of need. Their jobs often take on multiple roles: mentors, motivators, educators, tour guides, chaperones, friends, and more. Their work includes helping with grooming, mealtime, therapy plans, program plans, and recreation, all while helping residents to learn, communicate, and become more independent.
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