Winter 2017Heart of Mercy

An Important Message from Executive Director Sister Rosemary Connelly

Dear Friends,

I write this letter as a response to the serious allegations ex-posed by the Chicago Tribune in regard to the extremely poor services provided by some agencies within homes licensed as Community Integrated Living Arrangements, commonly referred to as CILAs. The last of the series was very positive toward Misericordia, and the reporters approached us as they were aware that our philosophy is different from the current

“trend.” We, Misericordia, stand in contradiction to a national trend that holds that there is only one way to serve people with dis-abilities and it’s their way: the government bureaucrat’s way. According to this philosophy, everyone, no matter how severely disabled or behaviorally challenged, belongs in isolated homes in the neighborhood. Big is always bad. Therefore, Misericor-dia is regarded by some bureaucrats paid by the government as

– and I quote: “An antiquated organization which segregates its residents and is setting services back to the 1900s where they warehoused their residents.” This present philosophy began in the ‘70s as a negative reaction to the large public institutions of the past, which at that time did warehouse their residents. The only reason Misericordia is the beautiful home it is today is because we have always had the bipartisan support of our elected officials – on Federal, State and City levels of government. Our families ask their elected officials to come and tour Misericordia. When they come, their response is: “The bureaucrats don’t like you? You should be a model for the country!” Their friendship was proven when the Continuum of Care Bill, which recognizes Misericordia as a legitimate way to serve people with disabilities, on the State level of government, came for a vote in Springfield. The Senate voted 59 yes/ 0 no – and the House voted 110 yes / 4 no. And the governor, because he had a very positive visit to Misericordia, did not veto the Bill. When you read about the terrible care some persons received in the houses in the neighborhood (CILAs), you can trace much of the blame back to the very WRONG philosophy permeated by the government bureaucrats for 40+ years….that there is only one way, their way, where every person with developmental disabilities belongs in isolated houses in the neigh-borhoods. Any service – with no exception – that is big – is bad. I believe strongly that not every person with a developmental disability belongs in an isolated house. This is true especially for those persons with severe disabilities and those with serious behavioral challenges. You hear from some who have never visited Misericordia that we only care for lovely persons with Down syndrome. This is absolutely false, and the variety of persons we serve is the reason we needed a full Continuum of Care License. We are blessed to be able to provide a complete range of services to individuals – from Skilled Nursing and on-campus residential homes to 10 CILA homes in the neighborhoods. But it is true that before we admit anyone to Misericordia, we study their needs, and if we judge we cannot provide adequate services for them in an appropriate setting, we do not accept them. This is always a difficult decision, but we don’t want to set the person up for failure. And as difficult as it is, we accept our limitations. Our families are so grateful because with the Quinlan Terrace we now can tell families – unless something extremely different happens – we can walk this journey with the family until God calls their most vulnerable family member “home to God.”

Be a part of Candy DaysWeekend, April 28-29, 2017 Families of persons with special needs throughout our country are beginning to organize against the “one way

fits all – and it’s the government’s way” philosophy. They feel strongly that their right to choice is being denied. Who knows better than the family what their most vulnerable member needs?! Should this not be respected! The majority of our families want to be involved. Some are generous financially, but many show their gratitude by giving of themselves in so many different ways. Our philosophy with families is that we don’t take their most vulner-able member from them; we share this special person with them. Most are eager to help us maintain the “quality of life” they believe their child deserves! It is a joint effort, which all appreciate. The 20 percent of our residents who have no family or come from extreme poverty are an additional and great blessing to us. We know their presence is surely one reason God blesses us so generously. I know agencies that depend solely on the government for their funding are hurt severely by not only a lack of pay-ment for some, but also a failure to give an increase in the daily rate for 8 to 10 years. If we were not successful raising the private dollar, we could never be what we are today. How grateful we are that we have the best Family Organiza-tion for persons with disabilities in the State of Illinois and perhaps the country. And now we have a great Sibling Organization with members who are replacing their aging parents. What wonderful gifts they are! I’m truly sorry for all the agencies that have been hurt by the Tribune series. Some are deserving of this very nega-tive response to their care, and others are victims of these Federal and State policies that hold everyone belongs in isolated houses. Our 10 homes in the neighborhoods (CILAs) are only effective because they are complemented with campus services. The CILA residents are high functioning and work well with our staff. Yet, I hope this next example will reinforce the need to have alternatives to CILAs. We already have residents, once appropriately placed in CILAs, whose needs changed so radically over time that we were no longer able to provide appropriate care for them in their CILA. They returned to our McAuley Skilled Nursing Residence and our Holbrook Assisted Living Residence where they were surrounded by competent doctors, nurses, therapists and specially trained staff. Several lived for three or four years in these very compassionate and competent surroundings. The families were very grateful that their most vulnerable family member could be cared for at Misericordia until they returned to God and the fullness of life in Eternity. How blessed we are to be able to walk this journey with our residents and families. My prayer is that those making and enforcing policies that do not recognize the need to have other services – be-sides homes in the neighborhoods – will see that there is never only one way to serve persons with disabilities. CILAs have a purpose, but not for all people. Our 10 homes in the neighborhoods are loved by the occupants, but they would be in isolation if they did not have our campus to complement their lives. And what happens when the person needs more medical and nursing care? Will they be “dumped” in inappropriate nursing homes, setting the ground work for more scandal? Often, history does have a way of repeating itself. In 1976, when Misericordia moved to our North Campus with 39 children and 35 staff, the prior service on the campus was Angel Guardian Orphanage. In the early ‘70s, the state bureaucrats decided that orphanages were bad and stopped all funding. Since the orphans had “no voice” to speak for them, they were placed in isolated foster homes. It was automatically assumed that foster homes were appropriate for all. When I see the middle aged homeless persons on the streets of Chicago, I often wonder if some are the displaced orphans of the ‘70s. Could some of these unfortunate people not be the “so-called success stories” of the ‘70s, victim-ized by a philosophy that held that there was only one way – (everyone in foster care) – appropriate for those vulner-able children? The bureaucratic assumption of today that CILAs are appropriate for all persons must be challenged and changed. Families should have the right to choose what is best for their most vulnerable member. In closing, I want to share that one of the greatest gifts God has given us is membership in our Community of Believers. It is in this Community that we all have been brought together by the mystery of God’s love. How blessed Misericordia’s residents are to know that you, our friends and supporters, believe in their right to a good life – and believe enough to walk this journey with us so generously. May the New Year be a blessed one for you and yours, and special thanks for your many Christmas gifts that enable us to provide a loving and enriching environment. How blessed we are to claim you as members of our Community – our Family.

Lovingly,

Sister Rosemary Connelly, RSM Executive Director

The need has never been greater! The support and advocacy for the mission of Misericordia is vital to maintaining the excellent care and loving environment that is our hallmark. Within the uncertain and divisive political climate of today, the needs of the most vulnerable — people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities — remain the same! They depend on us to continue to provide full and productive lives at their “Misericordia home.” Candy Days is one of our largest fundraising efforts that significantly helps us cover the difference between what the State of Illinois provides and the cost of operating Misericordia.

With the state facing another year of the budget crisis, our fundraising efforts are more crucial than ever to ensure the continuation of Misericordia’s mission. Please join us, as volunteers from every walk of life fan out across Chicago-land on April 28 and 29, 2017, distributing Jelly Belly jelly beans in exchange for donations from the community that support the programs so important to our 600 children and adults. Bill Kelley and the Jelly Belly Candy Co. have again generously donated 1.2 million bags of their delicious jelly beans for Candy Days weekend! Can we count on you to help?

Be a part of Candy Days Weekend, April 28-29, 2017

Misericordia is counting on YOU!

Volunteer! 773-273-2768

Volunteer!

773-273-2768Call 773-273-2768

Call

773-273-2768

Set up an account at www.firstgiving.com/misericordia_candy_days where your friends and family can donate

to Misericordia.

Ask your organization to help! Call 773-273-2768, email candydays@misericordia.com, or visit misericordia.com.

Many companies will

offer a corporate match for your charitable

contributions.

Candy Days 2017 needs your

support! Stand with us on April 28-29

and be a witness to the belief in the mission

of Misericordia. Call 773-273-2768

The community spotlight shines bright on Misericordia in 2016

WTTW’s “Check Please” featured the Greenhouse Inn Restaurant on October 21, 2016.

Misericordia is honored to have been the subject of positive media coverage in 2016. We are so grateful for the opportunity to promote the mission of Misericordia to the world. For links and highlights, please see below! WTTW’s “Check Please” featured the Greenhouse Inn Restaurant on October 21, 2016! http://checkplease.wttw.com/restaurants/season-16-episode-2-nico-osteria-little-bad-wolf-greenhouse-inn WGN’s “Around Town” with Ana Belaval featured a visit to Misericordia’s work opportunities programs on December 7, 2016. http://wgntv.com/2016/12/07/around-town-visits-misericordia-heart-of-mercy/ NPR’s (WBEZ) “The Morning Shift,” with host Tony Sarabia, invited Sr. Rosemary and world-renowned photographer

Steve Schapiro to talk about his latest project, photobook Misericordia: Together We Celebrate. https://www.wbez.org/shows/morn-ing-shift/legendary-photographer-documents

-life-at-misericordia/99af509e-c475-4629-bdab-c58defd1474b

WGN’s “Midday News” welcomed Sister Rosemary Connelly and Steve Schapiro to discuss the mission of Misericordia and Steve’s photobook project.

Above: WGN ‘s Ana Belaval with Clare at the Heart-strings Giftshop.

From left: NPR (WBEZ) “The Morning Shift” host Tony Sarabia, photographer Steve Schapiro and Jason Marck with Sister Rosemary.

Misericordia is especially grateful to our many friends during the holiday season, whose generosity helps to ensure the continuation of our mission! Right: Friends from the Illinois State Wireless Association presented a check to Sister Rosemary and Father Jack Clair in November.

Above: Paul La Schiazza, president of AT&T Illinois, presented a generous donation to Father Jack Clair during the company’s annual visit to Misericordia. Many thanks to everyone at AT&T for their contin-ued support of the mission of Misericordia.

Above: Susan Baker of Bank of America presents a check to Lois Gates on behalf of the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Over the past two and half years, legendary photojournalist and celebrity photographer Steve Schapiro has documented the lives of Misericordia residents in order to create his latest book “Misericordia: Together We Celebrate.” This book captures Misericordia residents thriving in their everyday lives, making meaningful connections with volunteers and staff, and enjoying the community around them. It also por-trays the pure joy that emulates throughout each person who is touched by Misericordia.

“The best way to tell the story of Misericordia is to visit our campus,” said Sr. Rosemary Connelly. “For those who are unable to do so, this unique photo collection offers a snapshot into the daily lives of those who call Misericordia home.”

“Misericordia: Together We Celebrate” is available for purchase for $50 in the Misericordia Heartstrings Giftshop located on campus, as well as at our online shop on www.misericordia.org.

Misericordia: Together We Celebrate

Does foundation and corporate support play a big role at Misericordia?Absolutely! The support from these organizations is an important source of income to provide our residents the highest quality of life they deserve. In fact, we are fortunate to have a very strong program at Misericordia of family foundations, corpo-rate foundations, Chicago sports teams and other philanthropic groups whose support is crucial. Some of our family and corporate foundations have been friends of Misericor-dia for decades – and we’re always thrilled when we’re able to add to the list.What do foundations and corporations support?Misericordia receives both annual and multi-year grants that provide unrestricted funds for general operations as well as funds for specific programs and residences. Corporate support in the form of event sponsorships, payroll deductions and matching gifts also helps us meet the $20

million funding gap between what we receive in government support and our actual program costs.How can Misericordia’s families and supporters help?Grants and gifts from foundations and corporations occur in many different ways. One important way is when Misericordia supporters introduce us to an organization that would be interested in our mission. Many of our supporters bring teams of volunteers from their place of employment to Misericordia to help out, especially for fundraising events like Candy Days and Family Fest. Others support Misericordia through regular payroll deductions. And, employer Matching Gift Programs enable our donors to double, triple or even qua-druple the amount of their donation.How do matching gifts work?Matching Gift Programs are a way to increase donations to eligible non-profit

organizations that a company’s employ-ees support with individual contribu-tions throughout the year. A matching gift starts with a contribution from an employee, or in some cases, an employee’s spouse or a retiree. To find out more about how you can help Miseri-cordia benefit from a matching gift, be sure to ask your Benefits Department or visit our website at www.misericordia.com/donations/matchinggifts.aspx.

March 11, 1pm-5pm Tickets: $40 – $50 at the door – kids under 12 FREE!

Delicious buffet and special children’s menu Drink specials | Entertainment for all ages

Foundation and Corporate Giving

Q A& Please meet Martha Floberg, who is a full-time Development Officer at Misericordia. She works closely with local and national foundations and corporations that provide generous support through grants, corporate sponsorships, matching gifts and volunteers year after year.

Martha Floberg

If you have any questions or would like additional information about foundations, corporate giving or matching gifts, please contact me at: marthaf@misericordia.com, or 773-273-4125.

Join Sister Rosemary and Father Jack for a St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

Celebrate after the parade on March 11 at the Montgomery Club at 500 W. Superior in Chicago.

contact: dorief@misericordia.com or

(773) 273-4178Visit www.misericordia.org in

February for more information on

purchasing tickets.

Thank you to our wonderful friends Peggy and Steve Lombardo (left) for once again making this event possible.

The Misericordia Women’s Board cele-brated the Heart of Mercy Ball as well as the 40th Anniversary of Misericordia’s Northside campus on Nov. 12 at the Hil-ton Chicago. The event welcomed more than 800 guests and raised over $1 mil-lion to benefit the children and adults who call Misericordia home. This year’s honored guests were celebrated, along-side past honorees in attendance, for their dedication to the mission of Mi-sericordia. Special thanks to Women’s Board President Anne Marie McGee, Chair Eileen Sethna and Co-Chair Beth Donovan for a spectacular evening!

The Misericordia Executive Team celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the Northside campus. From left: Fr. Jack Clair, Sister Rosemary Connelly, Mary Pat O’Brien, Lois Gates and Kevin Connelly.

Heart of Mercy Award Cheri and Jim Rafferty

Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion

Peg and Steve Lombardo

Pillars of the Community AT&T

Rick Erickson pictured with Bill Gainer

Ball Chair Eileen Sethna and Women’s Board President

Anne Marie McGee

Honoring 40 years of growing through giving at the Heart of Mercy Ball

Joe Maddon’s 4x4 Jeep Raffle Winner was an-nounced on November 22 at Misericordia. Sister Rosemary pulled the winning ticket in front of an excited crowd of Misericordia residents and supporters. Congratulations to Chris and Cathy Cassin! Thank you to Dan Fields and the Fields Auto Group, Joe and Jaye Maddon, the Chicago Cubs, Cubs Charities, Respect90, and Steve Alexander for their generosity, partnership and continuous sup-port of Misericordia.

Right: Kevin Connelly announcing the lucky winner!

From left: Jeff Chardell, RPM Advertising; Connie Falcone, Cubs Charities; Sister Rosemary Connelly; Dan Fields, Fields Auto Group; Jeff Magee, Chicago Cubs; and Steve Alexander, Octagon.

Have you remembered Misericordia in your estate plan?Bequests and other planned gifts are an impor-tant source of funds to assure the continuation and growth of Misericordia. If you want to learn more about ways to include Misericordia in your estate plan, please call or email:

Bob Bourke at 773-273-4173 robertb@misericordia.com.

You can also learn more by visiting the Planned Giving page

at www.misericordia.com.

PLANNED GIVING

The Misericordia Young Professionals Council (MYPC) welcomed more than 200 guests to their inaugural Red Heart Bash event on Nov. 5 at the Wintrust Grand Banking Hall. Dan Walsh from Walsh Construc-tion received the Red Heart Award not only for his commit-ment to Misericordia, but also for his guidance and support

of the MYPC throughout the first two years. The Red Heart Bash raised $47,000! The MYPC has raised $100,000 for Misericordia over the past two years. Thank you and congratulations

to the MYPC.Top left: The Walsh family celebrates at the MYPC’s inaugural event.Top right: The MYPC Leadership and Event Committee: Back row, from left: Jack Moysey, Paul Grusecki, President Conor Gee, Meg Keating, JR Snyder, Becky Gee and Colleen Kelly. Front Row, from left: Event chair Brendan Shannon, Sarah Buddig Swanson, Julie O’Sullivan and Kate Krebsbach.

Save the Date! The Misericordia Women’s League invites you to join them at their Spring Benefit on St. Patricks Day, March 17, 2017! A fun, casual evening featuring live and silent auctions, great food, and entertainment awaits you. Please visit: events.org/mismarchmadness for more information.

From left: Kate Boyle, Sue Besio and 2017 Co-Chair Lee Wilson enjoy last year’s festivities.

Having a Blast at the MYPC Red Heart Bash

Misericordia will always honor the memory of Pauline, whose many years of friendship and service are treasured.

Her reputation was known by thousands as the “Queen of Raffles.” She was

fiercely dedicated to fundraising for her beloved Misericordia. She will

be truly missed.

Pauline Greco

In loving memory

1929 - 2016

Friday, March 17, 2017 6:30 p.m.Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort

3500 Midwest Road | Oak Brook , IL

6:30 p.m. - Cocktails 7:30 p.m. - Seated Dinner

Casual Dress — Favorite collegiate attire encouraged!

Hosted by Rob Johnson, CBS2 Chicago News Anchor

Live Auction | Raffles | Silent Auction NCAA Games on the Big Screen

and Fun Surprises!

Don’t drive home, book a room!We have 20 rooms blocked off at $119 for a

single or double. After 2/13/2017, rooms will be billed at their standard rate.

Tickets:$200 Early Bird (before February 25, 2017)

$225 Regular Price (after February 25, 2017)

Left: The MYPC presents a check for $100,000 to Sr. Rosemary and Lois Gates.

Join the Misericordia Sibling Association (SIBS) for the 20th Annual Artist in All at the Modern Wing of the world- famous Art Institute of Chicago on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. This year, Misericordia’s resident artists have much to celebrate as the show has continued to thrive! They are already hard at work with instructors, art therapists and volunteers to ensure a great showcase. Tickets are $155 per person and are available at misericordia.com beginning in April. Special thanks to our event chairs Lisa Paradis and Jackie Miller for their dedication and leadership. Many thanks to our 2017 Presenting Sponsor ComEd, alongside Honorary Chairs Anne Pramaggiore, Amy Rule and Pam Cullerton, for their support of the 20th Anniversary of the Artist in All.

Please contact Lois Gates at loisg@misericordia.com

for 2017 sponsorship opportunities. Left: Jeanne and her son Dan enjoy last year’s art exhibition.

A group from Misericordia’s art program decorated a tree at Brookfield Zoo in late November. Thank you to our friends at Brookfield Zoo for your ongoing support and friendship! Left: Developmental Training Administrator Michael Diaz and Jenni put on finishing touches.

Above: Residents from Misericordia’s Community Access program spread holiday cheer to local Chicago Police and Fire stations by delivering handmade cards.

Misericordia has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, exceeding industry standards. Charity Navigator helps charities by focusing on truly effective organizations – and

helps donors support a charity with confidence. The program evalu-ates and rates charitable organizations based on a variety of criteria, including overall financial health, accountability and transparency.

Many thanks to the Thomas and Christina Grusecki family of Park Ridge (son Paul Grusecki is a member of the MYPC) who selected Misericordia as co-recipient of this year’s fundraising efforts at their holiday spectacular light show.

Above and right: Thomas and Christina Grusecki enjoy the festive outing with Misericordia residents.

Artist in All to celebrate 20 years

C O N N E C T I O N ★ Q U A L I T Y O F L I F E R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y ★ S P I R I T U A L I T Y

The Misericordia Heartracers took on the Chicago Marathon this year and raised an amazing $98,000! If you are interested in running next fall or in donating for next year’s 40th anniversary race efforts, we would love to have you! For more information, please contact Therese Loftus at (773) 273-4163 or tloftus@misericordia.com.

Employee Service AwardsThe practice of asking for donations to a favorite charity to commemo-rate the death of a loved one is very thoughtful. In the past few months,

such requests have resulted in donations that benefit Misericordia. We thank those benefactors and their families, and respectfully ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers.

Marian A. Amendola; Richard J. Bahr; Michael Bastian; Jack L. Buckley; William Casey, Sr.; Marilyn S. Cesarone; Sydney Choslovsky, M.D.; Mary Lou Colfer; Frances M. Collins; Jerry Cosgrove; Thaddeus “Ted” Dabrowski, Sr.; James J. Daly; Margaret M. Dunlap; Doris J. Dyer; Charles J. Febel; William A. Fitzmaurice; Marie H. Franciscus; Genevieve G. Franciscus; John F. Gorman; Pauline Greco; Patrick H. Hagerty; Raymond M. Hanify; Lawrence Hartigan; Eileen M. Healy; Loretta C. (Schuber) Henry; Helen Leonard Huff; Robert Hulseman; Maria D. Inclan; Daniel Jaworsky; Der-ryl Kantner; John Karfias; Delia P. Kelly; Mary Ken-nedy; Phyllis Kessler; Marguerite P. Kloos; Angela Legenza; Helen P. Liska; James Lucchesi; Naomi Brigid Lynch; Anthony G. Markese; Joan Mattes; Michael J. McMahon; Gene J. Miller; Brian J. Miller; Dolores Norine Miller; Minnie Mitchell; Honey S. Moga; John F. Mulchrone; Charlotte A. Nash; Thomas J. Newell; Ronald Ofenloch; Sara Lee Perlman; Dale G. Rees; William A. Ryan; Jean Mary Schmit; Robert G. Schopp; Richard Joseph Sennott; Charles ‘Red’ Sheehan, Jr.; Mary M. Shehan; Richard H. Smith; Phyllis Stefan; Rose (Stuk) Stefanik; Joe Waickus

The Employee Service Award is given to five of Misericordia’s employees each year. Nominated by their coworkers, these individuals embody the spirit of Misericordia and live the core values of Connection, Quality of Life, Responsi-bility and Spirituality. Congratulations to Harold Johnson, Village; Lynette Coleman, Village; Angelica Green, Developmental Training; Lela Perez, Shannon Apartments; and Margaret Raszyk, Quinlan Terrace.

“For striving at the core values effortlessly. For knowing what to say to make others smile, both residents and staff.”

“She embodies a sense of kindness, under-standing, connection and professional-

ism, and encourages all those around her to do the same.”

“For her attentiveness to the needs of the residents and staff and ability to always be on the look-out for where she can help next.”

“She has a beautiful heart with both her coworkers and residents at Misericordia and has an amazing amount of respect for each person she encounters.”

“Being a champion of teamwork, she is a team member through and through. She lives the core values of Misericordia beautifully.”

Harold Johnson Lynette Coleman Angelica Green Lela Perez Margaret Raszyk

Right: The Misericordia Junior Board hosted its 4th Annual Resident Holiday Party in Decem-ber. Everyone enjoyed games, arts and crafts, and dancing, along with plenty of holiday cheer! For more information, please contact teresap@misericordia.com.

Above: Members of Misericordia’s 2016 Heartracers team.

Misericordia is a residential facility serving children and adults with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities from diverse ethnic, religious, racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. A not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, Misericordia is operated by the Sisters of Mercy under the auspices of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago. Misericordia is located at 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago, IL 60660, 773-973-6300. You can find Misericordia on the Internet at misericordia.com. The Misericordia Newsletter is published quarterly. Please send any comments about the newsletter to kathyw@misericordia.com or to 6300 N. Ridge Ave., Chicago, IL 60660. If you would like to add, remove or change your contact information on the newsletter mailing list, please contact Peter Behle at 773-273-2768 or peterb@misericordia.com.

MISERICORDIA | 6300 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660 | 773-973-6300 | misericordia.org

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