Waif's Messenger Newsletter Fall 2011

T h e Waifs’ M e s s e n g e r

o f M e r c y h o M e f o r B o y s & g i r l s

Fall 2011 • Volume 112, Number 1 Publ i shed for over 100 years

Inside: A Summer of Learning • New Seasons, New Star ts Giv ing Hope to Others • From Violence to Safety • Enjoy ing Time Of f

Back to

School

Issue

2 Fa l l 2 0 1 1

Kidz Korner

The boys and girls of

Mercy home kept busy and

learning all summer long in

our summer enrichment program.

At Mercy Home, we understand that success begins with a good education. That’s why we make it a priority to see that each child in our care has every opportunity to build a brighter, more rewarding future. So this summer, to prepare for the school year ahead, our kids participated in a host of unique courses to inspire their imaginations and ignite a lifelong love of learning in their hearts.

Music lessons throughout the summer not only gave our kids time and space to develop their talents, but they also taught them the importance of discipline, determination and hard work.

Our summer learning sessions helped struggling students find the extra support and resources they need to find success in the classroom — and outside of it.

Even though school had ended and summertime had begun, our young people were inspired to continue learning — seeking a host of classes to help raise their grades and strengthen their skills.

The summer offered our kids a special opportunity to work inside our vegetable garden, learning the ins and outs of urban farming — and developing an appreciation for an afternoon spent working under the summer sun.

T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 3

Father Scott’s Reflection

Contents

A Second Chance at School 4–5

Giving Something Back 6–7

Mercy Brings Peace 8–9

Sorting Out Planned Giving 10–11

Lessons on the Court 12

Summer Fun 13

Mercy Home Heroes 15

The fall has always been a very special time of year around Mercy home. As the weather cools and the trees turn from summer green to bright orange, our home fills with the excitement that only a new school year can bring.

Uniforms are dragged forth from the depths of closets; school shoes polished; book bags emptied from summer trips to the beach. And all the while, there is a tremendous feeling of eagerness — and hope — for what lies ahead.

you know as well as i do that for kids like ours — kids who have seen more heartbreak and pain than anyone should — looking forward with hope is no small accomplishment. But these children can finally overcome the pain of their pasts and look toward their futures because of you, and all the love, support and prayers you share so freely with them.

it’s especially thrilling for me to see our young people off on their first day of school, to face the challenges and rewards that they’ll meet in the new year. This time of year always brings me great pleasure, affording me ample opportunity to marvel at how much our children have grown — thanks to the confidence they gain from their education, and the support they find in faithful friends like you.

in this issue of The Waifs’ Messenger, we’ll take you into our home as our children gear up for their new classrooms. on pages 4 and 5, you’ll read about Jeanna, a bright young woman who’s made tremendous strides — thanks to you — both inside and outside school.

There’s a story of our kids’ recent service trip on pages 6 and 7. This special journey is certainly a piece of their education — lending them understanding and empathy, and teaching them to give back to others.

We’ll also introduce you to omar (pages 8 and 9), a boy with a remarkable story, who found a future and a family in Mercy home, after his war-torn country took both away from him.

i hope that as you read this special issue of The Waifs’ Messenger, you see how your support — and the support of good folks like you — has shaped our Mercy home and touched the heart of each boy and girl who has walked through our doors. Perhaps more importantly, i hope you know how that blessed support will help save even more young lives in the years to come.

Blessings,

fall Brings new start

For an insider’s look around our Mercy Home, please

visit www.mercyhome.org.

Father Scott’s Reflection

4 Fa l l 2 0 1 1

t 15 years old, Jeanna learned a very important lesson: that education would be her springboard to a better life, far removed from the pain and struggle that had always haunted her.

even as a young child, Jeanna had delighted in the idea of school, listening eagerly as the neighborhood kids talked about their kindergarten classes. But with an absent father and a drug-

addicted mother, Jeanna never had the opportunity to thrive until she found her way to Mercy home.

As Jeanna grew up, she realized that she had a natural curiosity toward school. “i begged my mom to let me go to school,” Jeanna remembered. “i would hear the other kids in our building talking about kindergarten and i couldn’t wait to go.”

But even though she loved to be in the classroom, over the years Jeanna could

not score anything higher than c’s and D’s. Without the structure, stability and safety of a good home, Jeanna couldn’t help but struggle with her schoolwork. she had no place to do homework, never had a good night’s sleep or regular, healthful meals, and as a result, rarely turned in assignments or paid attention in her classes.

“her home environment was destroying her education,” said Jeanna’s Mercy home school resource coordinator. “she had no support at home, and it showed in her grades.”

When Jeanna was 12 years old, her mother left Jeanna with her aunt for what was supposed to be the afternoon. she never returned. it wasn’t until three days later that police found Jeanna’s mother in an abandoned building on chicago’s south side, overdosed on cocaine.

confused, heartbroken and afraid, Jeanna continued to live with her aunt, who already struggled to make ends meet raising two kids of her own. her aunt worked to provide her niece the supervision, support and attention Jeanna needed — but it wasn’t enough.

And losing her mother only worsened Jeanna’s uphill battle in the classroom. After she failed 6th grade, her aunt knew she needed help raising this struggling young woman. so she turned to Mercy home, and shortly thereafter Jeanna became part of our loving family.

To prepare her for the upcoming school year, Mercy home’s education specialists immersed Jeanna in our summer enrichment program, which keeps our kids learning throughout the summer.

e D U c A T i o n

Support Leads to Second ChanceLove of Learning Re-emerges at Mercy Home

a

Through dedication to their schoolwork, our kids — like Jeanna — learn the value of hard work and discipline that helps them develop into productive, self-reliant and successful adults.


Writing a will is one of those things that we’d prefer not to deal with. Too many details… too many decisions.

But the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Mercy Home we’ve put together a Will Kit that will not only help you get started, but also provide the tools to guide you along the way.

“I’ll get to that tomorrow…”

Already have a will? This kit can be a tremendous help as you review your plans.

To request your free Will Kit, complete this coupon or call 1-800-378-8266.

And while you’re at it, please consider including a bequest for the children of Mercy Home. Our legal title is: The Mission of Our Lady of Mercy, Inc.

Please send me your free Will Kit.

Please have someone contact me.

I have already included Mercy Home in my estate plans.

Name(s)

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone

Birthdate(s)

Mercy Home for Boys & GirlsAttn: Dan Pritchard • 1140 West Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60607-2906 mercyhome.org • 1.800.378.8266

With the support of our education team, Jeanna found herself completing homework assignments, studying for tests and showing up to school prepared. Jeanna’s failing grades slowly turned into A’s and B’s and she finally began to feel ownership over her education.

“i was able to come to school and just focus on school,” said Jeanna. “At Mercy home, i didn’t have to worry about where i was going to sleep or what i was going to eat.”

now Jeanna takes her academics very seriously, and works determinedly to earn her outstanding grades. As a result, our Mercy home family is proud to announce that last spring, Jeanna graduated from the 8th grade — and earned a spot at one of chicago’s prestigious high schools.

“Mercy home made a big difference in my life,” Jeanna said. “They made me see that i’m a better person and can do better in school.”

But Jeanna’s words of praise are not just for Mercy home — they’re for our extended family and friends like you, too. After all, it’s thanks to kind and generous people like you that Mercy home can provide children like Jeanna the opportunity for change, healing and growth. it’s your faithful support that brings miracles to our home, and for that our family will always be grateful.

Support Leads to Second ChanceLove of Learning Re-emerges at Mercy Home

Back to School Issue

At Mercy Home, our young people learn that building a brighter future starts with getting an excellent education and taking their studies seriously.

s e r v i c e T r i P

t Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, we consider ourselves tremendously blessed by gracious friends like you, who give of yourselves to brighten the lives of our hurting kids. Through your generously shared prayers and support, our Mercy Home can continue to provide children with a loving family, an education and a chance to overcome the obstacles of their pasts.

To see these children heal and grow into young men and women is a remarkable transformation. They begin to understand that they, too, can make a difference in others’ lives by sharing their time, hearts and talents. Just as you have sacrificed so much for them, our boys and girls are eager to give back to others. And ultimately, by following your generous example, our children are able to find their paths toward healing.

Recently, a group of 10 young men made the 12-hour road trip down to Greenville, South Carolina to help build houses through the Homes of Hope organization. Homes of Hope provides housing for homeless and low-income families, while also providing job training and support for former substance abusers.

Men from local faith-based addiction-recovery programs are taught basic carpentry, plumbing and electric skills — the skills needed to build

a house. Mentors, who have already graduated from the program, oversee the building and offer guidance and encouragement along the way.

“Learning about the obstacles that the mentors overcame was very inspiring,” said Susan Hackney, Mercy Home program manager. “It was a great experience for our young men.”

For three days, our young men woke up at dawn, rolled up their sleeves and pitched in alongside these local workers. With each advance they made, our young men grew more determined to see their project through — and took extraordinary care in building a home that would benefit a family in need.

Through the almost unbearable Southern sun, our dedicated group helped to install a roof and floors, and painted walls.

“It was really hard work,” said 17-year-old Jamal. “But when I thought about

Kids Give Homes, Hope to Others

a

Our young people were eager to follow your generous

example and spend time giving back to families in need.

“It was really hard work, but when I thought about how much we

would be helping one family, it

made [the work] easier.”

» Jamal

6 Fa l l 2 0 1 1

how much we would be helping one family, it made [the work] easier.”

To keep their spirits up and rally together as a team, our hardworking group gathered each evening for dinner, giving them a chance to share their feelings and encourage each other through the tough work. Tending to their sore muscles, our young men offered praise and acknowledgement to those who had gone above and beyond expectations that day.

of course, the trip wasn’t all hard work. While we strive for our kids to understand the importance of volunteering their time and energy to benefit those less fortunate, we also know it’s important for kids to experience diversity and broaden their horizons.

so many of the young people at Mercy home have never known more than the streets of the city — so they were eager to embark on the adventure that the

south would provide. our staff members led the group through south carolina, picnicking, riding bikes and dining out to celebrate the fruits of their labor.

When our young men returned to Mercy home after three days of hard labor, exhausted but satisfied, they reflected on their time away.

“it was one of the most amazing things i’ve ever done,” said 18-year-old Jermaine. “it’s an experience that i will never forget.”

Although our kids will never forget the fun they shared on their journey, it is certainly the generosity of spirit they found in one another, and the willingness to improve the lives of others that have resonated most deeply with them — a life lesson they might not have learned if it were not for the example of friendship and compassion from good people like you.

At Mercy Home, our kids take even the smallest act of kindness to heart. They’ve been witness to how far a little compassion and friendship can go — thanks to

good people like you — and they’re grateful for the chance to pay it forward.



8 Fa l l 2 0 1 1

ost days, omar is like any other teenage boy. he sometimes plays his music too loud, loves to play soccer and is impatient to get his driver’s license. he hopes one day to be a famous athlete, or perhaps a renowned businessman.

other days, however, omar is barely recognizable as the 16-year-old he is, resembling instead a beleaguered and war-weary man many times his age.

omar, who will be entering the 10th grade this fall, came to Mercy home just over a year ago. however, his story — unlike those of so many other children here — begins not in the streets of inner-city chicago, but in a small town in Uganda.

omar was raised by an aunt and uncle after his mother died during childbirth when omar was a toddler. his father died later that year after a long illness.

omar recalls his early years with his aunt, uncle and cousin as relatively happy. There was always enough food, he was often able to go to school and he made friends while playing in soccer games almost daily with neighborhood children. Though omar remembers witnessing periodic violence, the sharp sound of gunfire and hiding from the noise, he said he always felt secure — as long as his family was there.

however, that delicate sense of safety began to erode as violence in his area increased and the occasional gunshots became commonplace. it finally shattered one day when omar was about 11, after his uncle left for the market to buy food and supplies for the family.

omar says he remembers hearing the gunfire that followed, but tried to brush off his fear. his uncle was always careful, he thought, and this round of violence would pass as all others had before.

m

y o U T h s T o r y

Thanks to the compassion, support and prayers of friends like you, Omar — and countless kids just like him — finally found the safety and love his war-torn country had taken away from him.

From Violence to Mercy: A Story of Survival‘Now I Do Not Have to Be Scared. Now I Have a Future.’

“It was so

dangerous you

could not go

out at night,

and it was not

always safe to

even go out

during the day.”

» Omar


But this time was different. his uncle had been caught in the crossfire, and he had died before he could be taken to a hospital.

“i could not believe it,” omar said, still struggling with the english words to describe what happened. “it was very bad and my aunt cried for many days. My uncle was a very good man and loved our family very much.”

omar’s aunt soon decided that the family could no longer risk the escalating violence. she fled, taking her son and omar to a cousin’s home in the country’s capital, Kampala.

once they arrived, however, the family found little peace. There was little money, no opportunity to go to school and their neighborhood was plagued by crime.

“it was so dangerous you could not go out at night, and it was not always safe to even go out during the day,” said omar. “We tried to hold school lessons at home, but it was very difficult to focus.”

finally, determined to find a better life for her family, omar’s aunt packed her few remaining belongings and sought safety in the U.s.

They moved into a small, sparse chicago apartment, his aunt doing her best to make a comfortable home for the children. however, before long, the neighborhood they moved into proved to be little safer than the places they had fled. gangs controlled the area, and omar and his cousin soon found themselves pressured to join.

Tragically, omar’s cousin fell into the wrong crowd and has maintained little contact with his family since. his aunt, determined not to lose omar too, searched for help and was referred to Mercy home.

since arriving at Mercy home last year, omar has taken full advantage of our academic and therapeutic programs, and has made remarkable progress. he is a dedicated student who makes his aunt and his Mercy home family proud, and is widely recognized for his work ethic and for serving as a leader among his peers.

“i feel that for the first time in many years, i am safe,” omar said. “i think that, for a very long time, i was running. But now, i do not have to be scared. now, i have a future.”

Through the efforts of faithful friends like you, our children find healing, happiness and the encouragement needed to work toward a brighter tomorrow.


10 Fa l l 2 0 1 1

gP l A n n e D g i v i n g

etting too much mail from charities? you’re not alone.

it’s probably a safe bet that some of that mail promotes something called “planned giving.” But what in the world is planned giving? sounds pretty dry, doesn’t it?

But if you can invest three minutes of your time to read this article, not only will you learn a few interesting planned giving concepts, you might also discover an idea or two that could benefit you right away.

When you hear the words “planned giving,” do certain images flash before your eyes? for example:

The planned giving material you are sent probably uses lots of four and five syllable words. it most likely discusses giving strategies that are so complex that it would take a team of lawyers to explain.

no wonder this stuff doesn’t get read. And that’s a shame, because some of these ideas really can help you — as well as the charities you love. At Mercy home, we use plain english to present ideas that can have a huge impact.

So let’s get started.

simply put, planned gifts offer our friends alternative ways to support Mercy home’s children, often with significant tax advantages. These types of gifts can also free your cash to do other things. some planned gifts

even pay income to you (and/or to someone you love). here are four ideas worth taking the time to consider.

Idea #1Perhaps the most common planned gift is one made through your will or trust. such a gift doesn’t take one penny from your pocket today, but down the road it will provide our children with a pocket full of miracles.

you can designate a specific gift or dollar amount, a percentage of what you have, or even share the remainder of your estate after other loved ones have been cared for. if you don’t have a will, writing one need not be expensive at all. should your plans already be in place, don’t let that stop you: a simple codicil will fit the bill. And, you can change your mind at any time if circumstances warrant.

Idea #2life insurance is a “sleeper” type of gift. consider the policy your parents purchased for you years ago. it’s sitting in a file somewhere, right? or what about that policy you purchased in case something happened to you but that “something” never happened?

There are plenty of examples, but the point is life insurance can make an excellent — and flexible — gift to support our work. it’s simple to include Mercy home on a change of beneficiary form; you can always

What in the World Is Planned Giving?

No wonder this stuff doesn’t get read. And

that’s a shame, because some of these ideas really can help you — as well

as the charities you love.

T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 1 1

Dan Pritchard is Mercy Home’s director of planned giving. If you have a question about will preparation, a gift annuity, a charitable remainder trust or other types of planned gifts, call Dan at 1-800-378-8266. He’ll be happy to help, and you’ll get a straightforward answer in plain English.

change your mind later if you need to. There’s no cash out of your pocket today, and your gift helps us plan for our future.

Idea #3Do you own an irA? irA accounts can be very highly taxed at death. Making Mercy home a full or partial beneficiary of that account could free up other less-taxed assets for those you love. By the way, if you’re age 70½ or older, in 2011 you can use up to $100,000 of your required annual distribution to help Mercy home’s kids. special rules apply, though, so be sure to call us first at 1-800-378-8266 to get all the details.

Idea #4finally, earlier we spoke of a way to make a gift to Mercy home and receive income back. There are a number of ways to do this, but the most common is a charitable gift annuity.

By creating a gift annuity, you and/or someone you love will receive payments

for the rest of your life (lives). you can never outlive them! The payout rate is fixed and based on your age(s). The payments are even partially tax-free. Just call our toll-free number to request a free, no-obligation proposal.

We hope this short lesson in planned giving was helpful. if you would like more details about any of these topics, you can request our free planning guide, Directions. simply complete the coupon below or call our office; once again, the number is 1-800-378-8266.

To learn more, call us at (800) 378-8266 Please send me your free booklet, Directions Please have someone contact me

Name

Address

City State Zip

Day Phone E-mail

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls • 1140 W. Jackson Blvd. • Chicago, IL 60607 • mercyhome.org


12 Fa l l 2 0 1 1

Rea

chin

g n

ew

hei

ghtS

One of the most important life lessons

for our children is learning to work

together and support one another. What

better way to impart these values than

encouraging our kids to discover them

on their own, on the basketball court?

hoops to homework is a weekend basketball league here at Mercy home. it serves as a personal and academic incentive for our kids — and a fun and rewarding way to achieve the benefits of exercise, stress release and teamwork.

The heart of the league lies in teaching our children the importance of valuing their education. To play each week, all kids must maintain a high grade point average and exercise good behavior and measurable growth in their programs here at Mercy home.

Through organized games, our children find an outlet to relax and to experience something they rarely had before coming to Mercy home … the opportunity to just be a kid.

The Mercy home teams consist of some of our most hurt and damaged kids who’ve committed themselves to the idea of working together toward a common goal — excelling on the basketball court.

“i think my team has an advantage, because we’re really learning how to work together,” said Dan, one of our older boys. “every week we come out and support each other — and it shows, because we keep winning our games.”

Just to sit alongside the court as our kids lace up their sneakers and gather for practice or a friendly game, is to witness true team spirit. While the kids run practice drills, they constantly encourage one another to keep up the good work. And even when there is a bad play, the teams never allow anything to break their spirits.

staff has even noticed how the kids have truly bonded together. “There’s just a sense of camaraderie and respect for one another. They’re all so dedicated to the games — and to their schoolwork — and it’s really showing. They support one another and that’s just so amazing to witness,” one of our coaches said.

But if the Mercy home basketball teams prove anything, it is that they are truly committed to overcoming obstacles that come their way. And with the help and encouragement of one another — and the kindness of our good friends — they will surely find the success, reward and happiness they’ve earned.

h o o P s T o h o M e W o r K



Lights, Camera, Action!As the sun set on a warm evening this summer, our kids gathered on the lawn behind the Girls Home, with drinks and snacks for everyone.

excitement was in the air at this favorite summertime event for our boys and girls. Movie nights let them relax on the lawn, munch on popcorn and candy, and hang out at the movies without giving up the comforts of home. spread out on blankets or clustered in chairs with

friends, the kids were totally immersed in the silver screen.

special events like Movie night on the lawn are lots of fun, and they’re also important parts of the care Mercy home

provides to our boys and girls. Whenever we can help them enjoy some time off, or give them great new experiences they’ll remember with a smile, we’re helping them heal and

grow. letting our kids just be kids helps them forget their worries and enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood and hanging

out with friends. And that may be the most special feeling of all.

Picnic Reunites ‘Family’Aftercare is a program offering lifelong support for men and women who have left Mercy home’s halls, but not our hearts. Through personalized “passion plans,” our Aftercare team helps former residents take the steps they need to achieve their goals. special events like the summer Picnic, a favorite of members and co-workers alike, allows everyone to catch up with their extended Mercy home family and make new friends.

Aftercare members, their families and Mercy home co-workers all enjoyed their time together at this “family reunion” and picnic. Among the adults there was some stiff competition at bags, while children of all ages won prizes in a range of contests and games. everyone agreed that it was a great day to come together to visit, tell stories, and share laughs with old friends and new — the perfect picnic in the park!

14 Fa l l 2 0 1 1

BEANOrevisited

by Margaret Ahern

first published in the

May 1960 edition

of The Waifs’ Messenger.

† rev. francis X. Alabart, Delano, cA

† charles Aylstock, cincinnati, oh† rosemary Batcher,

rio rancho, nM† e. neil Belland, rapid river, Mi† Josephine Benfatti, Brooklyn, ny† lorraine Bryar, oak lawn, il† noel claudy, st. charles, il† eugene coan, Arlington

heights, il† Mary Daley, cranston, ri† laneva Dehart, st. Peters, Mo† Joseph f. Densberger,

Des Plaines, il† Mary K. Dick, chicago, il† Anne B. Doherty, south

richmond hill, ny† clarence J. eaton, glenview, il† Angela ernst, stevens Point, Wi† gerard fassbinder, elgin, iA† edwin B. gainsborg,

hollywood, fl† reginald J. groves, ritzville, WA

† charles hanley, glen head, ny† claire Kneisel, chicago, il† ralph Knippen, Winfield, il† Margaret clark lester,

Willow street, PA† Billye s. long, las vegas, nv† heinz luedeking, Miami, fl† Antoinette Maddalo, yonkers, ny† Alice Manning, Whiting, nJ† Margaret Mccarthy,

Boca raton, fl† Adelaide r. McDonough,

chicago, il† grace e. Mcevoy, new york, ny† faith v. Mcintyre, new york, ny† Marion f. Melon, Monrovia, cA† louis Miglio, Decatur, il† Margaret M. Moellers,

independence, iA† cathy Murphy,

san francisco, cA† Teresa Michaels o’Brien,

scottsdale, AZ† owen o’rourke, Mobile, Al† Pataricia Piepho, Park ridge, il

† raymond rand, ortonville, Mn† rosalie Mary reil, fredericks, vA† Marion schwass, lake county, in† helen M. semmerling, chicago, il† Bernadette shoup, Toronto, on† george sopczak, Worcester, MA† lucille M. stecjer, la crosse, Wi† charles J. streicher,

West seneca, ny† John T. sweet, ft. Walton

Beach, fl† george Terlep, spring hill, fl† ralph W. Thelen, chicago, il† Anna Mae e. Tragesser,

lagrange, il† irene verneziale, Allentown, PA† Janet Z. verveer, Alexandria, vA† Margaret Widmer, cleveland, oh† casimir Wojcik, chicago, il† Dorothy Wright, Kenner, lA† celestine s. Wrobel, castleton, ny† Margaret Zuchowski,

Des Plaines, il

Our Friends RememberedWe wish to acknowledge special friends and benefactors who have remembered Mercy home for Boys & girls in their estate plans and have gone to their eternal rest. Please remember them in your prayers.

if you wish to include Mercy home for Boys & girls in your estate plans, our legal name is: The Mission of Our Lady of Mercy, Inc.


Hero #75, Mercy Home Hands-on Network

Coordinated by Deb Hoffman, the Mercy Home Hands-on Network is a dedicated group

of friends of Mercy Home who have joined together to provide the little extras that

mean so much to our boys and girls. These friends know the importance of meeting

our kids’ basic needs — food and shelter, therapeutic care and education — but they

also wanted to find a way to provide just a little more comfort to our boys and girls.

At Easter, for example, members of the Hands-on Network put together

125 Easter baskets for our children. This gave our Home an extra touch of happiness

and family on that joyous occasion, and brought smiles to a lot of young faces.

This past summer, the Mercy Home Hands-on Network continued to go beyond the

basics to help our girls and boys make the most of their fun in the sun.

From bicycles and helmets to new backpacks for summer camp, the

Hands-on Network made sure that our kids were able to relax and just be kids!

For more information

on how to become a

Mercy Home Hero, please

contact Susan Flood at (312) 738-4381 or [email protected].

A special thank you to our friends for

their extraordinary efforts on behalf

of the children of Mercy Home.

mercyhome.org/matchinggifts

Help Mercy Home’s kids start the school year off right!Did you know that your company could double — or even

triple — your gifts to Mercy Home’s boys and girls as they head back to school, and throughout the year?

Thousands of companies nationwide have corporate matching gift programs that match or exceed gifts their employees make to Mercy home. some even match gifts made by retirees, employees’ spouses or board members.

There is no cost to you — all it takes is filling out a short form from your employer’s human resources Department and sending it to Mercy home. We’ll do the rest!

for more information on employee matching gift programs, as well as a growing list of companies that match gifts to Mercy home, visit mercyhome.org/matchinggifts or call sarah Wilkins at (312) 738-7585.


Adam’s young life was nothing short of a nightmare. When he was just a baby, his mother was diagnosed with schizophrenia but refused to treat her illness.

By the time Adam found his way to Mercy Home, he had suffered years of violence, loneliness and fear at the hands of his own mother. But through the kindness and generous support of Mercy Home’s Guardian Angels, Adam was able to work toward a path to healing.

Every day, Guardian Angels make a very real, direct impact on the youth of Mercy Home. Through a committed giving schedule, these dedicated friends pledge to support the programs that help our children turn their lives around.

There’s no obligation to join the ranks of our Guardian Angels, and any gift amount—large or small—will be most gratefully welcomed by our kids. Just knowing that you have committed your support and prayers to our mission will be a wonderful blessing.

Please consider becoming a Guardian Angel to our children today. Your pledge has the power to save lives.

Become a Guardian Angel to a Child

Father Scott, I would like to be a Guardian Angel to the kids of Mercy Home!

I will do my best to share a regular gift of: $___________ Monthly Quarterly

I’m enclosing my first Guardian Angel gift of: $___________

Name __________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________ State _____________________ Zip __________

Please mail your gift to: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls • 1140 West Jackson Blvd. • Chicago, IL 60607

“Sometimes my mom would get so angry she would take everything away from me—my blankets, my jacket, even my shoes—and kick me out of the house. Even when it was the middle of winter. She just didn’t care.”

—Adam, 12 years old

Call 877-Mercy55(877-637-2955)

to join today!

Waif's Messenger Newsletter Fall 2011

Education

Transcript of Waif's Messenger Newsletter Fall 2011