1. ue
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to
T h e
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Messenger
Ba
of Merc y hoMe for Boys & gir l s
F all 2011 • Vo lum e 112, Numb er 1
P u b l i sh e d fo r o ve r 10 0 ye a r s
I n side: A Su m me r of L e a r n i ng • Ne w Se a s on s, Ne w St a r t s
Giv i ng Hop e to O t he r s • From Viole nce to Sa fet y • E njoy i ng Ti me O f f

2. Kidz Korner
T
he 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 Our summer learning sessions helped struggling students
a brighter, more rewarding future. So this summer, to find the extra support and resources they need to
find success in the classroom — and outside of it.
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.
The summer
offered our
kids a special
Music lessons throughout the summer not only gave our kids time opportunity to
and space to develop their talents, but they also taught them the work inside our
importance of discipline, determination and hard work. vegetable garden,
learning the ins
and outs of urban
farming — and
Even though school had ended and summertime had begun, our young developing an
people were inspired to continue learning — seeking a host of classes appreciation for
to help raise their grades and strengthen their skills. an afternoon
spent working
under the
summer sun.
2 Fa l l 2 011

3. noitcefleR s ttocS rehtaF
’
Father Scott’ Reflection
s
fall Brings new start
The fall has always been a very in this issue of The Waifs’
special time of year around Mercy Messenger, we’ll take you into our
home. As the weather cools and home as our children gear up for
the trees turn from summer green their new classrooms. on pages 4
to bright orange, our home fills and 5, you’ll read about Jeanna, a
with the excitement that only a bright young woman who’s made
new school year can bring. tremendous strides — thanks to you
— both inside and outside school.
Uniforms are dragged forth from
the depths of closets; school shoes There’s a story of our kids’ recent
polished; book bags emptied from service trip on pages 6 and 7. This
summer trips to the beach. And all special journey is certainly a piece
the while, there is a tremendous of their education — lending them
feeling of eagerness — and understanding and empathy, and
hope — for what lies ahead. teaching them to give back to others. Contents
you know as well as i do that for We’ll also introduce you to omar
A Second Chance
kids like ours — kids who have (pages 8 and 9), a boy with a
seen more heartbreak and pain remarkable story, who found at School 4–5
than anyone should — looking a future and a family in Mercy
forward with hope is no small home, after his war-torn country Giving
accomplishment. But these children took both away from him. Something Back 6–7
can finally overcome the pain
of their pasts and look toward i hope that as you read this special Mercy Brings Peace 8–9
their futures because of you, and issue of The Waifs’ Messenger, you
see how your support — and the
all the love, support and prayers Sorting Out
you share so freely with them. support of good folks like you —
has shaped our Mercy home and Planned Giving 10–11
it’s especially thrilling for me to see touched the heart of each boy and
our young people off on their first girl who has walked through our Lessons on
day of school, to face the challenges doors. Perhaps more importantly, the Court 12
and rewards that they’ll meet in i hope you know how that blessed
the new year. This time of year support will help save even more Summer Fun 13
always brings me great pleasure, young lives in the years to come.
affording me ample opportunity to
Blessings,
Mercy Home Heroes 15
marvel at how much our children
have grown — thanks to the For an insider’s look around
confidence they gain from their our Mercy Home, please
education, and the support they visit www.mercyhome.org.
find in faithful friends like you.
T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 3

4. eDUcATion
Support Leads to Second Chance
a
Love of Learning Re-emerges at Mercy Home
t 15 years old, Jeanna learned a very not score anything higher than c’s and
important lesson: that education D’s. Without the structure, stability and
would be her springboard to a better safety of a good home, Jeanna couldn’t
life, far removed from the pain and help but struggle with her schoolwork. she
struggle that had always haunted her. had no place to do homework, never had
a good night’s sleep or regular, healthful
even as a young child, Jeanna had meals, and as a result, rarely turned in
delighted in the idea of school, listening assignments or paid attention in her classes.
eagerly as the neighborhood kids talked
about their kindergarten classes. But “her home environment was
with an absent father and a drug- 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
Through dedication to their schoolwork, our kids — like Jeanna — supervision, support and attention
learn the value of hard work and discipline that helps them Jeanna needed — but it wasn’t enough.
develop into productive, self-reliant and successful adults.
And losing her mother only worsened
addicted mother, Jeanna never had Jeanna’s uphill battle in the classroom.
the opportunity to thrive until she After she failed 6th grade, her aunt knew
found her way to Mercy home. she needed help raising this struggling
young woman. so she turned to Mercy
As Jeanna grew up, she realized that she home, and shortly thereafter Jeanna
had a natural curiosity toward school. “i became part of our loving family.
begged my mom to let me go to school,”
Jeanna remembered. “i would hear the To prepare her for the upcoming school
other kids in our building talking about year, Mercy home’s education specialists
kindergarten and i couldn’t wait to go.” immersed Jeanna in our summer
enrichment program, which keeps our
But even though she loved to be in the kids learning throughout the summer.
classroom, over the years Jeanna could
4 Fa l l 2 011

5. Back to School Issue
“I’ll get to that
tomorrow…”
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
At Mercy Home, our young people learn that building overwhelming. At Mercy Home we’ve
a brighter future starts with getting an excellent put together a Will Kit that will not only
education and taking their studies seriously. help you get started, but also provide the
tools to guide you along the way.
With the support of our education team,
Jeanna found herself completing homework
assignments, studying for tests and showing Already have a will? This kit can be a tremendous help
up to school prepared. Jeanna’s failing grades as you review your plans.
slowly turned into A’s and B’s and she finally
To request your free Will Kit, complete this coupon
began to feel ownership over her education.
or call 1-800-378-8266.
“i was able to come to school and just focus
on school,” said Jeanna. “At Mercy home, i And while you’re at it, please consider including a bequest
didn’t have to worry about where i was for the children of Mercy Home. Our legal title is:
going to sleep or what i was going to eat.” The Mission of Our Lady of Mercy, Inc.
now Jeanna takes her academics very seriously, Please send me your free Will Kit.
and works determinedly to earn her outstanding Please have someone contact me.
grades. As a result, our Mercy home family
is proud to announce that last spring, Jeanna I have already included Mercy Home
graduated from the 8th grade — and earned a in my estate plans.
spot at one of chicago’s prestigious high schools.
“Mercy home made a big difference in my
Name(s)
life,” Jeanna said. “They made me see that i’m
a better person and can do better in school.”
Address
But Jeanna’s words of praise are not just for Mercy
home — they’re for our extended family and City/State/Zip
friends like you, too. After all, it’s thanks to kind
and generous people like you that Mercy home Phone
can provide children like Jeanna the opportunity
for change, healing and growth. it’s your faithful Birthdate(s)
support that brings miracles to our home, and
for that our family will always be grateful. Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Attn: Dan Pritchard • 1140 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60607-2906
mercyhome.org • 1.800.378.8266
T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 5

6. s e r v i c e T r i P
Kids Give Homes, Hope to Others
a 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.
“It was really hard
work, but when
I thought about
how much we
would be helping
one family, it
made [the work] easier.”
To see these children heal and
grow into young men and women » Jamal
is a remarkable transformation.
They begin to understand that
they, too, can make a difference
in others’ lives by sharing their a house. Mentors, who have already
time, hearts and talents. Just graduated from the program, oversee
as you have sacrificed so much the building and offer guidance and
for them, our boys and girls are encouragement along the way.
eager to give back to others. “Learning about the obstacles that the
And ultimately, by following mentors overcame was very inspiring,”
your generous example, our said Susan Hackney, Mercy Home
children are able to find their program manager. “It was a great
paths toward healing. experience for our young men.”
Recently, a group of 10 young For three days, our young men woke
men made the 12-hour road up at dawn, rolled up their sleeves and
trip down to Greenville, pitched in alongside these local workers.
South Carolina to help build With each advance they made, our
Our young people were eager houses through the Homes young men grew more determined to
to follow your generous of Hope organization. Homes see their project through — and took
example and spend time giving of Hope provides housing for extraordinary care in building a home
back to families in need. homeless and low-income that would benefit a family in need.
families, while also providing
job training and support for Through the almost unbearable
former substance abusers. Southern sun, our dedicated
group helped to install a roof and
Men from local faith-based addiction- floors, and painted walls.
recovery programs are taught basic
carpentry, plumbing and electric “It was really hard work,” said 17-year-
skills — the skills needed to build old Jamal. “But when I thought about
6 Fa l l 2 011

7. Back to School Issue
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.
how much we would be helping one south would provide. our staff members
family, it made [the work] easier.” led the group through south carolina,
picnicking, riding bikes and dining out
To keep their spirits up and rally together to celebrate the fruits of their labor.
as a team, our hardworking group
gathered each evening for dinner, giving When our young men returned to
them a chance to share their feelings and Mercy home after three days of hard
encourage each other through the tough labor, exhausted but satisfied, they
work. Tending to their sore muscles, reflected on their time away.
our young men offered praise and
acknowledgement to those who had gone “it was one of the most amazing things
above and beyond expectations that day. i’ve ever done,” said 18-year-old Jermaine.
“it’s an experience that i will never forget.”
of course, the trip wasn’t all hard
work. While we strive for our kids Although our kids will never forget the
to understand the importance of fun they shared on their journey, it is
volunteering their time and energy to certainly the generosity of spirit they
benefit those less fortunate, we also know found in one another, and the willingness
it’s important for kids to experience to improve the lives of others that have
diversity and broaden their horizons. resonated most deeply with them — a life
lesson they might not have learned if it
so many of the young people at Mercy were not for the example of friendship and
home have never known more than the compassion from good people like you.
streets of the city — so they were eager
to embark on the adventure that the
T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 7

8. y o U T h s T o ry
From Violence to Mercy:
A Story of Survival
m
‘Now I Do Not Have to Be Scared. Now I Have a Future.’
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.
“It was so omar was raised by an aunt
and uncle after his mother died
dangerous you during childbirth when omar Thanks to the compassion, support and prayers
was a toddler. his father died later of friends like you, Omar — and countless kids
could not go that year after a long illness. just like him — finally found the safety and love
his war-torn country had taken away from him.
out at night, omar recalls his early years with
his aunt, uncle and cousin as
and it was not 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
always safe to daily with neighborhood children. Though omar remembers witnessing
periodic violence, the sharp sound of gunfire and hiding from the
even go out 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
during the day.” area increased and the occasional gunshots became commonplace.
it finally shattered one day when omar was about 11, after his
» Omar 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.
8 Fa l l 2 011

9. Back to School Issue
Through the efforts of faithful friends like you, our children find healing, happiness
and the encouragement needed to work toward a brighter tomorrow.
But this time was different. his uncle had They moved into a small, sparse chicago
been caught in the crossfire, and he had apartment, his aunt doing her best to
died before he could be taken to a hospital. make a comfortable home for the children.
however, before long, the neighborhood
“i could not believe it,” omar said, still they moved into proved to be little safer than
struggling with the english words to describe the places they had fled. gangs controlled
what happened. “it was very bad and my aunt the area, and omar and his cousin soon
cried for many days. My uncle was a very found themselves pressured to join.
good man and loved our family very much.”
Tragically, omar’s cousin fell into the
omar’s aunt soon decided that the wrong crowd and has maintained little
family could no longer risk the contact with his family since. his aunt,
escalating violence. she fled, taking determined not to lose omar too, searched
her son and omar to a cousin’s home for help and was referred to Mercy home.
in the country’s capital, Kampala.
since arriving at Mercy home last year,
once they arrived, however, the family omar has taken full advantage of our
found little peace. There was little money, academic and therapeutic programs, and
no opportunity to go to school and their has made remarkable progress. he is a
neighborhood was plagued by crime. dedicated student who makes his aunt
“it was so dangerous you could not go and his Mercy home family proud, and is
out at night, and it was not always safe to widely recognized for his work ethic and
even go out during the day,” said omar. for serving as a leader among his peers.
“We tried to hold school lessons at home, “i feel that for the first time in many years, i
but it was very difficult to focus.” am safe,” omar said. “i think that, for a very
finally, determined to find a better life for her long time, i was running. But now, i do not
family, omar’s aunt packed her few remaining have to be scared. now, i have a future.”
belongings and sought safety in the U.s.
T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 9

10. P l A n n e D g i v i n g
What in the World
Is Planned Giving?
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
even pay income to you (and/or to
someone you love). here are four ideas
worth taking the time to consider.
Idea #1
Perhaps 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
only will you learn a few interesting children with a pocket full of miracles.
planned giving concepts, you might
also discover an idea or two that you can designate a specific gift or
could benefit you right away. dollar amount, a percentage of what
you have, or even share the remainder
When you hear the words “planned of your estate after other loved ones
giving,” do certain images flash have been cared for. if you don’t
before your eyes? for example: have a will, writing one need not be
The planned giving material you expensive at all. should your plans
are sent probably uses lots of four already be in place, don’t let that stop
and five syllable words. it most you: a simple codicil will fit the bill.
likely discusses giving strategies And, you can change your mind at
No wonder this that are so complex that it would any time if circumstances warrant.
take a team of lawyers to explain.
stuff doesn’t Idea #2
get read. And no wonder this stuff doesn’t get read.
And that’s a shame, because some of life insurance is a “sleeper” type of
that’s a shame, these ideas really can help you — as gift. consider the policy your parents
purchased for you years ago. it’s sitting
because some well as the charities you love. At Mercy
in a file somewhere, right? or what
home, we use plain english to present
of these ideas ideas that can have a huge impact. about that policy you purchased in
case something happened to you but
really can help So let’s get started. that “something” never happened?
you — as well
simply put, planned gifts offer our There are plenty of examples, but
as the charities friends alternative ways to support the point is life insurance can make
you love. Mercy home’s children, often with an excellent — and flexible — gift
significant tax advantages. These to support our work. it’s simple to
types of gifts can also free your cash include Mercy home on a change
to do other things. some planned gifts of beneficiary form; you can always
10 Fa l l 2 011

11. Back to School Issue
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 #3
Do 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 for the rest of your life (lives). you
apply, though, so be sure to call us first can never outlive them! The payout
at 1-800-378-8266 to get all the details. rate is fixed and based on your age(s).
The payments are even partially tax-
Idea #4 free. Just call our toll-free number to
request a free, no-obligation proposal.
finally, earlier we spoke of a way to
make a gift to Mercy home and receive We hope this short lesson in planned
income back. There are a number giving was helpful. if you would like
of ways to do this, but the most more details about any of these topics,
common is a charitable gift annuity. you can request our free planning guide,
Directions. simply complete the coupon
By creating a gift annuity, you and/or below or call our office; once again,
someone you love will receive payments 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
T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 11

12. h o o P s T o h o M e W o r K
One of the most important life lessons
for our children is learning to work
Reaching new
heightS 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.
12 Fa l l 2 011

13. Back to School Issue
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!
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.
T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 13

14. Our Friends Remembered
We 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.
† rev. francis X. Alabart, † charles hanley, glen head, ny † raymond rand, ortonville, Mn
Delano, cA † claire Kneisel, chicago, il † rosalie Mary reil, fredericks, vA
† charles Aylstock, cincinnati, oh † ralph Knippen, Winfield, il † Marion schwass, lake county, in
† rosemary Batcher, † Margaret clark lester, † helen M. semmerling, chicago, il
rio rancho, nM Willow street, PA † Bernadette shoup, Toronto, on
† e. neil Belland, rapid river, Mi † Billye s. long, las vegas, nv † george sopczak, Worcester, MA
† Josephine Benfatti, Brooklyn, ny † heinz luedeking, Miami, fl † lucille M. stecjer, la crosse, Wi
† lorraine Bryar, oak lawn, il † Antoinette Maddalo, yonkers, ny † charles J. streicher,
† noel claudy, st. charles, il † Alice Manning, Whiting, nJ West seneca, ny
† eugene coan, Arlington † Margaret Mccarthy, † John T. sweet, ft. Walton
heights, il Boca raton, fl Beach, fl
† Mary Daley, cranston, ri † Adelaide r. McDonough, † george Terlep, spring hill, fl
† laneva Dehart, st. Peters, Mo chicago, il
† ralph W. Thelen, chicago, il
† Joseph f. Densberger, † grace e. Mcevoy, new york, ny
Des Plaines, il † Anna Mae e. Tragesser,
† faith v. Mcintyre, new york, ny
lagrange, il
† Mary K. Dick, chicago, il † Marion f. Melon, Monrovia, cA
† Anne B. Doherty, south † irene verneziale, Allentown, PA
† louis Miglio, Decatur, il
richmond hill, ny † Janet Z. verveer, Alexandria, vA
† Margaret M. Moellers,
† clarence J. eaton, glenview, il independence, iA † Margaret Widmer, cleveland, oh
† Angela ernst, stevens Point, Wi † cathy Murphy, † casimir Wojcik, chicago, il
† gerard fassbinder, elgin, iA san francisco, cA † Dorothy Wright, Kenner, lA
† edwin B. gainsborg, † Teresa Michaels o’Brien, † celestine s. Wrobel, castleton, ny
hollywood, fl scottsdale, AZ † Margaret Zuchowski,
† reginald J. groves, ritzville, WA † owen o’rourke, Mobile, Al Des Plaines, il
† Pataricia Piepho, Park ridge, il
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.
BEANO
revisited
by Margaret Ahern
first published in the
May 1960 edition
of The Waifs’ Messenger.
14 Fa l l 2 011

15. Back to School Issue
Network
me Hands-on
Hero #75, Mercy Ho
A special thank you
to our friends for
their extraordinary
roup efforts on behalf
a dedicated g
Hands- on Network is that
of the children of
Mercy Home e little extras
by Deb Hoffman, the d together to provide th
f meeting
Mercy Home.
Coordinated ho have joine importance o
M ercy Home w ds know the ey
of friends of ls . These frien tion — but th
to ou r boys and gir apeutic ca re and educa irls .
mean so much d shelter, ther ur boys and g
c ne e ds — food an little more comfort to o
our kids’ basi rovide just a t together
to fi nd a way to p n Network pu
also wanted the Hands-o ppiness
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At Easter , for example is gave our Home an extr g faces. For more
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125 Easter b askets for ou n, and bro ught smiles to beyond the information
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This past sum ys make the p, the
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basics to help to new backp be kids!
s and helmets relax and just Hero, please
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twork made
Hands-on Ne (312) 738-4381 or susflo@mercyhome.org.
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.
mercyhome.org/matchinggifts
T h e Wa i F s ’ m e s s e n g e r 15

16. Become a Guardian Angel to a Child
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.
“Sometimes my mom would get so angry she would
Call take everything away from me—my blankets,
877-Mercy55 my jacket, even my shoes—and kick me out
(877-637-2955) of the house. Even when it was the middle
to join of winter. She just didn’t care.”
today! —Adam, 12 years old
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