This document summarizes an article from the winter 2011 issue of The Waifs' Messenger about a student named Raffi who struggled academically due to a lack of structure at home. When Raffi moved into Mercy Home, he found the support and encouragement he needed to succeed, including a set schedule, tutoring help, and accountability for his schoolwork and grades. As a result, Raffi went from failing grades to earning all A's and B's. The support of donors to Mercy Home enables them to provide students with educational programs that help them achieve academic success.

1. T H E
MESSENGER
Waifs’ OF MERC Y HOME FOR BOYS & GIR L S
W int er 2011 • Vo lum e 111, Numb er 3
P u b l i sh e d fo r o ve r 10 0 ye a r s
I n s ide: Sk at i n g for Jo y • Tutor s I n st i l l Con f ide nc e •
Fr o m St r i fe to St r a ig ht A’s • Mu sic L i f t s Spi r it s • Nat u r e’s He a l i n g Po we r

2. Kidz Korner
Let it show…
Just look at
these faces!
The bright
smiles, hearts
full of hope and
gratitude—these are the faces
of the children whose lives your generous
friendship so deeply impacts. Through
your kindness and support, these kids
can, at long-last, enjoy the magic and
wonder of wintertime. Whether they’re
outside our front door relishing in
a snowball fight or gliding across
an ice skating rink, thanks to
you, they are comforted by the
knowledge that a secure Home
and loving family await them at
the end of a chilly winter’s day.
2
2 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

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Father Scott’ Reflection
s
Potential is Paramount
One of my favorite parables that takes—that they’ll be able to
Jesus shares with us in the Gospels create a positive, rewarding
revolves around a gardener and his future for themselves. One filled
abiding belief in a fig tree’s potential. with unlimited potential.
You see, there’s this fig tree that has We do this by giving our young
yet to yield any fruit. The owner people a safe and happy Home,
of the fig tree tells his gardener providing them with excellent
to cut the tree down, as it is not role models and—as you’ll read in
fulfilling its intended purpose—to this issue of The Waifs’ Messenger—
produce figs for the owner to sell. truly unique educational and
spiritual opportunities.
The gardener, having affection for
that which is in his charge and faith On pages 10–11 you’ll find a
in God’s creations, begged the owner remarkable story of our kids’ recent
to give the tree a second chance.
He asked the owner to reserve his
spiritual journey. This special
gathering, made possible through your
Contents
judgment until every method had generous support, lends our children
been exhausted. Even though the self-awareness and confidence while Embracing Education 4–5
odds are against him, the gardener teaching them to nurture their spirits.
promises to cultivate the soil and Alisha’s Story 6–7
fertilize the ground, giving the tree I’m also thrilled to introduce you to
every opportunity to produce figs. Alisha (pages 6–7), a young woman
who, like our fig tree in the Gospel, Music at Mercy 8–9
As I reread that parable and prayed looked to be lost. But through faith
over its meaning, it occurred to and a newfound hope, she has grown
me that the care of the gardener is into a most promising young adult. Spiritual Retreat 10–11
very much the same care that we
Of course, none of this would be
provide for the children here at How Will You
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. possible without our faithful friends
like you. Your encouraging support— Be Remembered? 12–13
These children often come to us much like the gardener’s—continues
broken, battered, bruised and to nourish this mission’s work. And Mercy Home Heroes 14
neglected. They come to us having while that gardener is left to wait
abandoned hopes and dreams, and and see if his faith is rewarded, I
feeling as though they have little, can assure you that your love and Double Your Gift 15
if anything, to offer the world. commitment are bearing fruit every
day through the successes, large For an insider’s look around
It is my belief that if we give these and small, of our girls and boys.
kids a chance—or a second, third our Mercy Home, please
or fourth, or however many it visit www.mercyhome.org.
T H E WA I F S ’ M E S S E N G E R 3

4. EDUCATION
Structure, Discipline
Key to Success
n
A’s and B’s New Norm for Previously Struggling Student
o matter how smart a young person may be, if he is
disorganized, he is less likely to succeed. Raffi was a good
example of this—until he got help from Mercy Home.
Raffi was always bright, but he wasn’t living up to his
potential. He grew up in a single-parent household
with his mom working long hours to support her two
sons. Raffi often came home after school to an empty
house. Without structure and oversight, Raffi usually put
off starting his homework until late in the evening. He’d
❄
often stay up until 2 a.m. working on his assignments.
Compounding the lack of effort, Raffi was also
disorganized. “I didn’t use an assignment notebook,”
he said. “I never knew what to bring home from school, At Mercy Home,
or what to bring back to school.” An unstructured Raffi found the
home environment and poor organizational habits guidance, support
placed a severe strain on the young man both inside and encouragement
and outside of the classroom. Ultimately, Raffi he needed to excel
lost the motivation to complete his homework at in his studies.
all and he began to openly defy his teachers.
“There’s always When his schoolwork looked like it couldn’t get any worse, Raffi’s mom
began to look for help. She found Mercy Home on the Internet and placed
a child care a call that would change her son’s life. In January of 2009, Raffi moved into
Mercy Home. Like so many of our kids, he was unused to having structure
worker around built into his day. He was unaccustomed to having adults there to make
sure he did his homework. But soon enough, he began to succeed in school.
and you can tell With a set study time and bedtime each night, Raffi was able to complete
his homework and get to bed before 10 o’clock—like most 12-year-olds.
they really care
Through volunteer tutors that Mercy Home provides five nights a week,
about their job.” Raffi was able to get one-on-one help with his homework. He also had
someone there to hold him accountable for his schoolwork and his grades.
» Raffi “At Mercy Home, your grades are monitored and you can get help
when you need it,” Raffi said. “There’s always a child care worker
around and you can tell they really care about their job.”
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5. Through the support of faithful friends like you, we are able to offer our kids the
very best education possible—and the tools to help them achieve success.
Recently, in partnership with the Rush progress report showed that he’s earning
Neurobehavioral Center, Mercy Home all A’s and B’s, is turning in his homework
implemented an executive functioning program, on time and is following school rules.
which taught Raffi how to use an assignment
notebook, helped him to keep his assignments Raffi’s is not an uncommon story at Mercy Home.
in order and showed him how to prioritize his Many kids come to us more than two years
schoolwork. The executive functioning program behind in core subjects like math and reading.
has helped many of our kids become more goal Their struggles stem from a variety of pressures
directed, improve their organizational processes in and out of the classroom, but so often, they are
and practice better time management—all intelligent kids who just never learned the skills
of which help in school and social settings. needed to follow through on schoolwork. But
given the right tools and resources, these kids
“Executive functioning helps me a lot,” Raffi can be overachievers; they can be receiving A’s
said. “It helps me make sure that everything and B’s instead of failing. You give them these
is organized and in the right place.” tools through your support of Mercy Home.
You open the doors for kids like Raffi to use
Almost a year after Raffi walked through Mercy the gifts they already have, and to realize their
Home’s doors for the first time, he is doing full potential. And for this, we thank you.
markedly better in school. His most recent
T H E WA I F S ’ M E S S E N G E R 5

6. Y O U T H S T O RY
Rocky Road Turns Smooth
Teen Flourishes Knowing ‘Where Next Meal Will Come From’
d
espite being very young, so many kids “Sometimes I would come home
come to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls from school to the place that we
having already lived full lifetimes of last stayed, and they would tell me
pain and hardship. They know what that my mom left,” Alisha said. “I
it’s like to live on the run. They know had to find out where she went.”
what it’s like to be physically and
emotionally abused. They know what Eventually, Kayla’s friends and family
it’s like to lose someone close to them. could no longer enable her drug habits
Alisha knows hardships like these. But and her irresponsible ways. Nor could
if you saw her today, you could hardly they allow the family to stay in their
imagine all that she’s overcome. homes. After nearly a year of toughing
it out in shelters, Kayla moved herself
Today, the 16-year-old high school and her daughter to Tennessee to live
❄
sophomore is getting straight A’s in with a man whom she barely knew.
school. She is the president of the That man turned out to be physically
debate club. Overall, she is a happy, abusive toward both Kayla and Alisha.
ambitious teenager. Alisha works
part time at a local sandwich shop Kayla fled back to Chicago with her
and recently made the junior varsity daughter. Her sister Lucy, who was
basketball team at her high school. It’s aware of Kayla’s drug habit, offered
hard to believe that a mere two years to support her and Alisha on the
ago, Alisha viewed simply attending condition that Kayla check herself
high school—much less succeeding in to a drug rehabilitation center. In
July of 2006, Kayla did, and for the
“[Mercy Home has] there—as nothing but a dream.
first time in Alisha’s young life, she
Alisha had it rough from the start. “We was living in a stable environment
offered me were always moving around,” she said. “I in her aunt’s Lucy’s home while her
didn’t stay in any school for more than a mother was working to get clean.
more support year.” She was born to a mother who was
addicted to crack cocaine, and who used The next year, Kayla graduated from
and love in the drug throughout her pregnancy. Her rehab and set her sights creating a better
biological father was arrested on drug- life for her family. She married a man
the last two related charges while her mom was named Tom and moved into his house
pregnant, and has been incarcerated in Chicago’s south suburbs. Alisha
years than my for the last 17 years. Her mother, Kayla, now found herself enjoying the loving
who continues to struggle with drug family life she’d always dreamed about.
mom ever did.” addiction, was left to care for young “Tom was like my dad,” Alisha
Alisha by herself, and she moved the two said. “He always helped me with
» Alisha of them around frequently. Before Alisha my homework and took me out
was 5, she and her mother had stayed off to eat at my favorite places.”
and on at 10 different apartments, and
crashed on the couches of sympathetic Things seemed to be looking up, but
friends. Her mother often disappeared. after just a year, Alisha received a
6 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

7. “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
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.
Alisha knows she has generous friends like you to
thank for the bright future she now has ahead of her. Already have a will? This kit can be a tremendous help
as you review your plans.
terrible jolt when Tom was killed in a car accident.
Faced with the devastating news, Kayla relapsed To request your free Will Kit, complete this coupon
and fell deep into drugs. Alisha, meanwhile, or call 1-800-378-8266.
was growing into a teenager and her aunt, who
was unable to support her any longer, needed And while you’re at it, please consider including a bequest
to find another solution. Through a counselor for the children of Mercy Home. Our legal title is:
at their church, she found Mercy Home. The Mission of Our Lady of Mercy, Inc.
Alisha took to Mercy Home right away. The Please send me your free Will Kit.
structure, stability and support that we offer Please have someone contact me.
gave Alisha the chance to succeed. She stopped
I have already included Mercy Home
worrying about where she and her mother would
in my estate plans.
sleep that night. She knew when and where her
next meal would come from. She was finally
able to have the life that she enjoyed when Through hard work and
she lived with Tom—but this time, she knew Name(s)
determination, Carissa
it could not and would not be taken away. dedicated herself to
Address
“At first, it was hard for me to understand that the her studies—and the
staff at Mercy Home could care about me so much,” knowledge and confidence
City/State/Zip
she said. “They’ve offered me more support and she’s gained as a result
love in the last two years than my mom ever did.” will last her a lifetime.
Phone
It’s because of good friends like you that Alisha
has the stability, safety and support she needs to Birthdate(s)
plot a course for a real future. She is determined
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
to succeed. And we know that with your Attn: Dan Pritchard • 1140 West Jackson Blvd.
continued support and friendship, anything is Chicago, IL 60607-2906
possible for this remarkable young woman. mercyhome.org • 1.800.378.8266
T H E WA I F S ’ M E S S E N G E R 7

8. M U S I C T H E R A P Y
Music Fills Mercy Home
with Healing, Inspiration
t he halls of Mercy Home are alive with
the sound of music. The tinkling of
a piano, the gentle strumming of a
guitar, and the staccato beating of a
snare drum waft from room to room.
But Mercy Home’s kids aren’t starting
up a band—at least, not yet. They are
participating in one of our brand new
initiatives here at the Home: music therapy.
Each Thursday and Friday afternoon,
Debbie, a staff member in our Education
Department praises the new program
as a spirited and creative companion
to our children’s traditional ongoing
therapy sessions. “It’s great to see how
much [the kids] love going each week
and learning new things in such an
energized and therapeutic atmosphere.”
Music has long been considered a healing
influence, and music therapy has been used
widely in hospitals, nursing homes and
our boys and girls have the opportunity schools to alleviate physical and emotional
to attend music lessons with a licensed pain for everyone from Alzheimer’s
music therapist. Our young people are patients to the chronically depressed.
offered a host of instruments to master
over the course of several weeks. Whether Traditionally, music therapy begins with
they choose the violin, voice or the piano, an assessment of each participant’s needs,
these kids are finding a creative outlet for paying special attention to their emotional
self-expression and a healthy avenue for well-being, communication abilities, and
channeling some of their anger, fear or pain. social and cognitive functioning. From
Piano lessons are just one of the many classes now being offered through our new music therapy program. These music
lessons not only broaden our kids’ horizons, but they also bring healing, imagination and creative expression into their lives.
8
8 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

9. Through your generous support, our boys and girls have had the opportunity to take up a
musical instrument for the first time. Encouraging hard work, discipline and creativity, our
music therapy program is garnering much excitement from kids and staff members alike.
there, each music lesson, whether private experience the imagination, discipline
or group-oriented, is designed to address and beauty that music-making inspires.
these strengths and weaknesses through
songwriting, music play and performance. But now, due in part to your faithful
friendship, our boys and girls are tapping
Here at Mercy Home, a great number of into their creative souls and taking up
our kids have enthusiastically signed up instruments that offer them rewards
for group drumming lessons. “This class and challenges in equal measure.
teaches our youth to compromise and
helps them learn to work as a team,” says Some of our children, true poets at
Debbie. “The music therapist works with heart, have even expressed an interest
each drum student, helping them grow in writing their own lyrics. Without
in the areas of teamwork and patience.” the musical know-how, they were never
able to write a song. Now, with the help
But our newest program isn’t just about of our music therapist, these budding
teaching these valuable lessons to lyricists are learning to compose their
our young people. Our music therapy own music and bring their words to life.
classes are also intended to inspire our
children to dream—and dream big. Thanks to the continued support of friends
like you, Mercy Home’s young people
Before they came to Mercy Home, have a greater chance to realize their
many of our kids would never have potential and improve their lives—now
thought of playing a musical instrument. more than ever. And each Thursday and
Living in homes where even the basic Friday evening, as our Home erupts into
necessities of food and proper clothing song, trust that our family will be giving
were scarce—not to mention attending thanks to you for the spirit, creativity
poverty-stricken schools that often cut and healing that your friendship has
music programs to stay afloat—our helped bring into our children’s lives.
children were never given the chance to
T H E WA I F S ’ M E S S E N G E R 9

10. S P I R I T U A L R E T R E AT
Nature, Solitude Foster
Faith and Trust
i
n addition to a roof over their heads, “All of the activities were centered on
warm clothes to wear and nutritious God’s love,” said Mario, a staff member
meals to eat, we work hard to provide here at Mercy Home. “It was truly a
our children with therapeutic ways to wonderful opportunity for the young
heal. Some of our boys and girls find men to explore their spirituality.”
that art or music therapy (as you read
about on pages 8 and 9) is helpful as a Our boys went on nature walks,
creative outlet to channel their energy. exploring the beauty of the woods
Others find peace in group therapy surrounding the retreat house they
stayed in. For many of them, this was
❄
or by going on one of our retreats.
the first time they had left the city; this
This is exactly what a group of was their first opportunity to enjoy
our young men experienced when nature. These walks also offered many
they attended the annual Mercy quiet places for reflection and solace.
Home Spiritual Retreat, led by
several of our childcare workers. “The nature walk was one of the
most memorable moments of the
During the two-day trip, our young trip this year,” said Mario. “The kids
men were invited to partake in were amazed by the wild turkeys
a variety of activities, including and foxes they saw, and by how God
“The retreat readings and group discussions. spoke to them through nature.”
offered the Later, the childcare workers led
boys a chance our boys in group therapy sessions,
where they could share their thoughts
to connect and offer support to each other.
with God on Through these sessions, our young
men were able to connect with
a personal others who had the same interests
level and to or questions about their faith.
understand “The retreat offered the boys a
their belief chance to connect with God on a
personal level and to understand
system.” their belief system,” said Mario.
“They learned where to draw
» Mario, strength and encouragement from.”
Mercy Home Our children found solace and comfort They focused on learning how to
staff member in moments of quiet reflection respect and care for each other. Many
during our latest Spiritual Retreat. of the boys on the trip bonded with
10 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

11. Our Spiritual Retreats encourage our young people to look inward, and to explore
and strengthen their relationships with God—and with themselves.
each other in ways they never thought they different points of reflection. Afterward,
would. Two of our young men formed a new our childcare workers prayed individually
friendship because, as they said, “we now with each young woman. Many of our girls
understand where the other is coming from.” agreed this was the highlight of the trip.
“The best part of the retreat is when “The best part was the spiritual walk,”
our young people start to open up said Mercy Home youth Keisha. “I felt like
and express how religion is a huge I was walking into the arms of God.”
part of their lives,” said Mario.
Overall, the retreat had a profound spiritual
Our young women had an equally impact on our young men and women.
impactful spiritual retreat. This year’s
theme was “Trust: Trusting Yourself, Mario said, “I believe they left with a
Trusting God and Trusting Others.” clearer sense of God in their everyday
life and how much He cares for them.”
During the retreat, the girls participated
in a trust walk, in which a young Thanks to wonderful friends like you, we
woman wearing a blindfold was guided are able to make these trips possible. Our
along by another, teaching the girls young men and women come from lives
to trust and lean on one another. full of strife and abuse, and with your
help we are able to offer them the spiritual
Our young women also went on a nighttime and therapeutic healing they need. We
spiritual walk, where each girl followed are so blessed for your friendship.
a path dotted with luminaries that led to
T H E W A I F S ’ M E S S E N G E R 11

12. P L A N N E D G I V I N G
How Will You
Be Remembered?
b
egin with the end in mind. decisions you have made in life? What
would these strangers say about you?
Back in the ’60s, I was taught by Would they know what values were dear
the Sisters of St. Dominic. They had to you? What would they say about your
high expectations for their students, character, your morals and your heart?
but almost 50 years later I can still
remember much of the sisters’ advice. Would they know what
your life stood for?
For example, in religion class we
were warned to guard against bad I encourage you to bring that thinking
habits; they could lead to our ruin. to bear when you review your will or
These good women wanted us to when you create it for the first time.
❄
grow up strong and they were also Would those who read your will know
genuinely concerned for our souls. about your values … your character …
your heart … what your life stood for?
In 1990, the famous author
Stephen Covey looked at habits in There is a term “Final Will and
a different light, focusing on those Testament.” Legal definitions aside,
that could actually be good for us. consider what your will is a testament
One habit he recommended was to. It could be so much more than
“Begin with the end in mind.” an instruction guide for disposing
of your earthly possessions. It
What if Whether we are fighting bad habits or could serve as a love letter to those
strangers cultivating good ones, the exercise is
the same: we must look inside ourselves
people and institutions you have
cared about so deeply during life.
were able before we make an important decision.
to view all Covey’s idea of beginning with the
Would you ever consider including the
children of Mercy Home for Boys and
the critical end in mind suggests that we will be Girls in your last will and testament?
judged by the impact of our decisions,
decisions you and our decisions—at their heart—
They are children you have cared for
during life. You have helped them to
have made are a reflection of our character. become who God intended them to be.
in life? What When we can picture in our mind’s eye For that, they will always be in your debt.
would these the look and feel of what we are setting As we plan for a Mercy Home future, we
out to accomplish, it not only motivates
strangers say us, it also influences our decisions. Peace
must look to the past. For almost 124
years we have yet to have a shortage
about you? of mind comes about by being true to of children who desperately need
who we are when we set our goals. a second chance at life. That trend
Here’s a test to ponder: What if strangers will most likely continue. But one
were able to view all the critical
12 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

13. 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.
can’t help wonder, who will be there codicil to your will. A codicil is a
to care for our future children? simple addition that takes little time or
trouble. Think of the impact that loving
Perhaps it will be you. gesture could have on our children!
It doesn’t take much. Writing your will Don’t hesitate to call our office at
is relatively inexpensive, especially (800) 378-8266 if you would
when compared to the blood, sweat and like to discuss the possibilities
tears you put into your life’s work. And further. Or feel free to complete
making a bequest to Mercy Home would the coupon below to request your
mean so much to our boys and girls. free planning guide, “Techniques
You can make a specific bequest to for Planning a Successful Will.”
support our Home, leave a percentage By the way, an additional bonus for
of your estate, or give us a portion of those who do remember us in their
what remains after you’ve taken care estate plans is membership in our
of others whom you love. Some folks Archangel Society. It offers many
even make Mercy Home the sole or spiritual benefits, including a perpetual
partial beneficiary of a life insurance remembrance in our Masses and prayers.
policy. (Our corporate title is “The
Mission of Our Lady of Mercy, Inc.”) Thank you for the mercy you have
extended to the kids of Mercy.
If you already have a will, you could You have truly blessed us.
contact your attorney to write a
To learn more, call us at (800) 378-8266
Please send me your free booklet, Techniques for Planning a Successful Will
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 W A 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.
† Marion Amann, Sandia, NM † Anna Marie Croccia, † Mary LaVeta Meiers,
† Delia Anderson, Cuba, IL Washington, DC Arlington Heights, IL
† Vera Baranauskas, † Helen Dancs, Allentown, PA † Angie Noto, Tampa, FL
Woodbury, CT † Florence Devenish, Lisle, IL † Anthony Puchenski,
† Antoinette Beery, † William Gundel, Evanston, IL Chesterton, IN
Rolling Meadows, IL † Esther Hart, Moline, IL † Beatrice M. Reischl, Belleville, IL
† Theresa Rose Bleemel, † Lillian Heimler, Beaver Dam, WI † Robert Ryan, Canton, OH
Louisville, KY † George Hrdina, Fort Myers, FL † Mary Jean Schummer,
† William J. and Paula A. † Alma Kuest, Fort Loramie, OH Prospect Heights, IL
Boyd, Sacramento, CA † Margaret D. Seifen, Chicago, IL
† Mary Lawrence, Chicago, IL
† Barbara Buckner, Pine City, MN † Virginia Shall, Johnsonburg, PA
† Lucien Letteriello,
† J. Doreen Chadbourne, Staten Island, NY † Edward F. Spencer,
Yucca Valley, CA Pensacola, FL
† Dolores M. Mattei,
† Margaret Conner, Davenport, IA Cleveland, OH † Helen M. Young, Sioux City, IA
† James Meehan, Naperville, IL † Margaret Zummo, Northfield, 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.
h ero #25, Brendan H ero #62, Marleen
A special thank you
to our friends for
their extraordinary
efforts on behalf
of the children of
een
g world, Marl Mercy Home.
ars in the workin
After many ye hool to pursu
e an
tor decided to go back to sc duation
cy Home men brated her gra
On his 35th birthday, Mer to later, she cele y
go Marathon MBA . Years ues and famil
Brendan ran the Chica fr iends, colleag
r Home. “It is
truly a by asking her s to Mercy H
o me .
raise money for ou on that I am m ake donation
an organizati members to t to use prov
iding
al place and ank s The dona tions were pu
speci g,” he says. Th (above) head
ed back
out supportin es as our kids
passionate ab cy Home is o
fficially new sho arleen!
’s effort s, Mer . Thank you, M
to Brendan for 2011! to sc hool this fall
rathon team
starting a Chicago Ma
For more information on how to become a
Mercy Home Hero, please contact Karen at
(312) 738-7567 or karmat@mercyhome.org.
14 W I N T E R 2 0 1 1

15. Watch your gift grow!
Did you know that you can double your
generous gifts to Mercy Home’s boys
and girls year-round?
Thousands of companies nationwide will double—
or even triple—gifts their employees make to Mercy
Home. Some will even match gifts made by retirees,
employees’ spouses or board members.
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!
Double your impact on the lives of Mercy Home’s
kids—and make 2011 their most promising yet!
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
BEANO
revisited
by Margaret Ahern
First published in the
February 1954 edition
of The Waifs’ Messenger.
T H E W A 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 take everything away from me—my
Call blankets, my jacket, even my shoes—and kick
877-Mercy55 me out of the house. Even when it was the
(877-637-2955)
middle of winter. She just didn’t care.”
to join
—Adam, 12 years old
today!
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