1. e
as
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su Waifs’
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T h e
ris
Messenger
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of Merc y hoMe for Boys & gir l s
C hr is t mas 2011 • Vo lum e 112, Numb er 2
P u b l i sh e d fo r o ve r 10 0 ye a r s
I n side: Work I s K e y to Succe s s • K id s M a k e a D i f fe r e nce •
D i s co ve r i ng Ch r i st m a s Joy • The Powe r of B eq ue st s • Ru n n i ng to He a l

2. Kidz Korner
❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆ ❄ ❅ ❆
Picturing a Merry Christmas
Of all the gifts friends like you will be giving
this Christmas season, the greatest one of
all could be the gift you’ve given to the
boys and girls of Mercy Home. With all
the kindness, concern and generosity you
share with our children throughout the year,
you provide for them the basics of food,
clothing and shelter, but you also promise
them something very special — a Home for
the holidays. And just like any family would
do, our Mercy Home family finds great
delight in the small moments: the holiday
meal shared around our family table, the
small gifts exchanged between friends, and
the laughter, love and togetherness that
this most sacred season brings. With these
photographs, our family invites you into our
Home this Christmas for a special glimpse
of the joyous moments your friendship and
generosity make possible.
2 C h r i s t m a s 2 011

3. noitcefleR s ttocS rehtaF
’
Father Scott’ Reflection
s
family Makes
christmas Memories
like many, i have fond memories of sadly, for so many of the young
christmases past. leaning forward men and women of Mercy home,
to catch a glimpse of my siblings, all this isn’t too far off from how
sitting atop their warmest winter christmas Day was for them. Maybe
coats, and lined up in a pew for they would forget completely, or
christmas Mass. crowding in front spend the whole day alone in front of
of a twinkling tree for each year’s the TV, or worse, fearfully avoiding
holiday photo as carols streamed the wrath of an abusive parent.
through the radio, or bowing our
heads in prayer as we gathered so when the holiday season arrives,
around our christmas dinner. and we are prompted to give thanks
and reflect on our blessings, i can
each year as this season comes promise you that our Mercy home Contents
around, i find myself reflecting family always gives thanks for you.
on these wonderful moments Job Enhances
of my youth. And what strings your presence in our home and your Education 4–5
all my warmest and happiest faithful assistance in our mission
holiday memories together is are nothing short of life-saving — Serving the
the presence of family. and life-giving — to our kids. your Community 6–7
compassion, concern and care for
i can’t tell you how much it our children offers them the chance Sharing Christmas
breaks my heart to think of the at a second childhood, one that
Together 8–9
christmases many of our kids had guarantees them safety, opportunity
before coming to Mercy home. i and a family that truly loves them. Planned Giving’s
can tell you that many of them
never involved a loving family. on behalf of our entire Mercy home Impact 10–11
family, thank you for all that you’ve
can you even imagine waking up shared throughout the year with our Marathoning
on christmas morning and going children. from our family to yours, for Mercy 12–13
about your day as if there were have a truly Merry christmas, and
nothing as extraordinary as the a blessed and joyful new year! Mercy Home Heroes 14
birth of our savior to celebrate? no
christmas Mass, no special dinner Blessings, Double Your Gift 15
to gather around a table and give
thanks for the year’s blessings, no For an insider’s look around
carols, no exchange of gifts, no our Mercy Home, please
falling asleep with that little extra joy visit www.mercyhome.org.
from the day’s magic and wonder.
t h e Wa i f s ’ m e s s e n g e r 3

4. eDucATion
Job Experience Key to Success
l
ike any well-rounded kid, lindsey excels lindsey came to Mercy home just over
in more than just academics. After three years ago, before entering 8th grade.
securing a summer job at Mercy Beaucoup!, even though she did well in school at
lindsey is now continuing to grow in that young age, she knows now that she
her role there during the school year. would not have had educational success
if Mercy home had not offered her
Mercy Beaucoup!, in the heart of chicago’s guidance, support and encouragement in
old Town neighborhood, is a resale the classroom — things we are able to give
boutique dedicated to supporting the our children because of friends like you.
mission of and raising funds for Mercy
home, all while providing invaluable “Mercy home helped me with my
job training and experience for our education,” lindsey said. “They provided
youth. At Mercy home, we believe the me with opportunities that i probably
experience young adults gain while wouldn’t experience living with [her
holding a job or internship plays a key guardian] or attending a public school.”
role in their educational success.
While we stress the importance of school
“[holding a job] gives our kids a purpose,” to all of our kids, lindsey, like many
said liz Mulligan, vice president of the of them, really took advantage of the
Academy at Mercy home. “it allows them resources we provide. Through after-school
to apply their classroom knowledge to the programs, lindsey has taken many classes
real world and see how all the pieces fit at Mercy home that enhance her learning.
“School is together, and it gives them motivation to Through volunteer tutors, lindsey has
want to do well in all areas of their lives.” been able to find the extra help she needs
important to on math homework, for example. And
through career resources, lindsey found
me because it a job, allowing her to connect everything
she’s learned together, to not only grasp the
will help me to value of a good education, but to make sure
be successful… she gives her best effort in order to succeed.
“school is important to me because it will
and I know it help me to be successful,” lindsey said.
will help me “i’ve always liked school, and i know it
will help me learn important life skills.”
learn important lindsey graduated from 8th grade at the
life skills.” private chicago elementary school where
Mercy home placed her. compared to
her old school, lindsey said, the students
—Lindsey were more studious and focused on
school, and the classes were much smaller.
The now 16-year-old is almost halfway
through her junior year at a premier
high school on chicago’s south side.
4 C h r i s t m a s 2 011

5. “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
After learning to excel in school, Lindsey strives
to earn one more “A” — at her new job. Lindsey’s overwhelming. At Mercy Home we’ve
success both inside the classroom and at Mercy put together a Will Kit that will not only
Beaucoup! are only made possible through the help you get started, but also provide the
generosity and kindness of good friends like you. tools to guide you along the way.
As a sophomore, lindsey began taking honors Already have a will? This kit can be a tremendous help
classes, and has continued to do so during her as you review your plans.
junior year. from honors Algebra 2 Trigonometry,
to honors Pre-calculus, lindsey has maintained To request your free Will Kit, complete this coupon
steady grades of A’s and B’s. “My favorite or call 1-800-378-8266.
subject is math, because there is always a right
answer,” she explained. “you are able to find And while you’re at it, please consider including a bequest
out what you did wrong and make it right.” for the children of Mercy Home. Our legal title is:
The Mission of Our Lady of Mercy, Inc.
When she’s not in school or studying, lindsey
cheers on her high school’s varsity squad for Please send me your free Will Kit.
the football and basketball teams. lindsey Please have someone contact me.
also has big plans for her future — she aspires
to be a veterinarian, possibly getting her I have already included Mercy Home
degree from eastern illinois university. “i in my estate plans.
love animals,” she said. “i feel like [animals]
should be treated just as well as humans.”
Name(s)
Without the support of friends like you, Mercy
home would have never been able to fuel Address
lindsey’s zest for her education. Because of
your generosity, we are able to provide lindsey,
City/State/Zip
and kids like her, with educational programs
that help them discover their full potential.
Phone
While she keeps herself busy in many other
activities, lindsey never loses sight of what Birthdate(s)
is most important to her. “school is my main
priority,” lindsey said. “i am determined to do Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Attn: Dan Pritchard • 1140 West Jackson Blvd.
my best, and if i’m not, then i try harder.” 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. c o M M u n i T y s e rV i c e
‘One Person Doing One
e
Small Thing’ Makes a Difference
ver an energetic, active young girl, Kim is always busy. she
takes part in numerous Mercy home activities, including
tutoring, art therapy and a running club, and she recently
landed a part-time job serving coffee at a local cafe.
But no matter how busy she gets, Kim always makes time — together with
the girls she lives with at Mercy home — to volunteer and give back to her
community. This christmas season, she is particularly excited to spend
time helping at a local food bank, packing cans of vegetables, boxes of rice
and other necessities to share with needy families for their holiday meals.
Many of our kids enjoy volunteering, but for Kim,
this act of giving back has a special meaning.
“When you’re the one Kim was raised by her elderly grandmother.
her mother and father left her early on, and
getting the help, it her grandmother was the only parent she ever
knew. Kim’s grandmother was unable to work
makes all the difference and struggled to feed the growing child.
in the world. Those “We probably would have gone hungry,” Kim
said, “but there was this group of people from
volunteers who helped our church, and they would gather food during
christmas and even after, to bring to me and
me and my grandma my grandma. And they would even come over
and help us cook, or shovel snow for us, all
changed my whole life.” for free. Just because they wanted to help.”
one day, about two years ago, Kim’s
—Kim grandmother fell and broke her hip. she
never fully regained her strength after that,
and she was moved into a nursing home.
it was during this time that one of the church volunteers, a caring
woman named Diana, told Kim about Mercy home. After Kim moved
to Mercy home, Diana and some of the other volunteers began to visit
Kim here or take her to visit her grandmother. it is in appreciation of
their kindness that Kim has taken so enthusiastically to helping others.
Volunteering is now a passion for Kim. her eyes light up at the
chance to take part in volunteer activities throughout the year, and
to pay forward the love and generosity that provided such support
6 C h r i s t m a s 2 011

7. Our kids know well how compassion can change the lives of those in need. Following your
compassionate and generous example, they are eager to give back to make a difference for others.
during her own childhood, whether through walking dogs at a local
animal shelter, feeding the homeless or cleaning a neighborhood park.
“it’s so amazing to be able to help,” Kim said. “And some people think with
volunteering that one person doing one small thing doesn’t really make a difference.
But it does. When you’re the one getting the help, it makes all the difference in the
world. Those volunteers who helped me and my grandma changed my whole life.”
These activities are incredibly meaningful for children like Kim, and
they impart lasting lessons in kindness, leadership and compassion.
Though so many of our kids’ young lives have been marked by pain
and sadness, they have also been lifted up by the kindness of others —
people like you who, out of the goodness of your hearts, reach out to
those in need and lend a helping hand and a word of encouragement.
That compassion is not only a source of comfort for Mercy home’s
boys and girls, but of inspiration. for it is through the goodness of
friends like you that our children learn the importance of helping
others, and it is because of you that they, in turn, are motivated to
make a lasting difference in the lives of so many more in need.
t h e Wa i f s ’ m e s s e n g e r 7

8. c h r i s T M A s s T o ry
Finding Joy in Sharing
Kids Have a Merry Christmas — Because of You
j
ust as it is in any family home, Christmas is a deeply emotional
time for the children of Mercy Home. Our kids not only reflect
on days past, but they create new memories that they will
cherish for years to come, thanks to the compassionate support
and unwavering dedication of good friends like you.
See, for many of our children, their first Christmas at Mercy
Home is often the first happy one in their lives. But for those
who lost people they loved, it is instead a second chance at
happiness, an opportunity to regain the joy they once had.
That was the case for Shaun, who came to Mercy Home
just over a year ago.
Shaun’s life was never easy, but at least when he was little,
it was usually happy. His mother had struggled all her
life with mental illness and poverty, but she loved her son
deeply and did everything she could to provide for him.
“We hardly ever had money, and we were homeless
sometimes,” Shaun said. “My mom was so sick she couldn’t
work a lot of the time. But she still did stuff with me that
didn’t cost money, like going to the park or the library.”
Through odd jobs, soup kitchens, and occasional help
from neighbors or a nearby church, Shaun and his mother
made it through, day by day.
Many of our children
“Christmas was the hardest for my mom,” Shaun said. “She wanted
experience their first joyful
so bad to get me presents like other kids had. She would take
Christmas in the safe, caring
me by the stores when they were all lit up and hold my hand,
Mercy Home family thanks to
and we would pretend that we could have anything inside.”
the support and dedication
of our faithful friends. As Christmas neared, Shaun’s mom did everything she
could, scrimping and saving to buy him a toy truck or a coat
or a board game for the two of them to play together.
Though times were hard, Shaun smiles a lot while remembering those
early years. But gradually, his mother’s condition worsened. As her
health slipped away, she could no longer take care of her young son.
Finally, one day when Shaun was 10, he found out that she was going
to be hospitalized — and he would be sent to live with distant relatives.
“My mom, I knew she was sick, and it was getting really bad, but
I loved her,” Shaun said. “And I didn’t want her to go away.”
8 C h r i s t m a s 2 011

9. shaun moved in with an aunt and uncle who had three
children of their own. his new family spent little time with
him, and his uncle once locked him outside on a winter
day for not cleaning his room. he asked to visit his mother,
but they never took him to the hospital where she lived.
christmas was the hardest for shaun. During the
holidays, his guardians paid him little attention, preferring
instead to spend the day with their “real kids.”
“christmastime, that was my favorite time with my
mom,” shaun said softly. “And that’s why it was so hard
with my aunt and uncle. i didn’t matter to them at all,
and with my mom, i was the most important thing to
her. And she was the most important thing to me.”
one afternoon, shaun’s aunt pulled him aside, and,
in hushed tones, gave him news that brought his whole
world crashing down.
“she said my mom died,” shaun said, his gaze falling to
the floor. “The doctors said my mom had a heart attack,
and i never even got to see her before it happened.”
heartbroken by his mother’s death, shaun nearly gave
up. his grades fell, he argued with his aunt and uncle,
and he occasionally ran away. finally, his aunt and uncle
told him that he could no longer stay, and that he would
need to find somewhere else to live. he was only 13.
At a teacher’s advice, shaun found Mercy home. With the
safe and loving home your friendship helps to provide,
he settled in quickly, bringing his grades back up and
becoming a favorite among his peers for his sense of humor
and kindness. early last year, he took a particular liking
to our financial literacy program and began saving his
allowance in a bank account. unlike the other kids, he
never spent his money, carefully saving each dime.
Then, just before a group shopping trip last christmas, shaun
took a sizable portion of his money out of his account. At the
end of the day though, his hands were empty. When asked
where his purchases were, at first shaun would not say a word.
Then he smiled, explaining that he had used his money
to buy presents for the boys he lived with. “When i The faces of our boys and girls burst
was with my mom, sharing presents with each other into smiles as they unwrap their
at christmas was always our favorite thing to do. now presents and feel the loving support
these boys are my family, so i wanted to have the of Mercy Home’s generous friends.
same memories with them that i had with her.”
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
One Hundred Years from Now
“One hundred years from now, it won’t matter what kind of car I drove, what kind of
house I lived in, how much money I had in the bank, nor what my clothes looked like.
But the world may be a little better because I was important in the life of a child.”
one hundred years from now. Being a role model, even when the
2111. it’s safe to say that all those role isn’t freely chosen, is an awesome
reading this article will be enjoying responsibility. The truth is, adults are
their eternal reward by then. But still trying to figure things out as well.
the impact of our lives will still be We make plenty of our own mistakes,
reverberating across our world. especially with the words we use. But
thankfully, our actions always speak
The things we do today louder than our words.
— the people we touch,
the small kindnesses Use Words if
we share, the hurtful You Must
word that we do not
utter — all make a The respect that we show
difference. our choices to friend and stranger
also become lessons alike sends a huge
to others, especially Above all, children message to children. The
to the young. They forgiveness we offer to
wrestle with dozens need to know that others (and to ourselves,
of choices that must as well) sends a huge
be made each day. someone believes in message to children.
And these lessons, The ability to laugh at
once learned, can be them. That vote of ourselves sends a huge
repeated generation message to children. The
after generation. confidence is a gift faith we express in those
we love sends a huge
Where You Lead, beyond measure. message to children.
I Will Follow
Above all, children need
We know that youth to know that someone
are keen observers. believes in them. That
They look to adults for answers. vote of confidence is a gift beyond
measure. expressing belief with words
children and grandchildren, nieces can be unconvincing. Anyone can tell
and nephews, and even the boys a child, “nice job” or “way to go.” But
and girls who live down the street when belief shows itself in action, by
are all watching us closely. And they consistently standing side by side
are taking some of our choices and with children as they struggle to find
imitating them. Deep down, they their way (especially when the chips
believe that adults have life figured are down), can be life-changing.
out. And so they follow our example.
10 C h r i s t m a s 2 011

11. 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.
you have shown belief in the boys and likely mean making an appointment
girls of Mercy home. And they know it. with an attorney. for those who do, it
Words have not been necessary to do this. may mean changing that document.
your actions have been faithful and loyal, This may be inconvenient.
generous and kind. our children know that
without you, they would have no hope. But please, consider the impact such a gift
would have on Mercy home’s children of
Going the Extra Mile tomorrow. you will offer them the greatest
of gifts: the gift of allowing them to start
At this time of year, our hearts are filled over — the gift of allowing them to be a
with the joy of the season. We try our best child again. your sacrifice could be the
to let those we love know just how much greatest of all gifts you make this year.
we do love them. But let’s face it, times
are tough; the economy is a real worry. To help you get started, we are offering
Many are reevaluating their gift giving. a free booklet: “Planning your Bequest.”
To request your copy, either complete
With this in mind, allow me to suggest and return the coupon below or call our
an idea if you are thinking about making planned giving office at 1-800-378-8266.
a gift to Mercy home this christmas:
consider including Mercy Home for The things of this world will pass away.
Boys and Girls in your will or trust. What remains, when all is said and done,
is the love we have shared with others and
Doing so may take some effort. for the belief we have expressed in them.
those who don’t have a plan, it will most
To learn more, call us at (800) 378-8266
Please send me your free booklet, Planning Your Bequest 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. T i r e l e s s s u P P o rT e r s
Running to Heal — and Help
o n a warm summer evening, as Mary
Murphy-Smith trained alongside fellow
Chicago Marathon hopefuls, fragments
of a Bible passage circled in her mind: I
have competed well; I have finished the race…
the Lord stood by me and gave me strength…
and I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
For Murphy-Smith, who ran the marathon
in October in support of Mercy Home, these
her, and in that instant, two pit bulls lunged
at her from either side. One bore its teeth
into her right arm, and the other latched onto
her left leg. For 20 minutes, Murphy-Smith
struggled to keep herself standing, even as the
dog at her leg tore away at her calf muscle.
When the dogs managed to drag her to the
ground, one of them began shredding her
winter scarf, unraveling it from around her
words, from Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18, were neck. As the other pulled her glove from her
self-defining — hand, she found herself
and invitational.  thinking, “This is it. This is
how I am going to die.” And
In January of 2003, I have competed well; everything then went quiet.
Murphy-Smith took
advantage of the I have finished the race… “I looked up,” she
first moments of the Lord stood by me recounted, “and I saw
solitude following her my father just sitting
father’s death. With and gave me strength… there. All of a sudden
her house suddenly I got this tremendous
emptied of out-of-
and I was rescued from energy, and I felt a force
town relatives, and the lion’s mouth. go down my arm. There
her children returning was a stick lying on the
to the activities
that comprised
 ground before me, and I
was able to pick it up. As
everyday life, Murphy-Smith bundled up the dog was coming right for my face,
against the winter chill and headed out for I shoved the stick into his mouth.”
a run through her local forest preserve.
Murphy-Smith remembers feeling the strength
Since her 20s, when Murphy-Smith took of two hands pulling her to her feet. Her right
to the sport to quit smoking, running had arm slack and badly damaged, she swung the
been a life preserver, sustaining her during stick at the dogs with her left arm, backing
hard times — life’s ordinary stresses, the her way in between two outgrowing branches
pressure of nursing school, and even every of a tree. And as she stepped through the
one of her six pregnancies. “Anything could tree, she shook free of the dogs, sliding
happen to me,” she said. “But as long as down the slope of the trail into a clearing.
I had my run for the day, I was okay.”
When she came upon a busy intersection,
As she jogged along the forest preserve path she stood at the side of the street,
that January morning, she spotted a figure waving for any car to stop to rescue her,
at the end of the trail. She hesitated for a but no one so much as slowed down.
moment, trying to make out the shape before Exhausted from tremendous blood
12 C h r i s t m a s 2 011

13. loss, she laid herself down along the road’s yellow line with
her stick held in the air. finally, two nurses pulled to the side
of the street and called an ambulance to come for her.
it wasn’t until the ambulance had arrived, and the police
had set out to capture the dogs, that a second runner — a
woman Murphy-smith had been acquainted with — was
found in critical condition along the trail after having
been attacked by the same dogs. she was rushed into
the operating room but did not survive her surgery.
following her own operation, Murphy-smith
recalls the first words from her surgeon: “The good
news is that you’ll be able to run again.”
Just eight months after the incident, Murphy-smith was
lacing up her running shoes. she walked more than she
ran, and spent long hours in the rehabilitation center at the
hospital trying to regain her strength as a runner. she battled
post-traumatic stress, was forced into a career change by her
injuries, and grew more fearful of dogs on her daily runs.
now, years later, Murphy-smith has found a reason
to return to running in earnest: Mercy home.
“i couldn’t believe how wonderful a place Mercy home was
for these kids who don’t have a home,” she said of her first
visit to the Boys campus. “Participating in the marathon
for Mercy really pushed me to get back into running.”
Just as she was rescued from the lion — or the pit bull’s mouth, as she
has said — Murphy-smith was eager for the opportunity to assist in
the rescue and healing of the young men and women of Mercy home.
“What is so neat, is that what got me through my healing was
my faith, my family and my friends,” said Murphy-smith. “They
surrounded me; they embraced me. And i’ve thought to myself,
Mercy home is a rescue for these young people and they become
faith-filled members of the family, and they become friends.”
When Murphy-smith took to the streets on october 9 for her
fifth chicago Marathon, she was a true Mercy home hero,
overcoming the greatest of obstacles to deliver healing In Mercy Home, Mary Murphy-Smith
and change to kids who were once very much like her found a reason to run again after suffering
— wounded and in need of being rescued. an attack by two pit bulls in 2003.
t h e W a i f s ’ m e s s e n g e r 13

14. Hero #82, Chicag
o Marathon Te
am
A special thank you
to our friends for Mercy Home
Heroes has a
the Chicago team of over
their extraordinary Marathon. Co 70 runners w
ming from al ho recently ra
efforts on behalf to 58 years o l walk s of life, n 26.2 miles
ld — and they these runner during
of the children of in support of traveled from s ranged from
Mercy Home the city, subu 19
Mercy Home. . For 18 week rbs and nine
training, and s, they dedicat dif ferent stat
they pledged ed themselve es
own expectat to raise $1,0 0 s to rigorous
ions. Collectiv 0 each, thoug
ely, this comm h many exce
itted group ra eded even th
During their ised a total o eir
training, they f $ 50,0 0 0 !
gathered at M became a tea
ercy Home fo m in the true
r Fun Runs, so st sense of th
For more information dinner before cializing and e word. They
their big day. even a delicio
on how to become a Home at mile And when ra us pasta
s 14 and 16, a ce day arrive
Mercy Home Hero, crowd of thei d, and they ra
drum line, ha r family and n by Mercy
d a special se friends, energ
please contact team celebra ction from w ized by a
ted its hard-e hich to cheer
Amber Cerveny at arned victory them on. Aft
Thank you to with friends erward, the
(312) 738-7567 or each and eve and family in
ry runner wh Charity Villag
ambcer@mercyhome.org. o went the e e.
xtra mile for
our kids!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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.
† rose e. Adam, inverness, il † genevieve hilgen, † James f. Maloney, chehalis, WA
† Karleen Arnsmeyer, hermann, Mo Arlington heights, il † Barbara Moyers, rockville, MD
† Agnes lucille Ashton, everett, WA † Marguerite Jaquez, † evelyn naumeic, chicago, il
† charles Aylstock, cincinnati, oh farmington, nM † genevieve T. o’connor,
† raymond Becker, Attica,ny † Marie V. Kaiser, Michigan city, in Watchung, nJ
† William Brandt, fairfax, VA † Michael and rose M. † Mary odehnal, Berwyn, il
† Pasquale campana, Kearney, Batavia, il † Margaret olscese, fairlawn, nJ
Williamsport, PA † Mildred Keller, lancaster, oh † John Pavcak, Whiting, in
† shirley coderre, Weatogue, cT † florence King, † Dorothy Plepel, naperville, il
† gregory corigliano, Brooklyn, ny strawberry Point, iA † henry f. solper, Bottineau, nD
† catherine elevicz, Burbank, il † lorraine B. Kloidt, columbia, PA † Donald l. stuesse, union, Mo
† Beverly fiorella, highlands † catherine A. Koness, † Dorothy f. sward, green Bay, Wi
ranch, co Punta gorda, fl † Anita c. Thibeau, franconia, VA
† Mildred gierlacki, norridge, il † emily Kopley, new Bern, nc † William c. Tillman, Walton, Ky
† eugene hargraves, laPalma, cA † lottie Kubiak, Merrillville, in † Washington Watley, sr.,
† Joseph harmata, harrisburg, VA † ronald J. lue, Albany, ny Wichita falls, TX
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.
14 C h r i s t m a s 2 011

15. Make Christmas twice as bright
for Mercy Home’s kids!
Did you know that your company could double —
or even triple — your gifts to Mercy Home’s boys and
girls this holiday season, 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
BEANO
revisited
by Margaret Ahern
first published in the
December 1951 edition
of The Waifs’ Messenger.
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