Misericordia: A National Leader Dedicated to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Sr. Rosemary Connelly, RSM, with resident Eric F. © Charles Cherney Photography

Misericordia: A National Leader Dedicated to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

For more than 100 years, Misericordia has been helping Chicagoans in need. Located on a 37-acre campus on Chicago’s North Side, it is one of the nation’s leading communities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Its name means “Heart of Mercy” in Latin. Misericordia lives up to its name daily, offering a loving, extraordinary community through a unique continuum of care and life-enriching programs for 600 residents. These residents come from diverse religious beliefs, races, ethnic groups, and cultures.

Misericordia’s goal is based on the simple belief that each person—regardless of their abilities—should live as fulfilled, independent and meaningful a life as possible. Its homes and programs are designed to make this happen.

Through Catholic values and traditions, Misericordia is a diverse and inclusive community that promotes acceptance, respect, dignity, spirituality and quality of life for all.

Meeting an enormous unmet need

For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the unmet need for residential options and programs like those Misericordia offers is overwhelming. Across the State of Illinois alone, tens of thousands are on waiting lists.

And yet, for families with a child who is intellectually or developmentally disabled, the worry of who will be there to care for their loved ones as they grow older is of great concern.

With the help of 1,200 employees, Misericordia offers peace of mind to some of these families as it meets their loved one’s needs—and changing needs as they grow older. Its on-campus homes include more than 20 residential areas, ranging from apartments and intermediate care facilities to the Mother McAuley Skilled Nursing Residence.Misericordia residents also enjoy homes in 15 Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) located in neighboring communities.

On a typical day, its residents wake up with a purpose. They are busy all day long—traversing its campus and the City of Chicago to get to jobs and schools, creating works of art in studio workshops, singing and dancing in performance groups, working out at the Aquatic and Fitness Center, going to on-campus medical and dental appointments, and so much more. Most people take activities like these for granted, but Misericordia’s children and adults depend on others to help them experience their day.

Ensuring Misericordia well into the future

Misericordia’s ability to offer high-quality care comes at an enormous cost. Every year, the difference between the government funds it receives and its actual program costs continues growing, reaching $34 million this year alone. Families do not pay for their most vulnerable family members to live at Misericordia. Still, they are asked to stay actively involved in their lives through volunteering, home visits, and fundraising.

With hundreds of families waiting for Misericordia’s services, the organization has ambitious expansion plans for new residences and programs—all in an effort to serve as many families in need today and those who will need Misericordia well into the future.

Over the years, Misericordia has become a vibrant, close-knit community of friendship and inspiration among the residents, devoted families, and generous friends and supporters across the country. Its success reflects the generosity of people who want to make a difference and who have found their way to Misericordia.

For more information on how you can make a difference, make a donation, or learn about employment opportunities at Misericordia, please visit misericordia.org