Connecting with Kids

Our fundraising efforts are focused on residential incentive programs that are designed to provide motivation for our children in the areas of academic excellence and character development. These programs encourage students to  cultivate their talents and abilities with the hope they will do well in school and their program homes.

The programs we support are:

Leadership All Stars is designed to encourage young people to understand and accept civic and community responsibilities. Youth involved in the program work hard to accomplish above average academic achievement and demonstrate leadership in peer relationships in order to earn the opportunity to travel outside Chicago. This year, the Leadership All Stars will visit Philadelphia in June.

Marie Craft Cottage, located on Mercy Home Girl's campus, is not just a place where girls can participate in arts and crafts projects. Girls at the Marie Craft Cottage cultivate their talents and learn how to develop a business and marketing plan for their creations.

Hoops to Homework promotes academics, teamwork and good sportsmanship. The season starts with a live, multi round draft and culminates in the Spring with a championship game held at DePaul University. The program persuades the young men to put forth extra effort in school and at home.

We are also dedicated to advancing the Friends First mentoring program by increasing the number and quality of volunteer mentors. We work expressly on creating opportunities to engage fellow young professionals regarding Friends First. If you are interested in joining the Friends First program, e-mail Jen Brown at jenbro@mercyhome.org