In 2002, a group of accomplished professional women in greater Chicago joined together with a common goal—to help the boys and girls of Mercy Home achieve success in school. Led by Chicago Public Library Commissioner Mary Dempsey, the Leader Council resolved to secure access to the kinds of educational opportunities that make a crucial difference in the life of a child.
Nine years later, the Leader Council remains as committed as ever to opening doors to education in order to change the trajectory of children’s futures, and break cycles of abuse, neglect and poverty.
Leader Council members are powerful engines of change in the lives of Mercy Home’s young people. They meet throughout the year and donate their time, talent, financial support and professional resources to open doors to learning and achievement.
Through their signature event, the annual Graduates’ Luncheon, they celebrate the successes of our elementary, high school, college and trade school graduates while raising the funds to support all of our children in their continued schooling.
Thanks to their efforts, countless children from severely disadvantaged circumstances have been able to go to school, experience classroom success and secure good jobs and brighter futures.
