Newsroom

April 12, 2010

Fr. Scott Donahue responds to recent acts of violence in Chicago.

This letter was published in the Chicago Sun–Times.

Danny Gilmore's grandmother is asking for prayers for her 14-year old grandson, who was shot Tuesday morning on his way to school.

I am praying for Danny and his family today. I am also praying for all children like Danny who — tragically — will be in harm's way as we move into spring and summer, and the terrible toll of youth violence mounts.

I support initiatives designed to shield children, but protecting them is only part of the solution — we have to turn them away from a culture of violence that lies at the root of this problem.

In working with at-risk youth at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, I've witnessed firsthand the transformation that occurs when you give children hopeful alternatives to danger and disappointment.

As summer nears, I urge parents, teachers and all concerned adults to take action today.

Please, get involved in the lives of young people. Whether by joining a partnership in your community that provides safe recreational, work or study opportunities, or by simply reaching out to help a struggling parent who lives next door, let's do all we can to guide our children toward making healthier choices. And, I ask that all of us pray for the safety of our young people this summer.

Rev. L. Scott Donahue,

President and CEO,

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

February 24, 2010

Mercy Home's Got Talent 

On Wednesday night, nine young men from Mercy Home showed off their talents in the Noha Gymnasium before peers, coworkers, and a panel of judges. 

It was all part of the outstanding live entertainment at Mercy Home's second annual Poetry Slam, hosted by a young man living at Mercy Home who goes by the stage name ‘DJ No Privs.' Each young man performed his own unique act, ranging from poetry to dance. 

Prizes were awarded to the top four performers. Congratulations to the finalists and to all the young men who performed. Thanks to all co-workers who came out to watch and support our talented young men.

February 3, 2010

Mercy Home Prep Football Standout Realizes Division I Dreams 

Tory Squires, a senior defensive end at Gordon Tech High School in Chicago, signed his letter of intent today to play football at Ball State University in the NCAA's Division I beginning next season.

Tory's inspirational story was featured in numerous articles last fall, including this one in the Chicago Sun-Times.

Read Mercy Home's press release here.

December 14, 2009 

Mercy Home Athlete Vies for Scholarship

You can vote for Tory Squires for RUDY Award!

The Chicago Tribune reports that a prep football standout living at Mercy Home has been named among 30 finalists for the RUDY award.

Tory Squires is a senior defensive lineman for Gordon Tech, a high school on Chicago's north side that participates in the Catholic League. The award honors high school football's most inspiring athlete and is named for the Notre Dame football underdog made famous in the 1993 major motion picture, Rudy. 

The winner of the RUDY award will receive a $10,000 academic scholarship, with $5,000 scholarships going to each runner-up.

The public can vote for finalists here.

Squires was featured in one of our newsletters last year.  Click here to read the fascinating journey which brought him to be one of the RUDY award finalists.

November 30, 2009 

Hotel Extends Thanksgiving Generosity to Mercy Home 

Trump International Hotel and Tower has added Thanksgiving to their holiday partnership with Mercy Home. On the Monday and Tuesday evenings before Thanksgiving, 134 young men and women living at our two campuses were treated to traditional Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings, courtesy of Trump International Hotel and Tower.
 
Executive Chef Frank Brunacci prepared the meals which included apple pie made from scratch. One youth noted that it was the best meal he had ever eaten. This enabled our young people and staff to share a holiday meal together as a family. Mercy Home is very thankful for the hotel's generosity in helping our kids experience the joy of a traditional Thanksgiving. Special thanks also to Jiri Donat, Trump's Banquet Director, and Colm O'Callaghan, Vice President & Managing Director.
 
For the last two years, the Trump International Hotel and Tower has chosen Mercy Home as a holiday charity. This Christmas season, they are donating the proceeds from special holiday drinks at the hotel and bar to Mercy Home. Further, guests of the hotel will have the option to make a donation to Mercy Home by adding it to their guest check. 
 

November 25, 2009

CBS2's Dana Kozlov Highlights Mercy Home