Seeing is Believing—Donors Preview New Daley Home

August 31, 2026

Author: Mark Schmeltzer

Last November, Dave Reidy, an executive at CBS2 News Chicago, raised his hand in support of our Lux Gala’s paddle raise, a special fundraising moment aimed at enabling Mercy Home to extend care to more young people. Recently, he had the chance to see what his donation helped bring to life.  

Reidy and his wife Ginger Gorden were among a group of Lux Gala supporters invited to a special preview of the new Daley Home, which opened at the West Loop Campus on August 10, 2026.  

Mercy Home Director of Young Adult Programs Joi Basley provided an overview of the new home, explaining how it was developed in response to an increasing need.  

“Over the last several years, we’ve seen significant increases in the complexity of needs among the young adults entering our program,” Basley said. “Many of the youth who are referred to Mercy Home are navigating through mental health challenges, substance abuse concerns, trauma history, disrupted educational experiences and limited support systems.”

For those who helped make it possible for us to open the new program through their support, Basley underscored their impact.  

“The investment allows us to respond to evolving community needs while improving outcomes across our entire residential continuum.”

While the opening of Daley Home allows us to care for more young people, Basley said it also represents something new for the organization. The dedicated stabilization program is a strategic enhancement of our continuum of care.

“The ultimate objective,” Basley said, “is to ensure that youth leave Daley Home more stable and more confident and better prepared to navigate adulthood.”

Following the overview, Basley led guests on a tour of the new space, with help from Daley Home Supervisor Daniel Jerez and Director of Admissions Taylor Housing. The admissions process for the new home is one of its most unique aspects.

During the tour, they also met the program’s new therapist, Karen Gonzalez, who gave an overview of the ways she will be working with Daley Home’s new residents.  

Board of Regents member and Mercy Home alum Eddie Gamble attended the tour and was struck by the level of structure the new home will provide. “I think it’ll be great,” he said.  

Thaddeus Wilkins, COO of the Illinois Tollway and Mercy Home’s newest Board of Regents member, is also a longtime friend of Gamble’s. Wilkins attended the Lux Gala and relished the opportunity not only to support our work, but to see the impact of that support firsthand during the Daley Home preview.  

“I see how it has changed the life and trajectory of someone I know and care about,” Wilkins said. “[That] makes it even more worthwhile.”

Reidy said that while he learned more about Mercy Home during the gala, his visit this week greatly enhanced his perspective on our work.  

“Obviously, being at a charity event is one level of exposure,” he said. “But physically being here is a completely different experience.”

“I had no idea it was here and so close to home,” Gorden said. “And providing such a great service to the city’s youth. It’s inspirational.”

The couple attends multiple fundraisers for area nonprofits throughout the year.  

“It’s great to donate and help out,” Reidy said. “We’re big believers in sharing and giving back. But you never really know where it goes. And to walk around and see our charitable dollars put to work, it does motivate you more.”

We are grateful to everyone who responded in record numbers to our appeal last November at the Lux Gala. And we appreciate everyone who took the time to come and tour the new home before it officially opens on Monday.  

The gala will be held at the Old Post Office on November 7 and benefit our programs for youth and families.  

“We’re looking forward to going [to Lux] again this year and supporting [the Home],” Gorden said. “And now we’ll have a different perspective.”