Night of Insights Illuminate Career Paths for Youth

March 10, 2026

Mercy Home’s young people had the chance to explore their futures during the annual Post-Secondary Options (PSO) Night. Dual events where held at both of Mercy Home’s Chicago locations and were hosted by Mercy Home’s Associate Board, a volunteer group of young professionals who support our young people in numerous ways. Through hands-on activities and conversations with volunteers, the events introduced young people to different career paths and the opportunities available to them after high school.

Throughout the evening, the young people listened to presentations by the board members that highlighted different professions. Each included a small activity designed to give participants a better understanding of the work involved.

“The youth were able to stay engaged throughout the entire event thanks to the support of each of the program staff present,” Senior Coordinator of Post-Secondary Options & Career Resources Gabriel Avalos said.

Associate Board members also shared their own career experiences while encouraging the youth to start thinking about what their futures could look like.

During the event, Laverty helped lead a marketing and advertising activity where the young women created advertisements for beauty or wellness products. At our boys home, participants created designs for a video game.  

The activities encouraged youth to be creative, work as a team with their peers, and problem-solve. In one station, participants built a model of the Eiffel Tower with marshmallows and noodles. But Simone, a young woman at Mercy Home, said that the marketing profession was her favorite.  

“My favorite activity was the acting game,” Simone said. “We got to create a beauty product and perform in front of everyone.”

Another young woman, Xailani, said she really enjoyed hearing about the medical profession and wants to become a nurse.

For Associate Board Chair Nicole Tolentino, the annual event continues to be a meaningful way to connect with Mercy Home’s young people.

“This is probably my fifth time volunteering at this event,” Tolentino said. “My favorite part is watching the kids get excited about jobs for the future. I want to give back, and you feel like you are giving a runway or a future to kids that don’t necessarily see it or think about it.”

Avalos said the success of the event was made possible by the volunteers and staff who helped organize the evening’s activities.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone for helping make PSO Night a great event for our youth,” Avalos said. [Mercy Home Special Events department’s] “Chris Doherty did an incredible job rallying the volunteers and handling the behind-the-scenes work leading up to the event.”

Avalos added that the participant’s enthusiasm stood out throughout the evening.

“The youth did an incredible job,” he said. “They’ll be getting some ice cream in their next Job Skills class with me as a small treat for doing such a great job.”