Summer Barbecues End Season on a Fun Note

August 19, 2025

Mercy Home’s young people marked the closing days of summer with barbecues at both of our Chicago campuses recently. 

At our West Loop Campus, our young men and staff members made special side dishes for the potluck to go along with the main course provided by our kitchen staff. Additionally, the Youth Advisory Board, a collection of leaders from our residential programs, helped set up the tables and chairs before guests arrived.

After enjoying the meal, most participants enjoyed a game of basketball, officiated by our coworkers. To cool off afterward, staff brought out a tub full of water balloons for an old-fashioned and refreshing water balloon fight. Others enjoyed taking turns on a slip-and-slide.

“I hope that we can do it again next summer,” said Alex, a young man living at the Home. 

At our Walsh Campus for Girls, the weather did not cooperate, unfortunately. Pouring rain forced the festivities indoors, but it failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the celebration. 

“We will have three relay races and the home that wins the most challenges will win a prize,” Program Manager Gewanda Monroe told participants.

But before the activities began, our young people held an impromptu dance off with the winners also receiving prizes. They then competed in games of human Tic-Tac-Toe, a pizza box delivery relay, and a potato sack race. 

Thank you so much to everyone who supports our Home and make these safe and simple summer joys so memorable for our boys and girls.