March 12, 2008
Springtime Energies The halls at 377 East 145th Street have been bursting with life and energy these days. We have many reasons to celebrate that we’d like to share with you. This past Sunday, we celebrated the graduation of 12 families who completed our Family Development Program. Funded in part by the Pascale Sykes, William E. Simon, and Linden Foundations, the Family Development Program offers unique opportunities to Mercy Center families to develop their relationships, communication skills, and opportunities. Each family is served with the attention of a dedicated Family Worker, who works with the family to establish goals and strategies to achieve those goals. All family members are given priority enrollment in popular Mercy Center programs. The families also participate in dedicated workshops that that build family harmony and communication and are invited to enjoy Family Weekends in Goshen, NY each year. The 12 graduating families completed their 2 year commitment to the program by celebrating their families and their accomplishments with the Family Development Staff. Spring Break March is always a busy time at Mercy Center, as we host groups of college students from around the country spending the Spring Breaks not in the South Bronx instead of South Florida. Last week, we were graced with the presence of 9 students from Assumption College in Worcester, MA who ran a week-long After School camp for 60 of our children. They were joined on Wednesday by three students from the University of Michigan and six from Gwynedd Mercy College outside Philadelphia. On Thursday, 14 students from Notre Dame, who were spending a week in New York City exploring issues related to children in poverty visited Mercy Center and our Spring Camp. Finally, 11 students from James Madison University came by on Friday for a visit and tour. The youthful energy, inquisitiveness, and support these students bring each year is truly invigorating. Music at Mercy Center Last week began with beautiful music. On Sunday, March 2nd, we were honored to host the second performance of the Diller-Quaile String Quartet. Sixty parents and children listened attentively to classical music at Mercy Center. After the performance, children had the opportunity to touch and play the string instruments, accompanied by the professionals. The excitement in their faces as they made music, often for the first time, was inspiring. Welcome to Staff Should you happen by Mercy Center these days, you will notice a number of recent additions to those who regularly work among us. o Silvia Juarez and Lythza Cruz joined the staff in our Employment and Social Services, respectively. , Silvia will work with participants to secure employment opportunities; Lythza joins our Social Workers and Community Workers in the Family Development program and coordinates much of our youth programming. o Sr. Regina Burrichter, RSM has joined Mercy Center as a full-time volunteer, to fill a range of roles. Sr. Regina is most visible in our reception area, greeting participants and visitors with that unique Mercy hospitality and the offer of a comfortable cup of tea. She also teaches an ESL class, and is involved in computer and wellness classes throughout the week. o And Sr. Suzanne Elliott, RSM has joined us as Coordinator of Special Projects. Her ever-expanding portfolio of assignments includes all the research involved in exploring a building/expansion project, investigating next steps for Mercy Center in facilitating the economic empowerment of the women and families we serve, and helping with a 'governance check' in different ways. Sr. Suzanne’s experience in serving over 14 years in the Sisters of Mercy leadership positions makes her uniquely suited to move these projects forward, and to help shape the future of the vibrant and growing organization that is Mercy Center. Staff and participants alike are truly enriched by the presence of all four women. April 15th Event We hope you will join us at our 4th Annual Cocktail Gala and Auction at Tavern on the Green on Tuesday, April 15th. All the information you need to purchase tickets and support the event can be found here: http://www.mercycenterbronx.org/Auction2008.htm. Please respond soon, and join us for a wonderful evening honoring Lynda Baquero, Anchor, Report, NBC 4, and celebrating the Mercy Center work of 25 Demarest Families by awarding them the first Circle of Mercy Award. Please let us know if we have inexcusably missed you in the mailing – you are invited! Mary Galeone, RSM Joe Dirr mkg@MercyCenterBronx.org jsd@MercyCenterBronx.org
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