(L-R) Elsie & Jim Foels and Margo Ahrendsen (Camp Board Members)–Fr. Jack Clair-Misericordia, Brad Prendergast-C.U.B.S. and Alex Padilla-Misericordia.  Six exceptional individuals!  (L-R) Alex & Jack enjoy a zipline ride!

Camp Courageous had the honor to welcome Father Jack Clair, President/Executive Director of Misericordia Home, and Alex Padilla, who is a house parent, electrician, and has worn many hats at Misericordia.

Misericordia offers a community of care that maximizes potential for persons with mild to profound developmental disabilities, many of whom are also physically challenged.  By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them yet cannot provide it at home.

Through a spectrum of residential options on its 37-acre Chicago campus and in the community, and with a wide variety of programs, Misericordia currently serves more than 600 children and adults residentially, from diverse racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Twenty percent of our residents either come from poverty families or have no families and are wards of the State.

Camp Courageous first became familiar with Misericordia when long time leader of the Chicago Urban Bicycle Society (C.U.B.S.), Jerry Turry, introduced Camp Courageous.  Jerry & Nancy Turry had a daughter, Jenny, who was a resident of Misericordia.  About 10-years ago Board Member Jim Foels and camp’s director, Charlie Becker spent a full day exploring 100% of Misericordia.   We came away extremely impressed!  Attorney, Brad Prendergast, took Jerry’s place as the leader of the C.U.B.S. and along with supporting Camp Courageous through RAGBAI, they were huge volunteers and supporters of Misericordia.

After COVID, the camp that Misericordia had been using closed.  Jack turned to the internet to find a camp and he discovered Camp Courageous….made the call…and took his precious time to personally visit.  Along with Jack & Alex, Brad Prendergast also drove from Chicago to spend a day at Courageous.

It was an extremely fruitful day, as we learned more about each other’s programs…and look forward to 2026 possibly having a week dedicated to residents of Misericordia.

Thus, we have come full circle…all wonderful people…dedicated to those with disabilities.