By Maureen Kenney, Board President
What is it about the Sisters of Mercy that makes me want to be a part of their work? Is it their dignified resolve to do what is right for those suffering from poverty, illness or lack of education? Is it their unending fight for justice in the name of those who cannot fight for themselves? Is it their unwavering faith that is seen in their actions and in their resolve? For me, it is all of these and the Catherine McAuley Center (CMC) is another amazing example of the Sisters’ unrelenting determination to identify groups in need and then answer the call by being the catalyst and an ongoing partner in the solution. The Sisters of Mercy established CMC in response to the Cedar Rapids community’s need for adult education and housing.
For those who have traveled to a foreign country, you know the sense of loss and frustration in not being able to speak the language. Getting simple directions becomes what seems an impossible task. Imagine that feeling when trying to communicate with your children’s teachers, a doctor, or a bank representative. CMC opens those doors of communication and removes that sense of loss and frustration.
Many of us do not know what it is like to have an addiction or to be homeless. Prior to coming to CMC, residents of the transitional housing program do not have a support system in place to help them. Who is your support system? I know that I take my support system for granted. I assume they will always be there for me. What if they weren’t? What if you never had them in the first place? Much like the adult education program, CMC’s transitional housing program gives these women their voice, their confidence, the knowledge that they are just as important and have the same self worth as each one of us.
It has been a great privilege for me to be associated with CMC. I want to thank the Sisters for identifying the need and finding a way to meet that need. I want to thank CMC’s very dedicated and hardworking staff who day in and day out make sure that vision continues. Finally, I want to thank all of you for your countless volunteer hours and monetary donations. The need for CMC continues and we are very grateful that you continue to answer the call.
Read more of our FY13 Annual Report.
Be sure to check out our Facebook in the new year for photos and posts celebrating 25 years at CMC.