March 10, 2020

When you walk through the door at Mercy Home, it doesn’t take long to feel the love. There’s a welcoming spirit and enthusiastic energy. It’s contagious. And it’s generated by caring people who want to see our children succeed.

Among those who make Mercy Home so special are our supporters and volunteers. Their time, effort, resources, and passion make the mission possible. Without them, our Home would not be complete.

Over the years, our friends at Nitel have contributed to this family feel in a variety of ways. From organizing their own fundraisers, to supporting ours – their kindness and commitment have been a blessing in the lives of our children.

The friendship between Nitel and Mercy Home began more than ten years ago. Rick Stern, Nitel’s founder and CEO, had moved offices several times after starting the business. When they moved to Chicago’s West Loop, not far from Mercy Home, Stern felt the company had reached the size and scope where he wanted to give back to the community.

That’s why Nitel jumped at the opportunity to become the presenting sponsor of March for Kids.

March for Kids is the perfect opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while making a difference in the lives of hurting kids. Through the support of friends like Nitel, Mercy Home can make it possible for children who have suffered abuse and neglect to live in a safe, stable, and supportive home. Supporting March for Kids give our young people the bright futures they deserve!

Stern has always felt strongly about helping children, and with Mercy Home right around the corner, it was the perfect fit. The proximity of Mercy Home was appealing to Stern.

“The key for me was that my staff could get involved and we could make it convenient to interact with the charity,” Stern said. “Getting out in the community is important to me, and this creates those opportunities for my staff.”

Though they are no longer headquartered in the West Loop, the team at Nitel remains among our closest friends. Since offering their friendship, they have seized a variety of opportunities to get involved and support the Home.

“The key for me was that my staff could get involved and we could make it convenient to interact with the charity. Getting out in the community is important to me, and this creates those opportunities for my staff.”

March for Kids is a great opportunity to do that. Nitel brought together employees from all of their offices for a baked potato bar and happy hour on March 17, all in support of our kids!

Because Stern is such an active supporter and took on roles that many of Mercy Home’s board members do, it only seemed natural that he join our board. Today, he serves on our Ambassador Board, a select board of prominent men dedicated to advancing the mission of Mercy Home for Boys & Girls.

“It’s been nice to get more engaged with the people at Mercy Home,” Stern said. “Being around Fr. Scott and listening to everything he has to say – that man, he is a saint. He works tirelessly for the kids.”

We are incredibly honored and grateful to count Nitel as one of our dearest friends and greatest supporters, not just during March for Kids, but all year long. Our kids’ brighter futures begin with their support!