July 25, 2024

As part of Mercy Home’s Summer Career Institute, our young people had the chance to practice critical networking skills with board members and guests at two recent lunch meetings organized by our Education and Career Resources department.

Our young people donned their sharpest business attire and mingled with our donors while gaining valuable insights into the skills they will need to succeed professionally. And combined with field trips to area businesses and workplaces throughout the summer, the networking lunches provided professional mentorship and exposure to many new career possibilities.

“The goal was to connect the youth and donors, and [for our kids] to see how the Summer Career Institute connects with the real world,” said Post Secondary Options & Career Resources Coordinator, Gabriel Avalos.

These visits also gave our friends a chance to learn more about what our young people want to do professionally and consider new ways they might be able to encourage their achievement.

“This was an opportunity to make friends, and hear about their hopes, dreams, and experiences,” said President & CEO, Fr. Scott Donahue.

Ambassador Board member Tim Cimaglio and his wife Kristin shared their experiences operating a family-owned outdoor furniture and manufacturing business. They remarked on the energy our aspiring young professionals brought to the networking lunch.

“They were really a lot of fun,” Tim Cimaglio” said. “They were filled with enthusiasm, and you could tell they are having a good time with their program right now.”

Kristin Cimaglio also left hopeful about our young people’s futures following the luncheon. “To spend time with them and to see their future, what’s being built,” she said of all of the career development activities the Home provides, “it’s wonderful to see.”

Days before the first luncheon earlier in the summer, our young people made business cards to exchange with the board members and their guests, which augmented their networking interactions.

The participating board members and their guests represented diverse professions, ranging from business, finance, education, law and more. That professional diversity made the events valuable opportunities for our young people to learn about a variety of career options while also having the chance to practice their elevator pitches to a supportive audience.

Mary Kay Mulvaney, one of the original Leader Council members, is a professor at Elmhurst University.

I think its really confidence building for them to introduce themselves to a stranger,” Mulvaney said. “It’s great practice for breaking the ice for a job interview.”

Mercy Home’s Gabriel Avalos agrees. “Some of the boys are shy,” he said. “But this helped them grow in confidence in a safe environment.”

Jackson Piotrowski, a senior at University of Chicago and a friend of Mercy Home donor Mary Burke, witnessed the transformation in our youth as they and our guests became more acquainted.

“It was great to talk to these kids and see them open up,” Piotrowski said. Having that [networking] experience, is going to help in the future.”

Not only did donors learn more about our young people, they also shared their life experiences and reflected on their own career journeys.

“It was good for [the donors] to come to the home, connect with the kids, and serve as an example that hard work does really pay off,” Avalos said.

Mercy Home youth Caleb is new to Mercy Home and is grateful for the experiences he’s had so far.

“The best part [about living here] is the lessons Mercy Home has taught me,” Caleb said.

Mercy Home youth Aaron said he enjoyed the chance to talk to professionals in this relaxed environment. The luncheon also gave him the chance to practice professional skills he has been learning throughout the Summer Career Institute. “I learned [about] eye contact and communication,” he said, as well how to shake hands to make a solid first impression.

Our young people left the luncheon events with new networking skills and meaningful connections that they can carry with them as they set out on their career paths.

Thank you to everyone who came and lent their experience and professionalism with our young people. Your impact will be felt for a long, long time.