Three sister organizations continue annual tradition of spreading mercy in the Cedar Rapids community

Sister organizations Mount Mercy University, the Catherine McAuley Center and Mercy Medical Center are continuing the tradition of spreading mercy in our community.  Circle the City with Mercy is a one-day community service project with volunteers from each organization coming together on Friday, July 19, near the anniversary date marking when the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Cedar Rapids in July 1875.

Now in its second year, Circle the City with Mercy partners look for a unique community service project each year to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to the community.

This year, the three organizations will be working at several different building sites for the Wheelchair Ramp Accessibility Program (WRAP), which provides timely home access to people in need by building custom wheelchair ramps for those with limited mobility. Many WRAP clients are elderly or have a chronic illness.

“WRAP is thrilled with the number of volunteers who will give of their time to complete home access projects,” said Angie Ehle, WRAP coordinator. “Each ramp built gives an individual with limited mobility the choice to age in place, improving their quality of life and providing freedom to come and go.  WRAP is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Circle the City with Mercy.”

Sixty Circle the City with Mercy volunteers will build five wheelchair ramps from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on July 19. Prior to the building session, they will gather at 7:30 a.m. at Mercy Medical Center’s Hallagan Education Center for breakfast and a brief program honoring the Sisters of Mercy.  The builds will take place at locations in Cedar Rapids and Marion.

Questions about Circle the City with Mercy may be directed to Kelsey Steines at (319) 731-0448 or Karen Vander Sanden at (319) 558-8424. Inquiries about WRAP may be directed to Angie Ehle at (319) 369-7377 (office), (319) 270-7294 (mobile) or Angie.Ehle@unitypoint.org