The Mary Immaculate (MI) Guild, Inc. is a community service organization that supports Mary Immaculate’s Nursing/Restorative Center (MINRC). The center is a 231-bed skilled nursing facility that includes a short-term rehabilitation unit, secure memory care unit and is an integral part of the full continuum of elder care offered by MI Health/Care Services. Founded in 1868 by the Sisters of Charity Montreal or “Grey Nuns”, Mary Immaculate is one of Lawrence’s oldest charities and one of New England’s largest and most advanced health care campuses for seniors.
The Guild supports the nursing/restorative center and furthers its Mission of improving the lives of its residents through service and fundraising. The Guild recently launched their Love and Loyalty Membership Campaign and invite others to join them. At its recent annual meeting, outgoing Guild president, Diane Shikrallah, described Mary Immaculate as a true gem in the community. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to spread the word about the MI and all the important services it offers the community.
Newly elected president, Joseph Bourque, who has deep roots in Lawrence, expressed excitement about his new role. He shared, “MI is all about family. My connection to MI began 13 years ago when my father became a resident. He was later joined by my mother. My mom and dad genuinely embraced their MI family – who enthusiastically embraced them right back! As president of the MI Guild, I look forward to giving back by collaboratively working with our members to help fulfill Mary Immaculate’s mission and goals.”
Giving Back
Each year the Guild presents a gift to the MI Nursing/Restorative Center. With the support of the Guild, MI has been able to remain on the forefront of memory care by redesigning a state-of-the-art memory care unit. Cutting edge, evidence-based improvements included a “wander loop” for residents, where obstacles and barriers that may frustrate or upset residents are removed. Other updates made possible through the generosity of the Guild included bringing the outdoors in with an artificial sky, countryside “porch” with 360° views of meadows, bus stop and tree. The gift presented at the 2022 annual meeting will be used to relocate and renovate the short-term care unit, dedicated to those in need of recovery and rehabilitation care.
Become a Member
Community members are encouraged to learn more about the MI Guild. As a member you will:
- Contribute annual dues and attend the annual dinner
- Serve as a liaison to others to advance programs, services and care
- Join with like-minded business and community members in service for our community by working with these MI Guild Officers and Directors.
Officers: President – Joseph Bourque; Vice President – John Felci, Treasurer – Andrea McCann, Clerk – Anthony Ngethe and Chairperson – Jeanne Leydon
Directors: Lisa Breen, Del Downing, Kris Fleming, Charles Gangi, Paul Gangi, Ann-Marie Giarrusso, Donald Marinelli and Diane Shikrallah
To learn more about the MI Guild and its Love and Loyalty Membership Campaign, please visit mihcs.org/guild.