Welcome to the 25th Anniversary Newsletter

July 7, 1998 - July 7, 2023

COMMEMORATION EVENT

Sister Rosemary Welsh, Casa de Misericordia Executive Director, addresses a full room for the 25th Anniversary Commemoration Event. Attendees included staff, current and past board members, volunteers, supporters and personnel from local organizations that support and collaborate with Casa.

Current and Past Board Presidents

Sister Rosemary Welsh, Executive Director, Anna Wirsching, Current Board President. Past Presidents: Denise Longoria, Father Paul Frey, Judith Wawroski & Gloria Jackson. Past Presidents not pictured, Graciela Botello, Roger Perales, Jessica Mendiola & Cynthia Haynes Ramirez.

Current and Past Board Members & Supporters

Judith Wawroski, Thelma Cuellar, Luis Sanchez, Tracy Sanchez, Sister Rosemary Welsh, Priya Vaswani, Pravina Mulchand, & Debbie Gilpin

"Recibo servicios en Casa de Misericordia desde 2014. Hoy día soy miembro de la mesa directiva, de la mesa consultiva y también soy voluntaria. Imparto clases de manualidades y participo en eventos y presentaciones. Me enorgullece ser parte de la conmemoración de 25 años de este tan importante y necesario programa en nuestra comunidad."



Josefina Gonzalez, Board Member

"I am a survivor of domestic violence. In February 2018 I made a phone call to Casa de Misericordia, a phone call that changed my life forever.

Casa de Misericordia brought me in and started me with counseling sessions, therapeutic sessions and educational classes. A year ago I was honored with an invitation to become a member of the Board of Directors and Advisory Board where I currently serve and volunteer on different events throughout the year. Today, in honor of all the families and victims that have come to Casa de Misericordia and the Education Center,

I would like to thank each one of you for your support and collaboration

to this ministry for the past 25 years."

Carmen Flores, Board Member

Thank you to the Casa de Misericordia Staff!

Visit Casa de Misericordia

VIRTUALLY

We are very proud to share with you an opportunity to visit Casa de Misericordia virtually.



Click the button below for a virtual tour of Casa de Misericordia and to learn more about the services offered as we journey with the families that come to Casa.

Sister Maria Luisa Vera and Sister Rosemary Welsh pictured with the Casa Administrative Team. Thelma Arambula, Child & Youth Program Manager, Maria Elena "Nena" Arambula, Director of Programs, Zeina Ramos, Lamar Bruni Vergara Education Center Administrator, Karen Martinez, Grant Writer/Data Specialist & Nelly Uribe, Fiscal Manager.

"There have been many gratifying words shared over the twenty-five year history of Casa de Misericordia but there is one that lingers in my mind and heart. When Steve Mackin, President & CEO of Mercy on his first visit to Laredo said to those present, that Casa de Misericordia is the closest to the original work of mercy begun by Catherine McAuley, Founder of the Sisters of Mercy in 1827, in Dublin Ireland.

Thank you to everyone who has ever been a part of

Casa de Misericordia’s 25-year history."

Sr. Rosemary Welsh, RSM, RN

Executive Director, Casa de Misericordia

"Heartfelt congratulations on reaching a significant milestone - the 25th anniversary of Casa de Misericordia! The impact of your work has rippled far and wide, touching countless lives and transforming our community for the better. As we celebrate this significant milestone, let us take a moment to reflect on the lives that have been transformed, the wounds that have been healed, and the countless individuals who have found solace within the walls of Casa de Misericordia. May the next 25 years be filled with the continued blessings, strength, and resilience as you strive to build a more compassionate and just society. May the Lord abundantly bless you, your staff, volunteers, and all those you serve as you continue to be a source of light and hope for our community."

Letter excerpts from the Most Reverend James A. Tamayo, D.D.

Bishop

"Congratulations on 25 years of compassionate care and services for survivors of domestic violence. Your team and programs have created incredible, lasting impact in the Laredo community. Thank you for all you do to help transform lives and care for those often the most in need."



Steve Mackin, Mercy President and CEO

"Casa de Misericordia for me is the bright Light in the darkness. The Light that guides those who come for help and those who are there to help. The Light of hope. The Light that confirms that God is present and with us always. To have been a part of sharing this Light was a very humbling experience. 

May the Spirit of Mercy continue to dwell in all."



Martha Martinez

Director, Primary Health Care, Mercy Health Center 1993-2003

Director, Mercy Clinic 2003-2011

"As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of Casa de Misericordia, I want to thank the team that works tirelessly day in and day out to make sure services continue to be provided to those women, children, and families that need help. I have seen first-hand what a special team we have working with the organization, but most of all, I’ve seen first hand how those services truly change lives. We all dream of the day that domestic violence will no longer impact our community, but fortunately, until that day comes, Casa de Misericordia will hopefully continue to thrive and flourish to be able to help those in need."



Judith Wawroski, Past Board President

“Casa De Misericordia was founded to address an unmet need in our community. After 25 years, Casa is recognized as an exemplary shelter for the many services they provide and the impact they have had on the lives of victims of domestic violence.  Casa has collaborated with multiple agencies to bring needed resources and education to the community on domestic violence.    We are proud of all they have accomplished and all they do to break the cycle of violence.” 

Elizabeth Casso, President

Mercy Ministries of Laredo

"I could not be more excited and proud to have received so many people and so many important personalities, all collaborators of Casa de Misericordia who came to join us in the commemoration of our 25th anniversary. I am just as proud of our Board of Directors, Advisory Board, and volunteers. Super proud of the leadership of Sister Rosemary Welsh, Executive Director, and our wonderful staff. Words cannot express the extraordinary work that we do in our Ministry and that could not be possible without the people that I mentioned before."

Maria Elena “Nena” Arambula

Director of Programs

"As a social worker, it is often a challenge to find resources for clients. Watching the growth and development of Casa de Misericordia over the years is beyond the imagination. The comprehensive services they offer are completely focused on helping the survivor get back on their feet and to do so successfully. It is heartwarming and very reassuring to know survivors are in good hands, and they have the support they need to get through their journey.

 I’m honored to have been a part of this!"

Denise Longoria, Past Board President

PROCLAMATION CEREMONY

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone who joined us for the Proclamation and the Commemoration Events and would also like to thank everyone that has been a part of the last 25 years, especially the families that have journeyed with us.

We are who we are because of you!

The mission of Casa De Misericordia is to empower survivors of domestic violence, the accountability of the batterer, and commitment to work with the Laredo community

The vision of Casa de Misericordia is that survivors of domestic violence, despite all they have endured, can reclaim their lives by receiving comprehensive, holistic services, and consistent long-term support.

Casa de Misericordia, Laredo, TX (956) 726-0151