St. Mary of Providence showcases residents’ art to raise funds, inspire others

CHICAGO – Since COVID-19 has dropped at a residential home on the Northwest Side that cares for women with developmental disabilities, St. Mary of Providence showcased their clients’ artistic talents, hoping to raise money and send a message of never limiting yourself.

On Saturday, WGN-TV met Josephine D’Amico who said she learned how to play the piano when she was seven years old.

She became visually impaired many years after getting her start, but that didn’t stop her from continuing to share her gift with the world.

“It brings me joy, happiness and my love,” D’Amico said.

She is one of 82 women with developmental disabilities living at St. Mary of Providence in the city’s Portage Park neighborhood.

Years ago, students with disabilities attended school there.

“As the students became older, their families couldn’t really take care of them anymore, so the sisters converted it over to a home for them,” Ximena Moreano with St. Mary of Providence said.

St. Mary of Providence now serves as a nonprofit organization that provides ladies with 24-7 care.

“They provided activities for her, love, respect,” Josephine’s sister Carla Dargan said.

To help with fundraising, St. Mary of Providence hosted a spring craft fair in them gym Saturday, showcasing and selling artwork and jewelry designed and created by the ladies.

“This year we introduced diamond art to them and they absolutely love it,” art teacher Leeann McKenna said. “They work independently and they place every single little stone one-by-one on themselves.”

Proceeds from the fair went to residents’ daily needs along with equipment for activities.

St. Mary of Providence will celebrate 100 years in November. To help keep things running smoothly, the nonprofit is looking for more volunteers and employees with compassionate hearts to serve its ladies.

“It’s just a blessing to have this place for [Josephine] and these wonderful, gifted young ladies,” Josephine’s brother Vince D’Amico said.