Cedar Rapids Sisters of Mercy among honorees for volunteerism

DES MOINES - Sisters of Mercy of Cedar Rapids were among volunteers honored for their service during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Iowa Capitol.

The volunteers were inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame.

The Sisters, who established Mount Mercy University and Mercy Medical Center, founded in 1989 a center for helping adults advance their education. The Catherine McAuley Center now serves more than 350 clients each year.

'We are very pleased that we were recognized for the volunteerism, because we've been ministering in Iowa for about 140 years,” said Sister Laura Reicks of the Sisters of Mercy.

'It's a great opportunity for us to not only be recognized but to be grateful to all the people who have volunteered with us. Because we can't do this alone.”

Dr. Ida Johnson of Davenport and H.D. 'Ike” Leighty of Waterloo also were honored.

Johnson created United Neighbors Inc., which has served Davenport residents in need for more than 40 years. Among the services Johnson's group provides at no cost are emergency services, financial assistance for rent and utilities, construction of handicap ramps, and neighborhood group programs.

Johnson also was selected in a public vote as the recipient of the People's Choice Award.

Leighty has been a service advocate in the Cedar Valley for more than 20 years. His Leighty Foundation includes a scholarship program that encourages young people to volunteer in the community.

Also honored was the Children & Family Urban Movement, an organization that helps children and families in one of the most economically challenged and ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Des Moines.