Our Programs

The Mersades Ann Foundation has been established to save children and spare families from the anguish and despair following the incarceration of a parent.

Fishing

An introduction to fishing that provides hands-on learning about the basics of casting, reeling, and tackle setup, along with essential safety practices such as proper handling of equipment and awareness of surroundings. It also fosters an understanding of the environmental impact of fishing and the ethical responsibilities of anglers, including catch-and-release techniques and respecting wildlife habitats.

Volunteering

Outdoor Education

Outdoor education activities that immerse children in nature, teaching them to identify local plants and wildlife through hands-on exploration and guided observation. These experiences not only enhance their understanding of the natural world but also foster a sense of curiosity and respect for ecosystems. Lessons in outdoor safety emphasize preparedness, navigation, and risk management to ensure confident and secure experiences in various outdoor environments.

Showing up with a desire to make a positive impact on children by nurturing a love for the outdoors through mentorship, skill-building, and fostering confidence in exploring nature. Volunteers play a vital role in creating meaningful connections, providing guidance, and helping children develop a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. By introducing outdoor activities and encouraging curiosity, volunteers inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature and empower children to embrace challenges with resilience and enthusiasm.

The Legacy of Mersades Ann

Turning Loss into a Beacon of Hope

The Mersades Ann Foundation (MAF) was born from a desire to transform deep personal loss into a pathway of healing for others. Mersades Ann ("Sadie") was a radiant spirit who found her greatest peace and joy in the outdoors, particularly with a fishing rod in her hand. She believed that nature possessed a unique ability to heal the soul.

Tragically, Mersades’ life was cut short in June 2022, just before her 21st birthday. But her spirit lives on in our mission. Today, we carry her torch forward by supporting a specific group of children who often feel forgotten: those impacted by the justice system.

A Story of Redemption and Connection

Our foundation is rooted in the real-life journey of our founder, Scott Morgan, and his daughter, Mersades.

The story begins with separation. On Mersades' birthday—June 24, 2002—Scott was incarcerated at the Shawnee Correctional Center. The impact of that separation was profound. It created a fatherless home, a void where a union should have been, and led to desperate situations for the family left behind.

When Scott returned home, the struggle didn't end. Reconnecting was difficult. The "system"—child support, court services, mediators, and legal bureaucracy—often felt like a barrier rather than a bridge. It was hard to build a relationship through paperwork and court dates.

Everything changed once they got outside.

Scott and Mersades found that their true bond wasn't formed in a visitation room or a mediator's office; it was formed solely outdoors with a fishing rod. The water, the quiet, and the thrill of the catch washed away the noise of the legal system, allowing a father and daughter to simply be.

Breaking the Cycle

We believe that just like Mersades, every child deserves to feel the sun on their face, the thrill of a catch, and the unwavering support of a community that cares.

Our mission goes beyond just those with a parent currently behind bars. We recognize that the legal system impacts the whole family in complex ways. Whether a family is navigating:

• Current incarceration.

• The anxiety of pending sentencing.

• Probation, court supervision, or past legal struggles.

• The foster care system due to familial separation.

These are generational stresses. Our goal is to break that cycle by bringing families together in unity and providing a "Day of Hope."

Our Philosophy

Mersades lived by a motto that has become our guiding star: "Connect. Seek. A-line. ...Let's do some fishin'."

• Connect with others and build trust.

• Seek purpose and emotional resilience.

• A-line (Align) oneself with nature and the Creator.

Whether a family is struggling or thriving, we want to get them involved. We are here to prove that nature heals, mentorship matters, and no child has to navigate this journey alone.

Get in touch

Have any questions? We are always open to talk about your business, new projects, creative opportunities and how we can help you.

Our Location

Find us in Wheaton, Illinois, where hope takes root and every donation lights a path.

Address

P.O. Box 1063 Wheaton

Hours

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm