Name: Marge Nykaza Ministry: Harmony, Hope, and Healing Marge Nykaza is the creator and executive director of Harmony, Hope, and Healing, a creative music program offering dignity and spiritual healing to the homeless and underserved in the Chicago area. Through musical, educational, therapeutic, creative and performance components, her goal is to facilitate growth in musical knowledge, build creativity and confidence in self-expression as well as improve self-esteem. Marge’s passion is to allow the arts to serve as a healing tool for recovery from the adverse effects of homelessness and poverty.
- How were you called to your current ministry/service? I was called to my current ministry while completing a master degree in Pastoral Studies in the summer of 2000. The course work for my final class was to serve at St. Martin de Porres House of Hope, a recovery shelter for homeless women and their children. In preparation for the experience, a meeting was set up with my mentor and the director of the shelter. As we discussed my involvement, it became very clear that I should share my gift of music and singing with the women and children. Now 4 1/2 years later, I continue my work at St. Martins and minister at 8 other sites throughout Chicago. Two years ago this work officially became a non-profit called Harmony, Hope & Healing!
- Who inspires you? The many women, men and children I serve inspire me. They teach me who I am called to be…a woman of faith that chooses to love, live, and serve in harmony, hope & healing.
- What are the biggest obstacles to peace? I believe the biggest obstacles to peace are ignorance, greed, a feeling of isolation and our refusal to acknowledge, discuss and celebrate our commonality and differences with one another.
- What is the biggest challenge your organization faces? Harmony, Hope & Healing is a young organization. The biggest challenge we face is to continue to meet the needs of those we serve while establishing ourselves as a viable and model ministry for the homeless and underserved.
- Describe for us a typical day. Everyday is different! On Mondays we provide music programs at Deborah’s Place, which include Marah’s Transitional Housing, Learning Center on N. Sedgwick & Safe Haven. The day is complete with a choir rehearsal at Cathedral Shelter on the west side. Tuesday is our day at Port Ministries, which includes the Mantle and Theresa House.Wednesday is an office day and a music class St. Martin de Porres House of Hope. Thursday morning we begin with several classes and a rehearsal at St. Martin de Porres House of Hope. The afternoon is spent at the Institute of Women Today, which includes Maria Shelter and Vincennes Senior Center. Friday is an office day with preparation for the coming week.
- How do you get the news? I get the news via Internet, newspaper, radio and conversations with people.
- How do you nurture your faith life? I nurture my faith life through my work, study, private prayer, meditation and community worship.
- What advice would you give the next generation of church and civic leaders? My advice to the next generation of church and civil leaders is to seek the truth of who God has called you to be, share your gifts, live in peace and love another!
- Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know. I went to Mother McAuley High School and taught music there in the 1990’s. I married my high school sweetheart, Ed Nykaza who went to Brother Rice High School (the boys' school next to McAuley). I also taught at Brother Rice High School from 1997 - 2000, while 2 of our 3 sons were attending the school. Ed and I will be married 30 years on August 16, 2005!
- What is your favorite comfort food? My favorite comfort food is pizza, chocolate and a hot cup of tea! (of course not in the same sitting) .
- Share a favorite quote that inspires you. God is with us!
