Connection
Shared outdoor experiences create room for conversation, trust, and belonging.
Greater Chicago Western Suburbs
Hope takes root outside.
MAF empowers children impacted by parental incarceration through fishing, camping, mentorship, learning, and steady community support.
Our Mission
Children deserve connection, wonder, and a path forward.
The Mersades Ann Foundation inspires hope and empowers children impacted by parental incarceration through transformative outdoor experiences that nurture learning, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth.
We serve families across the Greater Chicago Western Suburbs through programs designed to create trust, healthy mentorship, and memorable time outdoors.
Discovery
Fishing, camping, and hands-on learning encourage curiosity and confidence.
Community
Families, volunteers, donors, and partners help make each experience possible.
Why MAF Exists
A legacy of reconnection.
MAF was born from a father and daughter's bond rebuilt through time outdoors. Scott Morgan and his daughter Mersades found connection through fishing after incarceration had shaped parts of their family's story.
Two days before Mersades passed in June 2023, she took two children fishing. That moment became a seed for a foundation built around hope, family values, and healing experiences that children can carry with them.
Programs
Outdoor experiences with purpose.
Each program is designed to help children feel seen, steady, curious, and connected.
Fishing Days
Guided outings where children can learn, talk, breathe, and build confidence.
Camping Retreats
Shared time in green space for family connection, reflection, and growth.
Mentorship
Trusted adults and volunteers creating consistent support around each experience.
Cast & Connect
An interactive fishing experience that extends the mission online.
Get Involved
There is a place for every kind of support.
Donors, sponsors, volunteers, families, and community partners all help make these experiences possible.
Donate
Fuel programs, transportation, supplies, and safe outdoor experiences.
Volunteer
Join events, support families, and help create a steady presence for children.
Sponsor
Partner with MAF to support events, programs, and long-term growth.