Merciful Love Connection

Merciful Love Connection not only helps to keep young women safe and healthy but teaches them the necessary skills to find jobs, raise their kids, and opens opportunities that otherwise they would not have. When I traveled with my mother to Santiago, Chile to learn about this organization I was blown away by the passion Sister Yvette and her fellow colleagues had for this program. The love they have for each young mother is incredible and the reason why the program is so successful today.

I have worked with the Merciful Love Connection for several years. The dedication of the those associated with this organization is outstanding from the board members to the volunteers working behind the scenes. The Sisters who run and work at the refuge in Chili are to be commended. What they are accomplishing with the girls who live at the refuge and who profit from all the education and life skills given to them is outstanding. Without this nonprofit organization backing them the Sisters could not accomplish all that they do. Thank you for giving us this opportunity to share our story.

I first became aware of Merciful Love Connection when my youngest daughter was in grade school. We were all touched by the stories of the young mothers living in the refuge being helped by the sisters in Chile. Especially, my daughter Catherine, who was the same age as the youngest mother. So for my daughter’s 11th Birthday Catherine wanted to collect money for the refuge instead of toys for herself. Instead of sending money to the refuge Catherine and I went to Chile with Sister Yvette and spent 19 days being with the girls and their babies. I taught a little English to the mothers and Catherine and I held babies and photographed their daily life in the refuge. That was in 2006 and we have continued to be supporters of The Refuge and the work that Sister Yette does there.
St James says in his gospel:”I will show you my faith by my deeds” ch 2:18-19. Sister Yvette demonstrates her faith through her works at the Refuge. Lives are transformed and testimonies are given for God’s glory! I give five stars to Merciful Love Connection and the work they do in Chile!

I was one of the founding board members of The Merciful Love Connection. At the time of its founding, The Merciful Love Connection supported the ONLY refuge in the entire country that served teen mothers. Our success stories are wonderful. It is so true that when you “save a life, you save the world entire.” We have mothers who arrived pregnant and abandoned at 14 years old, who now have great jobs, own homes, are healthy, loving mothers, and raise responsible children. The personal love and attention received at the refuge makes ALL the difference! That is the good work that The Merciful Love Connection supports! THANK YOU!

The Merciful Love Connection is doing a great job to help the adolescent mothers and their babies who live at the Refuge of Mercy in Santiago Chile.
I have been supporting this organization for 14 years. I have seen the physical improvements to the Refuge.
The 1927 building was remodeled to provide classrooms for a computer lab, a library,
a beauty shop, and a recreation room. These educational programs have helped the young mothers improve their lives .
The MLC Improved the nursery with a new floor and exercise mat to teach young moms how to exercise there baby and in the process bond with their baby.
After the earthquake of 2010 the MLC repaired the damage to the Refuge and the
chapel.
I enjoy receiving the newsletter that keeps me informed of the wise use of my donations.
Theresia Podany

The Merciful Love Connection is a small group of volunteers who get big things done on a small budget in support of the young, pregnant girls who seek shelter at the Refuge of Mercy in Santiago, Chile. The Refuge is run by the Sisters of Mercy who provide housing for young girls who have no family to help. Ongoing projects supported by the Merciful Love Connection include computer courses for the girls so that they can find good jobs, tutoring in academics to help them catch up in school, activities that enhance mother-infant bonding and child development, and Buen Trato, a program that enhances the young mothers' self esteem and social skills. The Merciful Love Connection also works on maintaining the Refuge by replacing 80 year-old roofs, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens, updating wiring, replacing floors, and even turning old fashioned dorms into home-like apartments. Every year we see the young residents of the Refuge strive to become strong, independent wage earners and confident, nurturing mothers. The Connection was founded by Sister Yvette Mallow who travels from the U.S. to the refuge every year for an extended stay to work wherever she is needed. She keeps us connected to the Sisters and informed about the beautiful work of the Refuge. Every penny donated goes directly to the Refuge to support the young mothers. Their courage inspires us.

We are very proud to donate to Merciful Love Connection. We know for a fact that our financial help goes directly to the mothers and children in need in Chile. We are so thankful that Sister Yvette Mallow is leading this wonderful organization. We intend to continue supporting this charity for many years.

I had a personal experience in staying at the Refuge for 10 days. The care and love the young pregnant girl and those who have had their babies is most beneficial and influential in the lives of the girls. They are hardly more than children themselves. They are taught skills of parenting as well as given education opportunities for a better life with their new babies.
It is complex. The Sisters at the Refuge are dedicated to saving the girls, ages 11-17, from street life. Many come from the streets in Santiago or from a very poor and harsh living environment.
The Merciful Love Connection is truly a loving refuge for pregnant, poor, underprivileged young girls.
Sister Yvette Mallow is a nun who has become their benefactor. Through her careful, studious and wise work with the nuns in Santiago the Refuge has been repaired, renovated and is preparing for longer term housing and education for those girls who choose to stay.
My husband, Adrian, and I and our family fully support the Merciful Love Connection and their work.
Sincerely, DeAnna J Taylor

Merciful Love Connection is making a difference in the lives of young and abused women. The Refuge is a place of love and healing for young women and their babies, offering them security and love. It is wonderful to learn of the incredible difference Merciful Love Connection is making, offering hope and healing to young women who have been sexually abused.