Hello my name is Celeste Dean and I am a mother of 4 beautiful girls, MERCY Communities helped me in 2002. My experience at Mercy was exceptional, it helped me to become a better mother with the Life skills classes, as well as developing my self-esteem.And also in developing lifelong friendships with the mothers of the house. Mercy is a great place for mothers who are at-risk, or just need help with transitioning in their lives. Mercy is different from other organizations, because they are there for lifelong situations, they are there throught the ups and the downs, through smiles and tears. for example, when I go see Mary, she is ALWAYS there for me, to give advice, to keep encouraging me. I feel comfortable and confident with them, knowing Mercy has made a difference in my life and I can't thank them enough. Since Mercy I have maintained housing, accomplished my goal of finding my father and reconnecting with him, i have gone to school for Cna, and Currently graduated for Midwest Technical Institute, majoring in Massage Therapy, I am a business owner of Major Moves Massage Therapy, it was all in the efforts and support of Mercy. And I am thanking them by keeping up the good works and acheivments, and goals. and staying in touch with them in the aftercare program Thanks Mercy...Love ya
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- EIN 37-1383599
- 217-753-1358
- 108 E Cook St Springfield IL 62704 USA
- www.mercycommunities.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Homeless & Housing, Homeless Centers, Homeless Shelters, Human Services
Mission: The mission of M.E.R.C.Y. (Mentors, Empowerment and Resources for Change in Young families) Communities is to provide housing and supportive services to foster the independence of homeless and at-risk families.
Results: Over the past ten years we have served 138 families. Four mothers have gone on to home ownership. In 2009, 96 percent of transitional families moved into permanent housing upon completion of the program. In 2009, 93 percent of permanent supportive families maintained their housing for one year or longer.
Target demographics: Homeless or at-risk parents with children between the ages of 0-18.
Direct beneficiaries per year: In 2009, we provided services to 30 mothers and their 52 children.
Geographic areas served: Sangamon County
Programs: The transitional housing program utilizes existing community services along with twenty-four hour onsite staffing, weekly case management, life skills training, job training, counseling, children's services and daily reinforcement by mentors and support staff. A family can participate in the transitional program for up to two years. An additional five years of aftercare program services are offered with the goal to sustain the gains made during the transitional phase. Currently, the transitional housing program can house ten families (up to 40 individuals). A new partnership program with a local church is providing support for an additional family. In 2005, services were expanded to include a permanent supportive housing program which offers decent, safe and affordable housing and a professional support system to help disabled families live healthy, interdependent lives, realizing their potential in homes of their own. Families can remain in this program as long as needed.