For many of our boys and girls, birthdays weren’t always something to look forward to.

That’s why, here at Mercy Home, we make sure our kids have happy birthdays. We make sure they know just how loved and appreciated they are.

One of our traditions is a monthly birthday celebration that our young people and coworkers plan together. Our kids decorate the cafeteria with balloons and streamers, and greet their peers when they arrive.

The boys and girls with each month’s birthdays vote on the dinner menu for the evening—that way, they each get to enjoy some of their favorite dishes!

Coworkers and peers create posters for each birthday boy and girl, where they write birthday messages—words of encouragement, favorite memories, kudos, and well wishes— and paste fun pictures of their time at Mercy Home.

Birthdays can be a great chance for our young people to reflect. They can see how much they’ve grown since their last birthday—all they’ve accomplished at school and in therapy—and they can set goals for the year ahead.

Each of our birthday boys and girls takes their seat in a specially decorated chair, and our coworkers and young people join together to sing them “Happy Birthday.” A local bakery, Chrissy’s Cupcakes, donates cupcakes and cakes for all to enjoy.

We are so grateful to you for being a part of our Mercy Home family. You let our boys and girls know on their birthdays, and all through the year, how special they are. Thank you for giving them this wonderful gift.