Board Members, Friends Hold Key to Changing Lives

February 26, 2026

Last week, Mercy Home hosted our Board Member Appreciation & Open House, bringing together our dedicated board members and new friends introduced through their networks. It was a warm and energizing evening celebrating the many ways our board fuels life‑changing opportunities for our young people through leadership, generosity, volunteerism, and advocacy. Board members also welcomed guests to learn more about the vital role that new supporters, volunteers, sponsors, and partners play in sustaining our mission for the future.

Fr. Scott opened the program in musical fashion, inviting attendees to join him in singing a tune his older sisters learned in Girl Scouts:

Choruses of “Make new friends but keep the old. One is silver, and the other’s gold” filled the room.

“That’s what tonight is all about,” Fr. Scott said, summarizing the evening’s goal of inviting new friends to join us in support of our mission while honoring those we hold dear for all they do for our young people and families.

He thanked Board of Regents member Johanna Rahal for developing the evening’s “You Hold the Key” theme, which captured the many ways our boards unlock opportunities for our kids.

“Keys open doors,” he reflected. “Keys help reveal. And tonight is about opening our doors—and really, opening our hearts—to all of you, so you can see the real miracles that happen at Mercy Home.”

Representatives from each of our boards—the Board of Regents, Leader Council, Ambassadors of Mercy, and Associate Board—shared highlights from the past year. The program continued with updates on our mentoring, residential, education and career resources, and Community Care programs before hearing from Judah, a young man living at Mercy Home.

Judah shared how he came to Mercy Home after conflict with relatives who were caring for him following his mother’s death. He had been struggling in school, but with support from the Home, he rebuilt healthy habits and began to thrive academically. Today, he is taking all honors and AP classes and is active in his school community.

He also described meaningful growth in his personal life.

“I’ve learned how to be a leader—someone people trust and can count on,” he said. “Staff tell me I have a strong influence on others, and I want to use that for good.”

Judah shared that his relationship with his family has improved, and he now has his sights set on college. He thanked those in attendance for the support that makes stories like his possible.

“You have made a big difference in the lives of youth like me!”

We’re grateful to everyone who joined us—and to those who extended the invitation to others who may wish to get involved. Special thanks to the board members who formed our planning committee members, David Williams, Kathy Seegebrecht, Johanna Rahal, Edward Gamble, and Meghan Curran. And thank you to our board members who highlighted our recent successes: Nancy Temple, Sue Golden, John Salvino, and Nicole Tolentino.

Mercy Home was proud to celebrate our board and all they make possible for the young people and families we serve.

Check out the photo gallery from the event.