Mark Sanders Returns to Mercy Home for Women’s History Month Talk

April 16, 2026

In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the young men at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls gathered in the cafeteria for a dinner talk given by Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC.  

Sanders, a former employee of Mercy Home, returned to share how the women in his life shaped the person he is today.

“We celebrate Women’s History Month because the history books mostly talk about what men accomplished,” Sanders told the group, before asking everyone to give the women in the room a round of applause.

Throughout the evening, Sanders shared stories from his childhood, painting a picture of resilience in the face of instability, much like the experiences of our young people. Raised in Chicago, he described growing up in poverty with teenage parents where he moved frequently. For Christmas, he said, he and his siblings didn’t get toys.  

“Where we lived, it was like poor people stacked on top of poor people,” he said. “And my family was the poorest of the poor.”

At eight years old, Sanders witnessed domestic violence in his home after his mother’s partner returned from prison. That experience marked one of many challenges he faced early in life, including attending 12 public schools in 12 years, and the incarceration of his father during his high school years.  

In high school, his grades dipped as he struggled to cope. But it was the women in his life who provided stability, care, and encouragement.

He spoke about his grandmother, whose compassion became a turning point.

“My grandmother came into the kitchen one day with tears in her eyes and said, ‘Give him the money [to attend summer school]. I love him,’” Sanders said.  

That moment changed everything.

“So I went to summer school and I got two A’s,” he said. “My senior year, I got straight A’s. And in my six years of college, I never got a grade lower than a B.”

He also reflected on the role of his older sister, who helped raise him at times.  

“When my father went to the penitentiary, my big sister took care of me,” he said. “She was like my mother.”

Those relationships ultimately inspired Sanders to pursue a career in social work. He earned his master’s degree and went on to work for many female leaders.

Now, years later, Sanders returned not as a staff member, but as a mentor, encouraging the young people to reflect on the women who have influenced their own lives.

At the end of his speech, he invited the youth to speak to the women in the room and share one reason they appreciated them.

The evening concluded with brownies, cookies, and Rice Krispies treats from a women-owned bakery. 

Thank you so much to Sanders for taking the time to share your wisdom and experience with our young people.