Throughout the month of February, we are surrounded by images of love—cherubs, hearts, Valentine cards and wishes—and yet there are so many hurting children deprived of this most fundamental emotion. After all, many of these hurting children have been subjected to violence, abuse, and neglect their entire lives. Where there should be love, there is loneliness. Disappointment. Hurt. It is a sad and far too common truth. Bryan is one of the young men at Mercy Home, and sadly, he is one of the many children who spent much of his young life longing for someone to love him.

When Bryan was only 3 years old, his single mother was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting. Unfortunately, none of his relatives were willing to take in the young boy, and he became a transient foster child. He spent years moving between families, never staying longer than 18 months with any given family. He was hurting and confused, acting out both in school and at home because he didn’t know any other way to deal with his emotions. It probably comes as no surprise that Bryan was longing for stability and, more importantly, a family he could love and trust.

As it became increasingly clear that Bryan was not flourishing in his foster homes, someone suggested Mercy Home as an alternative. Bryan decided to visit Mercy Home and see if it was a place that he could see himself calling home. It didn’t take long to decide—Bryan knew that our Home could provide him with the stability and consistency he craved so badly.

After being at Mercy Home for several months, he has discovered that in addition to the support and stability he needs, he also found a place where he is loved. He has adults that he can trust. Before, he never felt like he could trust his foster parents and felt like an outsider living in their homes, always waiting to be kicked out and sent to the next place. But he knows that he now has a home, a place where people will always care about him.

A place where he will always belong and be welcomed with open arms. Because of Mercy Home, Bryan feels that he can finally understand the concept of love. And I cannot think of a better gift to give a child than just that, the gift of love.

Bryan’s story is one that will stay with me for years to come. Though it’s easy to forget, love fails to enter the lives of too many children. So this month, please pray that the children of Mercy Home, children like Bryan, will come to know and feel love in their lives. I hope you had a Happy Valentine’s Day!

A special partnership for the sake of Mercy’s kids and for our televised Sunday Mass

You can make a difference in the life of a troubled child. Fr. Scott needs Partners to pray for our kids at Mercy Home–and also faithful Partners to help broadcast Sunday Mass at Mercy Home.

By pledging your support and your prayers, you’re offering a precious gift to Mercy’s kids–and helping our community of faith join together every week.

The boys and girls of Mercy Home are very proud of the difference they are able to make just by sharing their time and heart with others. None of this would be possible without our kind, faithful supporters, for not only sharing their friendship but for also setting an example of generosity and compassion for them to follow. During this month, please keep the young people of Mercy Home and all of our generous benefactors in your thoughts and prayers.