We all know that the streets are not the place for any child. But far too often, a life on the streets becomes a cold reality for young people in our community. Thankfully, with your prayers and support, Mercy Home is able to provide a loving home to kids facing unimaginable circumstances.

Anya was one of these children. She, her mother, and a rotating cast of her mother’s boyfriends moved frequently from one run-down apartment to another. These places were often filthy, and there was never much food. Often, there wouldn’t be heat or running water because her mother didn’t pay the bills.

“Anya rarely felt safe in her own home and tried to avoid it as much as possible.”

From a young age, Anya was expected to survive on her own. Her mother was always more concerned with the drama surrounding her latest boyfriend than caring for her daughter. The men she brought home weren’t exactly upstanding characters either. Many were involved in gangs or did drugs. Anya rarely felt safe in her own home and tried to avoid it as much as possible.

When her mother started dating a man who hit both her and Anya, Anya decided she had had enough. She left her home and wandered the streets, sleeping on park benches or in train cars. She was intelligent and resourceful enough to survive, but it quickly became clear to her that living on the streets wasn’t a life for anyone, especially a child, to live.

However, Anya knew she couldn’t return home. In fact, she refused to do so. Unsure what else to do, she sought out a teacher at school, who referred her to Mercy Home. Anya couldn’t wait to move in. She figured anything would be better than living with her mother or on the streets.

“Though she still has a way to go, she is beginning to feel more positive about what is in store for her future.”

At first, Anya couldn’t believe that Mercy Home wasn’t too good to be true. She didn’t want to open up to anyone, and mostly kept to herself. But over time, she began to trust my coworkers and the other girls and began to share her story with others.

Because of the support we receive from friends like you, Anya received the therapy and guidance she needed to overcome the many difficult things in her past. Though she still has a way to go, she is beginning to feel more positive about what is in store for her future.

Thank you for making fresh starts like Anya’s possible! It is only because of the kindness of Partners in Prayer like you that we can save the lives of so many children in need. I am so grateful for you.

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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.

Please note: Because we care deeply about protecting our children’s privacy, the names and certain identifying details in this story have been changed.