Growing up, Ben was abused by his father and every night he went to bed terrified that he would never wake up again. At times, Ben worried that there was no escape – that he would be forced to endure terrible abuse and suffering every single day of his life.

But then one day Ben experienced a miracle. A concerned teacher intervened in his home life and Ben came to Mercy Home in search of healing and opportunity.

At Mercy Home, our children – like Ben – know what a tremendous difference a healing hand can make. After all, it is the love and support of good friends of Mercy Home that ensure our young people the second start they are so desperately seeking when they come to our Home. So when our children are given the opportunity to share their time and give back to others, they often jump at the chance to pitch in.

During this past Christmas season, our children devoted a great deal of time to helping others. As a member of our Mercy Home family, our children learn that they have unique gifts and talents – and that sharing them is a tremendous ;act of compassion and friendship they can extend to others.

This year, Ben and several of his peers participated in community service through the friendship they have built with the residents of a home for the elderly. During their visits, our young people played cards and games with the residents, baked cookies, and sang songs. For some of the residents of the home, our boys and girls are the only visitors who ever make an appearance. Our younger children also spend time volunteering at a soup kitchen, preparing and serving food and ensuring the serving area is kept clean for all visitors.

It is a rewarding experience for many of our children and allows them to experience the joy and fulfillment of making a difference in someone else’s life. As our young people participate in these community service projects, some of our boys and girls are beginning to emerge as leaders and role models. Our older kids have taken young ones under their wing, showing by example how to see the good in any situation.

For many of our children, their troubled childhoods have kept them from enjoying all that life has to offer. Yet, as our children reflect on what brought them to Mercy Home, they realize how far they have come – and that they are a blessing in the lives of many people they meet each day.

Father Scott’s Partners in Prayer:

A special Partnership for the sake of Mercy’s kids and for our Sunday TV Mass.

You can make a difference in the life of a troubled child. Father 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 of January, please keep the young people of Mercy Home and all of our generous benefactors in your thoughts and prayers.