For as long as Joshua can remember, life had been chaotic. When he was very young, he lived with both his parents. His father was heavily involved in a gang and abused drugs. He was never around much, but when he was, he ignored Joshua and his brothers. Even worse, he abused Joshua’s mother.

By the time Joshua started school, his father was completely out of the picture. Even at his young age, he could tell that his mother was relieved to live without the fear of what his dad would do next. But there was a negative, too—his father had been the source of income for his family. His mom only worked part time, and they couldn’t afford to stay in their apartment.

For years, Joshua, his brothers, and mother moved around almost constantly. One week, they would be staying in a shelter. The next, at a friend’s. Then the next week, it was back to the shelter. Moving around so much seemed to affect every part of Joshua’s life. His mother pulled him in and out schools, so it was hard to make friends and even harder to keep up with his classes.

“His oldest brother got involved in a gang, and Joshua was terrified he would have no choice but to do the same.”

By the time Joshua was 12 years old, his mom had managed to find an apartment that she could afford with the little money she made. At first, Joshua was relieved that he would have a place to call home. But that relief was short-lived.

The apartment was small and dirty, and in a dangerous neighborhood controlled by gangs. Sometimes Joshua wouldn’t be able to sleep because the gunfire outside would keep him awake. His oldest brother got involved in a gang, and Joshua was terrified he would have no choice but to do the same.

He began to feel angry all the time. He lashed out at everyone around him—his brothers, his mom and his teachers and classmates at school.

Joshua got into so many fights at school that he got expelled. Joshua’s mom realized that Joshua needed more help than she would be able to give him. She began asking around for suggestions and heard about Mercy Home. She brought Joshua here to visit and find more information.

Joshua was immediately intrigued by Mercy Home. When we told him that he would always have a safe place to sleep here, plus three warm meals a day and help to get back in school, he decided to give it a try.

“He’s bonded with the other boys and recently told one of my coworkers that, for the first time ever, he feels like he has friends.”

Of course, Joshua’s anger didn’t go away overnight. But at Mercy Home, he had therapists and other staff members to help him find healthy ways to deal with it. He truly began to settle in.

Joshua is back in school again and works hard with his tutors every week to get his grades back on track. He’s bonded with the other boys and recently told one of my coworkers that, for the first time ever, he feels like he has friends.

Because of your prayers and support, we are able to give children like Joshua a safe place to live, heal, and grow. Thank you for making this possible!

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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.