No matter how hard Lauren tried, she always felt like she couldn’t do anything right.

She wanted her parents to pay attention to her and care about her, but no matter what she did, they just seemed to ignore her.

Lauren grew up in a stable middle-class family, but her parents had her when they were very young. To keep up with the cost of raising a child, they both worked multiple jobs. And when they weren’t working, they seemed more interested in regaining the fun of youth rather than spending time with her.

As a result, Lauren spent a lot of time with her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and neighbors growing up. Her parents relied on everyone they could think of to babysit her. Now she was old enough not to need a babysitter, but that was almost worse. She spent most of her time home alone.

Eventually, Lauren began doing anything she could to get her parents’ attention. She acted out in school, stopped doing her homework, and began to disobey anything her mom or dad told her to do. She couldn’t think of any other way to get them to notice her.

Eventually, Lauren ended up in the principal’s office for her disruptive behavior.

At first, Lauren wasn’t totally sure how to explain the way she was acting. But eventually she told her principal that her parents never had time for her, and it made her feel so sad and alone. She didn’t know how to deal with all her feelings.

Her principal knew about Mercy Home, and it immediately came to mind when she listened to Lauren’s story. She explained to Lauren that while it wouldn’t replace her parents, it was a place where she could get the support she needed to get back on the right track.

Lauren was so desperate for things to change in her life that she was willing to try anything. She moved into our Home soon after.

Lauren immediately began to thrive at Mercy Home. She loved having all the other girls around, and there were always coworkers for her to talk to. Having a scheduled time to do her homework and chores was something she had never experienced either and she loved the routine.

Meeting with her therapist was also helpful. She was able to share how neglected and alone she felt all her life, and her therapist gave her helpful ways to cope with those feelings. Sharing experiences with the other girls also made her feel not so alone.

Lauren has also been working to repair her relationship with her parents. They have started making more of an effort to talk to her on the phone and do activities with her when she’s home for weekends.

Before, Lauren felt hopeless about the future. Now, thanks to Mercy Home, she knows there are so many things to look forward to. Thank you for remembering kids just like Lauren in your prayers. Your support means the world!

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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.