Finding a Second Chance at Mercy Home

July 13, 2026

Amani was used to not fitting in.

Maybe it was the hand-me-down clothes that were often dirty and too small. Maybe it was that she would never let anyone see where she lived. Or maybe it was because Amani was so embarrassed by her family’s situation that she didn’t talk much to anyone.

Whatever it was, Amani felt like she stood out like a sore thumb wherever she went. Growing up in a poor neighborhood meant nobody around her had much money, but even among the families in the neighborhood, hers was especially struggling. Her father left years ago, and her mother had a chronic illness, which meant she was too sick to work.

As a result, the family moved around a lot, staying in run-down places that were often infested with bugs. Sometimes they didn’t have electricity or running water. And even when they did, it never stayed on for long because her mother didn’t pay the bills. None of these places ever felt like a home to Amani.

As soon as Amani was old enough, she got a job to help pay for the mounting household expenses. Her older brother had done the same thing, so Amani didn’t even consider another possibility.

Soon, Amani didn’t see the point of going to school at all. She didn’t have any friends at school and had never been a great student. The most important thing was working to help her family.

When her older brother turned 18, he moved out, leaving Amani alone with her mom. Without her brother’s help, Amani started struggling even more. No matter how hard she worked, it was impossible to keep up with the bills. She and her mom continued moving from dirty apartment to dirty apartment. Amani was more discouraged than ever.

She knew something needed to change. One day after work, she stopped at the library on her way home and searched the internet for something, anything that could help her. And then she found Mercy Home.

Amani wasn’t sure that we would be able to help her, but she was so desperate she decided to contact us.

Amani was pleasantly surprised to discover that Mercy Home was exactly what she needed. She soon found out that at our Home, she didn’t have to worry about whether she would be fed each day or if she would have a warm, clean place to sleep each night. She no longer had to take on the burden of supporting a family.

Mercy Home also provided Amani’s mother with resources that helped her find more stable housing and receive help with groceries and other household expenses. Not having to worry about her mother’s wellbeing was a tremendous help to Amani’s own mental health.

Amani was able to start going to school again and had the help of tutors to get caught up. And for the first time ever, Amani was able to make friends and truly feel part of a safe, stable, and loving home, thanks to the prayers of Partners in Prayer like you.

Thank you for giving children like Amani a second chance at success and a brighter future. You give our children the opportunity to overcome life’s difficult circumstances and enjoy the security of a loving home.

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