One year ago this week, Mercy Home announced the creation of a Compassionate Care Task Force to coordinate the therapeutic and tangible support we provide to our young people and families who faced significant strain during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The most urgent need the task force addressed last spring was the food insecurity caused or worsened by job loss or reduction of income. Members of the team, as well as our advancement department, worked with food wholesalers, grocery stores and restaurants, as well as generous donors, to secure and deliver both non-perishables and fresh food. That includes hot meals for those in the most immediate need who, because of their current living situations, may not have the means to cook.
The task force also provided other critical household needs, including access to technology for remote learning and remote therapy, help navigating benefits programs to cover essentials like food and rent, gift cards to buy essential items, and on-call therapeutic support to help families deal with the increased stress caused by the pandemic.
As the task force draws to a close, we are continuing to assist our young people’s families through our newly named and expanded Community Care program, formerly known as AfterCare.
Meanwhile, a number of individuals and families have sent notes, text messages, emails and more, reflecting on the lifeline that had been extended to them by Mercy Home during a year of crisis.
But our families weren’t the only people moved by the countless acts of generosity that your faithful support made possible. Mario Tamayo, our Youth Programs Operations Manager who organized the delivery of food and groceries for families throughout the past year, wrote this note to Mercy Home President Fr. Scott Donahue:
Hello Fr. Scott,
I am off next week, so today I put all the boxes of food together, for what will be the final week of Compassionate Care, next week. When I was done, I couldn’t help but take a moment to thank God, for this special project.
Being able to help so many of our youth and families, in a very direct and personal way, through one of the toughest years many have ever faced, shows the strength of servanthood, Mercy possess!
Through riots, pandemic, weather, personal loss, and even having my cat in the building for 6 months, this was a project like no other.
Personally, while so many people were losing their jobs, God made something for me, that was not there before. I felt humbled, and held back the tears of gratitude. I’ve had so many projects handed to me, here at Mercy home, but Compassionate Care will always hold a unique and special place, in my heart.
Thank you for entrusting me, with this special task. I couldn’t just go onto to the next chapter, without taking pause, to say thanks.I’m blessed to be at Mercy, grateful for your leadership, and Tom’s guidance and support.
Best,
Mario
Thank you to all of our friends and donors close to home and across the country who opened their hearts in response to our requests to help struggling families in crisis, and who continue to bring hope and healing to those we serve.
