Mission Statement

Vision:
"Women restore hope, wholeness and stability for self and children"

Mission Statement:
Mercy Center for Women is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and is committed to enhancing the dignity of each person we serve through healing of body, mind and spirit.

Mercy Center for Women provides

Safe and Supportive transitional housing, education and counseling for homeless women with or without children.

Connection with social service agencies and volunteers to form a network of ongoing support, mentoring and education to our residents and women in the community.

An environment based on spirituality and ethical values.

Latest News

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Volunteer Strength: In a recent year, approximately 350 volunteers donated 8,346 hours to Mercy Center for Women. This represents an annual cost savings of $169,000.

Mentor Programs

House Managers

House Managers oversee the daily operation of MCW, particularly as it pertains to supervising residents and assuring that the house schedule and policies are carried out.
Volunteer House Managers allow MCW to provide 24-hour staffing without putting a strain on our operating budget.

A qualified House Manager will have:

  • A positive attitude and the ability to work closely with homeless women and their children who have difficult issues to resolve.
  • The ability to supervise while encouraging independence and growth.
  • Good judgement, common sense and the ability to handle emergencies and minor conflicts.
  • The ability to commit to one eight-hour shift per month- usually on weekends.
  • Good verbal and written communications skills.
  • The ability to abide by the confidentiality requirements of MCW.
  • The ability to work either independently or with staff and the house manager as needed and help with various activities at the Center.


    Other Opportunities

    Without the support of volunteers, Mercy Center for Women would not be able to continue to serve homeless women and children. Generous individuals can choose to help in the following capacities:

    • Receptionist
    • Prepare bulk mailings
    • Organize a group fund-raiser
    • Childcare
    • College intern or occupational therapist
    • Provide building and grounds maintenance
    • Serve on the Board of Directors
    • Educational speaker
    • Student doing work study or service learning

      If you are interested in volunteering, please contact:


      Volunteer Coordinator
      Phone: 814-455-4577
      Fax: 814-459-7012
 

Statistics

Average number of women per year: 30

Average number of children per year: 15

Total shelter nights: 7274

Average cost per resident per day: $185.03

Budget: $1,211,966

Number of volunteers: 391

Number of volunteer hours: 8,755

Value of donated services: $182,022

 

Residents statistics during one year:

60% Caucasian

35% African American

5% Hispanic

52% of our residents were homeless due to drug and alcohol addiction

25% were making transition from prison or were on parole

15% were leaving abusive relationships

18% were jobless and lacked financial resources