MACC Celebrates Third Anniversary

After struggling with addiction for years, Ashley Davis contacted the Mercy Center for Women for help.

"When I found out I was pregnant, I realized you know, it's not about me anymore," said Davis.  "I had to do something different."

In March of 2023, Davis and her son became two of the first tenants to move into the Mercy Anchor Community Center.

"For a while there, I thought that was just how life was going to go," said Davis.  "They say it ends in jail or death and that's kind of where I was going for a while."

The residential complex---which provides transitional and long-term housing for women experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and domestic violence---is now celebrating its third anniversary.

"They completely just helped me get on my feet," said Davis.  "Everything I needed for myself and for my son, they helped me with."

Along with housing, the Mercy Center for Women also provides nearly 2,000 people with meals through its food pantry, GED and education services, and clothing for families through its Dress for Success program.

"There's just so many opportunities for people to get involved," said Mercy Center for Women Executive Director Jennie Hagerty.  "Whether it's the Crime Victim Center or NAMI, we need those wrap-around services to bring people back to who they truly are and we can't do this without them."

Those services are helping clients like Davis get back on their feet.

Davis now works for the Mercy Center for Women and is training to become a certified recovery specialist.

"They helped saved my life," said Davis.  "It took some great people in my corner to show me the way and the Mercy Center was just instrumental in helping me with that, so I love being a part of this."