SUCCESS STORIES
Testimonials From Our Clients
Our hearts are touched by new stories that come in every day. Throughout the years, thousands of lives have been impacted by the assistance of the Mercy Support Center Call Center and Self-Sufficiency programs. These are just a few of their stories.
Christmas 2021 Blessings
Merry Christmas to Mercy Support Services.
I have been on a journey with God, and I have experienced God in miraculous ways many times.
It’s been tough and God has promised greatness for my family and me.
My heart was set on getting at least three gifts for the kids and I saw no finances come through, but God made a way. Jesus is continually warming my heart and allows me to see His hands and feet at work through individuals and organizations such as yourself. God bless you all.
Success in Job, Life with a Grateful Heart
Hello everyone!
I just wanted to give you an update from the last time we met at the Donor’s Breakfast in February. At that time, I had 30 days left to complete my nursing program. I am pleased to announce that I am now officially a registered nurse, and ALSO, I secured that job that I prayed for! Currently I am in one of Mercy’s transitional homes with my next goal to purchase my own home. I would like to let everyone know how much the Mercy Self-Sufficiency Program has meant to me and my daughter’s life. I just want to thank you ALL for the love and support you have given to us throughout our journey.
We will always be grateful!
Click Here to see KT's short Success Video
Learning God's Timing is Perfect
This program has been like no other I ever witnessed. The genuine outpour of love and friendship I received here has watered the seeds I’ve planted for myself. Everything happens in God’s timing and God knows your heart. God knew what I needed. I left my abusive relationship on faith alone and I did not know where I was going to go, I just knew I had to trust myself and God would do the rest. Frances called me with a warm spirit and open arms after receiving my voicemail looking for help. I had a plan for how I would utilize the help offered to me, but you know what they say, “Tell God you have a plan and he laughs.” God sat me on my butt many times. He had a plan for me. I was so eager to start my life and leave the Program, but God was trying to show me something. I met Eva and Jim D. and they loved on my family so much. If I had left the program, I wouldn’t have found my job now. Eva’s daughter Joelle was hiring and my skill set and resume reflected exactly what she was looking for. I was surrounded by people who appreciated my work and genuinely cared about me. I started to see that everything happens in God’s timing. I thought I was going to be able to take over my family’s old condo, but God knows my heart. He knows I’m stubborn and would have done anything to get back in my old home. He made sure to let me know that wasn’t for me and I was refused that condo. The same day, I found an apartment 3 minutes away from my job and was approved that week. Mercy Support Services truly aids you on your path to self-sufficiency from the love you get, to the cleaning schedule provided, to the curfew. It all shaped a better me. I love you all. - K.W.
Your Prayers and Support Impacted Their Lives
My husband and I were literally facing being homeless. We were struggling to make ends meet. I was not working because I was dealing with my mom's medical issues, and her drug abuse. I was also trying to care for my niece who had essentially lost both parents to drugs. My brother passed away, and my sister-in-law was an addict.
With all of that I was not able to work, so I had to make the choice to stay home. It was good for a while, because with my niece was receiving social security and that helped us. My sister in law eventually got back on her feet and my niece went back to live with her, Praise God!!
Unfortunately, I still did not have a job, and we were no longer going to be able to get help from social security. My husband's income was not enough to cover our expenses alone, so we literally were not able to pay something each month.
We received financial coaching from Mercy Support Services that helped us learn how to budget money properly, how to save, and how to cut costs. We also learned how to be better stewards of our time, and finally I was able to get a job.
We are doing great, we are still working on budgeting, but we are doing better. We have attainable goals and know what it will take to reach them. We both now have jobs and we communicate a lot better about our finances.
Thank you for supporting this mission. Your prayers, and support impacted our lives in a great way. Our coaches were there every step of the way to pray for us and encourage us. They were firm when needed, but never made us feel as if we had completely blown it. We love this ministry and are praying for ways we too can support it. — M & E
From Ashes to Hope
Robert and his mother recently experienced a fire in their Clay County home. The fire destroyed everything they had and took the life of their family dog, who alerted them to the fire. They were referred to Mercy Support Services for any possible assistance we could give. Fortunately, we were able to provide them with clothing and other support, as well as various referrals to get the specific support they needed during this time.
In Robert’s words, “Not knowing where to turn, we called a local church, which led us to Mercy Support Services. In one week’s time, we had a furnished home stocked with food and clothes to wear. Although the items of our past were gone, a new life awaited us. God showed us love through Mercy. Without their generosity, we would be on the street with nowhere to turn.
God allowed our past to burn to ashes, but He already had a new beginning waiting for us.
The Dreams of a Home
As a single mother with a daughter and a son, living in our van in the Walmart parking lot was the most demeaning experience I have ever gone through. Being homeless is almost like having a contagious disease and no one wants to get too close for fear it may rub off. I really felt as if all was lost, with no light at the end of the tunnel. Being a failure is a pretty tough pill to swallow and the shame that I felt as a parent not being able to provide a basic home for my family tore me up. But soon there was a light that brought me out of the tunnel, Mercy Support Services. What a complete and total blessing from God. This organization is unbelievable, when so many look the other way, thinking somebody else will handle the problem, they step up and help us help ourselves. They truly are a hand up not a hand out! Being able to sleep in an actual bed and shower and do laundry, oh and home cooked meals, just the simple things that we take for granted every day mean so much. By allowing us to be a part of this amazing program, I am building my life back up, one brick at a time. I’m working two jobs, focusing on getting money saved, getting my bills paid, and the weekly visits from our counselors are integral to this program. They are making an incredible difference in our lives and that of countless others in our community. Thank you Mercy Support Services, for walking beside us when others walked away.
Making a Better Life
R.J., a recent graduate of our Mercy Support Services Self-Sufficiency Program, is a single mom who came into our program determined to make a better life for herself and her 10 year old daughter. She has made great strides during her time in our program and has been able to position herself for success. She is now moving into her own place and we couldn’t be more proud of her and excited to see all that God has in store for her. Her words to Mercy upon her graduation:
I’m so thankful for Mercy. I look back on where I was and where I am now and I just thank God that He had these amazing people helping me, talking to me, and showing me how much they care. It’s so great to see that there are still people out there trying to really help and I know it’s really hard for me to ask for help but I’m so glad I did because I got close to a couple of great women who I will never forget and I love them so very much. Thank you so much for this life changing experience. I’m so grateful for all the help. God is so amazing and on time!
Despite the Obstacles
I have two boys ages 11 and 14. My youngest son is autistic and we were homeless, living in a hotel which I was paying about 70 dollars a day. We maintained that way for over 5 months. My license got suspended for not having insurance. I worked every day, took the boys to school and I prayed constantly. On top of everything, my health was taking a very heavy toll. I have MS and I started having major episodes. I was rushed to the hospital twice from my job. My neurologist informed me I was losing my vision in my right eye. I felt like everything was falling apart, but every day I got up despite the obstacles and kept going because I knew somehow and someway God would make a way. I contacted Mercy and Dena and Pastor Patrick reached out to help. Mercy got me back on the road legally. I felt a weight lifting off me.
My blessings would go on forever if I was to list everything and everyone that brought me to this point, but one thing for sure is God put them all on my path.