| Mercy House was founded for pregnant, single women without support and a place to go. It's a safe place - a place of shelter and nurturing, dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ and His service.
We publish a newsletter four times a year. Click on the links below to learn the latest with Mercy House and the lives it has touched.
Birth Announcements: Aiden Lei, born to Whitney McKenzie Reed, born to Danielle Where Are They Now? Since I left the Mercy House, Jelani and I have moved into a two bedroom apartment in Arlington. Jelani is doing so well, he just turned 3 years old in January. I am currently working as a substitute teacher and I also have a work-study position at the UTA library. I am a full-time sophomore with a 3.75 GPA and just got accepted into McNair Scholars Program. I am also a member of the English Honor Society. I have also been fortunate enough to buy two cars: a 2000 Kia Sephia and a 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. I attend Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington. I am a member of the Young Adult Bible Study there. If someone asked me my motivation, it would have to be the Almighty first off because I can't imagine having any of the blessings I have without him by my side. Just as important is my son Jelani. Since the first day I saw him, I had a new meaning for my life. He is everything anyone could hope for and more! Everything I do, I do to make a better life for us as a family. As you already know, I don't have family support from my mother, and my father and grandparents are deceased. But I have a message for all the young girls out there who think that they can't make things better for themselves: Trust in the Lord! At one point, I had no clue how I would be able to take care of myself and a child without anyone to help me. But I was wrong, there is someone to help me and He is always there for anyone who will have the faith to believe in Him. I am a living testimony to that. I cannot express the gratitude I have for Mercy House and the people who support it. I don't know where I would be now if not for the help of the parents and church guidance. It's taken a lot of hard work and dedication, but everytime I look at my son, I know that its worth it. February 2006 ------------ When I was 17 years old, I was vulnerable, hopeless, confused and pregnant. I was in a situation where the only way I would be able to keep and care for my baby was if I left my old life, my old ways of living, and got help. I knew the only way this could work was with God in my life. I looked for a maternity home for months. None seemed appealing to me, but when I read about Mercy House, it stood out above all. Within days I had and interview and a tour of the Mercy House. The moment I met the Director, Houseparents and the other girls living there, I felt a peace I had never felt before. It was then I knew I would be okay. Sometimes I feel like I have had such and advantage over every first time mom, because I became a mother at the Mercy House. I was prepared physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for the birth of my son. The tremendous support and friendship I received from the supporting church (GCC), my mentors, the staff and the midwife was such a blessing to me. The houseparents taught me how to function as a family; immediately I felt like a part of the family. The birth of my son was a miracle. Everything went naturally and smooth. The calming atmosphere the midwife gave me with a natural birth outside of the hospital (home birth) made my birthing experience very spiritual for me. I know that God was there with me. After my son was born, the staff did an excellent job helping me, without interfering with how I wanted to take care of my son. While at the Mercy House there was never a need I had that wasn't met. They even referred me to a mother's home to go to after I had my son. Since I've left the Mercy House, I got married and have had another son. I've recently gotten my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). I have grown strong in God. I mentor at a crisis pregnancy center and occasionally preach to the youth at a few churches in my area. When I look back at my experience with the Mercy House, I realize that I would not be where I am and who I am today if I had not gone into this ministry. This ministry has tremendously changed and helped me. I thank my God for this ministry and the people who make it possible. March 2006 ------------ My name is Erin King and I was a resident of Mercy house from the summer of 2001 to the spring of 2002. I came to find Mercy house when my mom and I were looking for housing for pregnant girls. I was living with my mom at the time but she was unable to keep me due to financial reasons. After a process of touring some other maternity homes and adoption agencies, I was referred to Mercy House. When I went to Mercy House for my interview it immediately felt like home. There was such a warm welcome feeling from the time I walked through the front doors. Upon moving in, my house parents treated me like family, the other houseguests felt like sisters, and Grace Community Church welcomed me with open arms. I really felt God telling me that this was where I was supposed to be. The Mercy House staff nurtured me, and showed me the way and they were there for me no matter what. Mercy House honored my decision to place my baby for adoption and helped me through that process by providing counseling and offering emotional support. I had the opportunity to choose my child’s adoptive parents. I chose a couple that attended my mother’s church and I chose an open adoption for my baby so that I have the opportunity to see my child and receive pictures. It’s so wonderful and amazing to see something that came from you grow up so fast and so full of life. While living at Mercy House I not only learned life skills such as cooking and cleaning but I also learned the importance of not judging others, putting Christ first and how to love myself. I also learned the importance of forgiveness and loving my family even after walking out some difficult days with them. After my time at Mercy House, I have made great strides to reconnect with and forgive my family and today our relationship is much healthier. I am now back in college and will begin a full load of coursework in the Spring. I owe all of the things that I’ve learned to the loving people at Mercy House and Grace Community Church. I would not have made it through this challenging yet rewarding experience without them. October 2006 ------------ I came to live at the Mercy House at the young age of 15. At the time Susan was the director and Bev and Jack were the houseparents. I was so overwhelmed with just the pregnancy itself that even as i look back on it, it seems like a long dream. However, God's mercy is amazing. Even before I had fully accepted Him in my life, He wisely planted me in Mercy House in order for me to grow spiritually and emotionally. I received the counseling I needed to cope with the reality of the pregnancy as well as the next decision I made.. to give my child, Nathaniel, up for adoption. I cry as I write this letter because even to this day I do not know where that strength and maturity came from. However, I thank God that it did come. I have never gotten a chance to tell Susan, Bev, Jack, Grace Community Church and Mercy House thank you because once I left, my family acted as if it never happened. It is only now.. 6 years later.. that I can as an adult look back and truly appreciate the grace and mercy of God in planting me in that atmosphere. December 2006 ------------ who we are | how to get help | what we provide | how to reach us | how to help | news |
