Mercy Home Supports the Youth in Chicago

A Solution for Chicago’s Youth

So many young people in our city need help and encouragement. Many need a place to call home. All youth need caring adults who believe in them and want them to have the tools they need to succeed.  

You can help provide a solution for young people like these.  

If you know a child who’s struggling at home, or needs a safe and stable place to live, let them know about Mercy Home for Boys & Girls

We have openings in two programs that may benefit someone you know. 

Residential Youth Programs

At the historic heart of our mission are our full-time living programs for youth, 11-23. We welcome young people with open arms who have experienced abuse, neglect, housing insecurity, domestic or community violence and more. 

Three kids on a bench

At Mercy Home, young people find a stable and supportive environment where they can be safe. Where they can heal from the traumas of their pasts. And where they can acquire the education and life skills they need to become fully independent adults.

Mercy Home is committed to fostering healing not only for young people, but for entire families and care-giving systems. Without judgement or reservation, we invite guardians to partner with us to help us address their child’s most significant challenges. And our professional staff connects children and families to community partner organizations throughout the Chicago area that can assist in additional ways.    

If your child or a child you know could use a solution like Mercy Home, please give us a call, or fill out our Admissions contact form.

Friends First Mentoring Program

Many children today face external stressors, yet the best place for them to live is still their family home.  To help children like these succeed, strong relationships are key. All children can benefit from having another positive role model in their lives who can lend an ear, help them build trust and life skills, and expand their horizons. For children like these, we created our Friends First Mentoring program.  

Mercy Home’s Friends First mentoring program carefully screens and trains adult volunteers from all walks of life who act as mentors to young people 9 to 16. Children and mentors share in fun and meaningful activities both at Mercy Home and throughout Chicagoland. The friendships that form create lasting, positive change for all involved.

Navigating adolescence is hard. And for families already burdened by financial or other challenges, it can be even more challenging. But studies show that having a mentor makes children less likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol or to skip school.  

Like our residential programs, Mercy Home is committed to helping whole families thrive with the help of our Friends First mentoring program. Our staff offers connection to a host of community resources and referral services for families participating in the program. 

If your child or a child you know could benefit from having a trusted mentor, please call or fill out our mentor request form.