Mercy Home has given hope to children
experiencing trauma. Today, with support from generous donors such as
Codilis & Associates, the home continues to fulfill its mission to
ensure that every child receives a safe, secure home with loving adults.
The home provides both residential programs and community-based
opportunities. The residential programs, funded by donations, operate on
a sliding fee scale that depends on income. A guardian can pay as
little as $12.50 a month to place a youth in Mercy Home.
Mercy Home houses the boys and girls on separate campuses, and a child
must be at least 11 years old to enter the residential programs.
Children attend classes at local private schools and receive intense
academic, social, and psychological help at the home. They live in
dormitory style rooms, take part in chores, and eat family-style meals.
Many Mercy Home residents work and volunteer in the communities
surrounding the homes.
While they come from diverse backgrounds, these
children share two things: they have all experienced highly traumatic
situations, and they all want to make a positive effort to move forward
and lead healthy, productive lives. A Chicago institution that has
produced police officers, chefs, and successful parents, Mercy Home
offers a unique way forward for troubled youth.
