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New Mercies Ministries is a gospel-centered organization providing supportive connections, safe housing, and restorative services for women and families, empowering them to gain stability and ultimately live independently.

New Mercies Ministries is a gospel-centered organization providing supportive connections, safe housing, and restorative services for women and families,…

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New Volunteer Training

Ministry Wide Volunteer Gathering

An Answered Prayer September Impact Story

An Answered Prayer

A Life Transformed August Impact Story 1

A Life Transformed

St Joe Foundation Social Post

St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Grant

And this is the confidence that we have toward Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of Him ~ 1 John 5:14-15 ESV 

One of the beautiful things about this ministry is that we are blessed to have parents from all over Northern Indiana calling to invite us into their present situations. Sometimes, requests are resolved before we find a Host Family. Even though we may not host children from these families, we still get to pray for them! We can pray confidently knowing that God hears us when we ask that His will be done in their lives. 

Earlier this year, one of our Host Families hosted a 6-month-old little girl. Four months later, the hosting ended with some uncertainty as mom had not made much progress on her goals but missed her daughter and wanted her back. The Host Mom encouraged the parent to call if she had any questions or needed further support. 
Throughout the hosting, the Host Mom had prayed that this parent would see her as a safe person and prayed that she would call if she did need help – God beautifully answered this prayer! A few weeks later, the Host Mom was the first person that mom called when she needed help! This Host Family gladly jumped back in to take this little girl and is coming alongside mom to help her through her struggles. 

The Host Mom told us that this hosting, which was their family’s first, was such a neat opportunity to see her kids serve...<blockquote>As a family, we are on mission. My kids had the chance to grow and learn to be like Jesus. We always tell them that we are the hands and feet of Jesus, but here they had the opportunity to show that.</blockquote>

Recently, we received a call from a mom who had just given her life to Christ. She heard about the ministry through the church she was attending and needed support to leave an emotionally abusive relationship. Two Host Families have come alongside her, hosting her children as she works on transportation, employment, and safe housing. Her love for Christ and the fruit of that is so evident, as she reads the Word intently, seeks to pursue greater community with Christ’s followers, and recognizes her need for discipleship. 
The start of school in August meant that new schedules needed to be arranged. The Family Coach arranged for a transportation volunteer to help in the mornings while mom waited to hear back about before school care. Mom arranged her work schedule so that she could pick the girls up from school and drop them off at daycare. Mom would wake up at 4am(!) to drive a family member to work so that she was able to use their vehicle to get herself to work. She has used this time of hosting to work as much as possible, pursuing her goal of purchasing a vehicle. Throughout it all, mom has been bold to share her testimony, intentional in bringing her children to church and getting more involved, and taking full responsibility for her children and their well-being. 
What a joy it is to be able to come alongside her, lifting up a sister in Christ and marveling at the transformative work that Christ is doing in her life and in the lives of our volunteers!

Press Release 
June 29, 2023 
New Mercies Ministries is thrilled to share that the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation recently awarded a generous grant of $15,000.00 to assist in funding our Family Coach Manager position. Volunteer Family Coaches facilitate the relationship between the parents and the Host Family during a hosting by 1) supporting the Host Family and ensuring the well-being of the children in care and 2) providing support and mentorship to the parents. The Family Coach Manager oversees the work of these volunteer Family Coaches. This position is now partially funded by this grant from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and will supplement the volunteer Family Coach team by accepting assignments when volunteer coaches are not available. This funding allows us to continue providing accountability and compassionate coaching to parents in need of support. 
One mother we served began an arrangement for her children that lasted for a few months while she worked on stability goals, including finding a job, childcare, and plans for long-term housing. A few months later, these plans fell through, so she once again turned to New Mercies for help. Our Host Families were able to cover the gap, providing a safe place for her children as she adjusted her work hours and found alternative childcare. Through all of this, the same Family Coach was by this mother’s side, encouraging her, challenging her, helping her problem-solve, and pointing her to Jesus. 
Without this generous funding from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, families like this mother and her children would be left without vital support and community. We would like to thank the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation for their support that allows New Mercies Ministries to continue our services.

We are so excited for our summer fundraiser sale hosted by <a href="https://pinehills.church/">Pine Hills Church</a>! Don't miss this fun time of shopping and connecting with the community. We would love for you to invite your family and friends to donate items AND shop. Thank you <a href="https://pinehills.church/">Pine Hills Church</a> for blessing us with this event! Pine Hills coffee shop will be open on the Friday of the sale, so come enjoy a cup of coffee and some shopping! 
<h1>SHOP</h1>
<h3>Sale Times: </h3>
<ul><li>Thursday Evening August 17th – 6-9 PM Shopping open exclusively to families served by New Mercies Ministries and our volunteers</li><li>Friday August 18th – 8 AM-5 PM – OPEN TO PUBLIC</li></ul>
<ul><li>Sunday, August 27th - Send Sunday – Sunday service and fun evening celebrating the ministries highlighted – 4-8 p.m. </li></ul>
Location: Pine Hills Church - 4704 Carroll Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46818
Pine Hills volunteers will help deliver any large items purchased following the sale on Friday evening or Saturday morning. 
<h1>DONATE</h1>
<h4>Donations of gently used, clean items are appreciated! * </h4>
Donation drop-off times:
<ul><li>Sunday, August 13th from 1-4 p.m. </li><li>Monday, August 14th - 9 AM-3 PM and 4 PM-7 PM</li><li>Tuesday, August 15th - 9 AM-3 PM and 4 PM-7 PM</li></ul>
When you arrive to donate items, signs will direct you to the side door of the church building. 
The following items will not be accepted: mattresses, tires, paint, chemicals, or anything requiring more than two men to lift. 
*contact <a href="mailto:laura.annconner@gmail.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">laura.annconner@gmail.com</a> for questions about donations.
We can't wait to see you there!

Engage My City website

August 17  - Volunteers and Families served by New Mercies Ministries
August 18 - Open to Public 8 AM - 5 PM

Engage My City Garage Sale Fundraiser

<blockquote>Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we are comforted by God. ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4  </blockquote>
What a blessing to know we can come alongside others and comfort them in their affliction, with the very comfort that we receive from God! This is very much a part of the role of Family Coach, as they come alongside the parents who ask for our help. They comfort them, support them, guide them, encourage them, and love them in their difficult circumstances. 
When parents call us, we hope to build long-lasting relationships with them. Once an arrangement has ended, we encourage parents to call again for help when needed. One mom began an arrangement for her children that lasted for a couple of months while she worked on stability goals – she got a job, childcare, and made plans for long-term housing. A few months later, her housing plans fell through, her job hours changed, and the childcare no longer aligned, so she requested help. Host Families covered the gap until she could adjust her hours and find alternative childcare. Through all of this, the same Family Coach is by mom’s side, encouraging her, challenging her, helping her problem-solve, and pointing her to Christ. 
Through the ups and downs, successes and failures, and new and subsequent arrangements, our Family Coaches walk alongside these parents on what is not usually a straight path. These are hard situations, and often there are no easy answers. Our coaches know that they can’t change hearts, only God can! They meet parents where they are, pray for and with them, point them to the hope of Christ, and love them in practical and tangible ways. Please join us in praying for our Family Coaches as they seek to comfort parents with the comfort that they have received from God!

No easy answers

No Easy Answers 

We are excited to offer a newly required training for all child-facing volunteers on the topic of trauma-informed care, presented by Katie Chandler. This training will be offered twice annually, beginning with August 12th and then with a session following in the spring. Katie is a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner with a passion for helping families who work with vulnerable children and their families. Katie has been practicing the TBRI Principles since 2015 and can personally testify that it works! She has led TBRI trainings, coached caregivers, and supported adoptive and foster children and families in the US as well as overseas. In her own experiences, Katie has noticed parallels between TBRI and the gospel, how our Father in Heaven “parents” us in a manner similar to that of TBRI. It is her great joy to share TBRI with others and come alongside children and families. 
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to practically meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. Ongoing, all child-facing volunteers will be required to complete this training sometime in their first year after they begin serving in their new role. Our hope is that all current child-facing volunteers will be able to take this newly required training within the year, beginning with this August 12th offering. <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/a6zBXB2thM">We invite you to register today!</a> 
In this TBRI training we will: 
<ul><li>Learn more about the evidence-based research that led to TBRI </li></ul>
<ul><li>Examine how risk factors affect brain growth and child development </li><li>Discuss the effects of fear on behavior, and how to build felt-safety for a child or teenager </li><li>Learn about the attachment cycle </li><li>Explore different methods to build connection and trust </li><li>Brainstorm ways you can meet a child’s physical, sensory, and environmental needs </li></ul>
<ul><li>Discover how to be a “detective” with a child’s perplexing behavior </li><li>Gain tools to navigate challenging interactions with a child or teenager </li><li>Practice how to respond to a child’s challenging behaviors </li><li>Become equipped to bring hope and healing to vulnerable children and their families </li></ul>
“We’ve found that any child benefits from a nurturing, trusting relationship with a safe adult.” -The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, TCU

TBRI SOCIAL MEDIA

TBRI Trauma Training

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. ~ Matthew 25:35-36


We are incredibly thankful to serve alongside those who are living out these verses – not only giving food and drink and clothing to those who need it but also inviting strangers into their homes! The reasons a parent may need hosting are as diverse as the children we serve. Whether it’s because they are having a baby, searching for housing, leaving an abusive relationship, entering rehab, or numerous other reasons, we are so thankful for our many families who invite strangers in and show them the love of Christ!
This past month, we were blessed with the opportunity to come alongside a mom who was having a baby and is Muslim. She called because she had no other options but was nervous about utilizing the ministry. Initially, her son told her that he would not go with a Host Family. To help make mom feel more comfortable, the Host Family and Family Coach kindly agreed to meet with her and her son. By the end of the meeting, she felt comfortable with the Host Family, and the son even asked if he could go to their house right away! In addition to asking to meet before making the decision, mom asked if she could send all her son’s meals with him. The Host Family graciously accommodated this request as well. And so, the day came when mom was scheduled to be induced and the hosting started! 
Mom was able to give birth to a healthy baby boy, knowing that her other son was being well taken care of. The Host Family said the little boy was joyful, full of energy and that he listened very well. They felt that the hosting went smoothly and said that they would host him again if they were available! Mom was eager to have her son back, and the hosting ended even earlier than expected. What an opportunity to come alongside a family in this specific moment of need! 
Every hosting, and every child comes with unique needs and requests. In this case, it was a meeting beforehand, and the mom providing specific meals. We are so thankful for our flexible and gracious volunteers who were willing to meet this wonderful mom where she was and be Jesus’ hands and feet, showing this family the love of Christ. 
Please join us in praying for discernment and abounding love as we serve those from different faiths, ethnicities, languages, orientations, and backgrounds, meeting people where they are and inviting them to come to see and know Jesus!

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Inviting Strangers In

Navy Schrock, our Director of Ministry Engagement, was featured on the Advancing the Mission podcast - a production of County Line Church of God, and a partner church of New Mercies Ministries. This is a great resource to share with your family and friends so they can learn more about the heart behind New Mercies!

May Social Media5

Advancing the Mission Podcast - Featuring Navy Schrock

Recently, we’ve been getting more calls from parents who are homeless. These parents face the challenge of trying to find housing, employment, and childcare, all at once. 
Where would you start? 
How do you attend a job interview or work if you have a child with you? 
How do you afford housing or childcare without a job? 
This was the situation that a mom of a 15-month-old girl found herself in. One of our newly approved Host Families jumped right in and offered to host the little girl. And three other families have come alongside this Host Family to help cover day hosting and respite needs! Mom has found two jobs and is working hard to find housing and childcare, knowing that she has the time and space to do so while her little girl is in a safe place, loved, and cared for. 
Join us in praying for this mom, and the many others, who face numerous challenges and limited resources as they try to care for their little ones.

Newsletter Graphics January 2023

It Takes a Village

New Mercies Ministries hosted a volunteer and donor appreciation event on February 3, 2023, to celebrate 10 years of family preservation ministry in northeast Indiana.
On Friday, February 3, 2023, New Mercies Ministries celebrated 10 years of family preservation work by hosting an event on the campus of Headwaters Church, on Wells Street in Fort Wayne, in the newly renovated chapel. Bonnie Doolittle, Founder and Executive Director of New Mercies Ministries recognized the 153+ volunteers from 37 churches in the area that served 676 children and parents over the last 10 years. Special recognition was given to volunteers and donors as well as the pioneers of the family preservation movement in northeast Indiana which started on February 3, 2013; those pioneers are Kim Plattner, John Suciu and Troy Schrock, all of whom were in attendance and guests of honor at the event. Dinner was served followed by a time of worship, a keynote address by Greg Byman, senior pastor at St. Joe Community Church. Live music was provided by Daniel Gruber on cello, Ellen Ford on piano and vocalist and Merrit Dusseau vocalist. A special thanks to Nicole Capriglione of Capriglione Creations for her work in providing one-of-a-kind, handmade pottery for 5+ year volunteers.
New Mercies Ministries offers short-term child hosting and family coaching during times of parental crisis. Families may seek help with situations such as homelessness, hospitalization, mental health crises, domestic violence, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, and incarceration. Parents can self-refer or may be referred by social service agencies, homeless shelters, hospitals, drug treatment centers, prisons, schools, police stations, etc. The organization works quickly to match children with screened, trained, and approved volunteer Host Families. Parents voluntarily request care for their children and maintain full custody while they seek to restore stability while they walk alongside a volunteer Family Coach who closely monitors the hosting of children. The ministry has a 99.5% reunification rate.

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February 2023 Newsletter Graphics

A Decade of Memories

What is Family Preservation?
Family preservation is a term that refers to the ways in which we can keep families together and help them thrive. Childwelfare.gov defines Family Preservation services as “...short-term, family-focused services designed to assist families in crisis by improving parenting and family functioning while keeping children safe.”. 
Why is Family Preservation so Important? 
The family is the basic unit of society and the foundation upon which our lives are built. Family preservation is the process of strengthening families so they can stay together and thrive. It is a proactive approach that helps families identify and address the issues that put them at risk of separating. There are many reasons why family preservation is necessary. It equips parents with the tools to maintain their stability and independence and connects them in relationships that many times become like surrogate family. FP significantly reduces social isolation for vulnerable families, improving mental and physical health, child welfare, and the social emotional wellbeing of the entire family unit. Positive impacts on children’s academic success due to increased family cohesion and stability are measurable. Family preservation also has positive impacts on the community, such as reducing crime and improving economic stability. Families that are together are more likely to be successful in their pursuits and to contribute to the community in positive ways. 
Family preservation services can be implemented in our community through a variety of programs and ministries. These include family support services, family counseling, and respite care. New Mercies Ministries currently falls under the umbrella of respite care and support services, in the family preservation arena. NMM offers short-term hosting services for children in safe, loving, approved volunteer host family homes, while their parents seek to restore stability with the guidance of a volunteer family coach. New Mercies is also collaborative, meaning we harness and coordinate the resources of existing community agencies to bring supportive connections within the reach of parents. Recently, we have also initiated a post-hosting mentoring program, Rooted Together, for parents looking to strengthen their walk of faith through discipleship and accountability. 
The importance of family preservation cannot be understated. By working to preserve families, we are working to build a stronger, healthier community for everyone.

The Importance of FP

What is Family Preservation and why is it so important?

Here at New Mercies, we are thankful for the difference that you, our faithful volunteers, churches, staff, and financial partners are making, for lives that you are changing through God’s work, and for the way that you keep showing up for vulnerable families in Northeast Indiana. So many needs have been met in ways that are difficult to describe, and the ministry would not continue without you. Because of your support, vulnerable families continue to be reached with Gospel-centered love and care. Thank You!
 For almost 10 years now, God has been using generous partners like you to provide holistic, Gospel-centered care for Northeast Indiana families. You have empowered volunteers to serve with safe housing and supportive connections by helping us to develop a sustainable structure that fuels Gospel-focused ministry.
While numbers give a glimpse of God’s work, we know that the true impact is best told in testimonies. During the month of November, we interviewed many so that you could see God’s hand work through the ministry. You can watch them below.

Tiffany - Partner Church Staff &amp; Carly - Host Mom and Ministry Coordinator

Elizabeth - Family Coach and Host Mom

Courtney - Host Mom &amp; Ministry Coordinator

Arlan - Ambassador Enterprises - Corporate Sponsor

Katie - Communications Coordinator

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Year End 2022

St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Grant 
Press Release 
June 1, 2022
New Mercies Ministries is delighted to announce that the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation recently awarded a generous grant of $25,000.00 to assist in funding our Family Coach Manager position. The Family Coach Manager oversees the work of volunteer Family Coaches, who facilitate the relationship between the parents and the host family during a hosting. The Family Coach Manager enables Family Coaches to effectively and appropriately 1) support the host family and ensure the well-being of the children in care and 2) provide support and mentorship to the parents. In addition to supervisory tasks, the Family Coach Manager will also provide coaching to supplement the volunteer Family Coach team when appropriate. This position is now partially funded by this grant from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, allowing us to continue providing accountability and compassionate coaching to parents in need of support.
Kenyetta Starks, a mother of three, chose New Mercies for her infant twins when she found herself socially isolated, suffering from postpartum depression, and struggling to support her young family. Now, a year later, Kenyetta is part of a thriving community of supporters, including her family coach, host family, and other volunteers on the New Mercies team. She shares that she has experienced the love of God in a new way. “I just see God working through my healing,” she says. “It took a whole lot of prayer, a whole lot of patience, and just some extra help.”
Without this generous funding from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, parents like this young mother would be left without crucial support, unprepared to nurture her twins or provide a stable home, and too overwhelmed to parent well. We would like to thank the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation for their support that allows New Mercies Ministries to serve our community.

Press Release Social Media Post

Grant Received from St. Joseph Community Health Foundation

New to the community and hospitalized during a high-risk pregnancy, Honey urgently needed a safe place for her two young daughters to stay. She chose to trust New Mercies, where she found friendship, support, and community. This is her story.

Amber Honey

Finding Friendship Amid Crisis: Honey + Amber's Story

July marks our first anniversary as New Mercies Ministries! We are celebrating the hundreds of lives impacted over the last year through the ministry of radical hospitality. THANK YOU to all who have joined hands with us as we work to provide supportive connections, safe housing, and restorative services for families in our community. 
Since the launch of New Mercies, volunteers have served and supported 302 New Mercies hostings—and we're not slowing down!

Annual hosting data infographic

Read on to learn more about how God is working in our community through the words of New Mercies families and volunteers:

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<h4>Voices from around the ministry</h4>
"I was instantly inspired by the mission, purpose, and drive to support, empower, and build relationships with families—all while showing Christ’s love." -Jill, support line volunteer 
"I love [New Mercies] because nobody stands out. It’s not about competition, it’s not about prestige—it’s about helping others. You can just be a part of the body...everybody’s strengths are where they need to be. It all works together." -Shari, transportation team volunteer
"The only support I had and still have is this program...I met some great, great families who have stuck with me, and here we are and we are doing great." -Kenyetta, New Mercies Mom

Celebrating 3

"[New Mercies] feels like the church doing what we’re supposed to: coming alongside...relationship." -Joel, resource team and family coach volunteer
"It feels less like we’re serving and more like we are welcoming children into our family’s story...We have gained family in a permanent way—a lasting relationship between our family, the child we hosted, and his entire family." - Courtney, host parent
"Life is hard and messy. New Mercies doesn't shy away from the hard, it presses in. Just as Jesus has done for us. I'm so thankful Jesus doesn't give up on me. I'm so thankful New Mercies is in it for the long haul in our community." -Sarah, ministry volunteer

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We are excited to watch God to continue to work in our homes and neighborhoods. From stocking shelves and delivering meals to hosting kiddos and supporting parents, the ways to serve are as diverse as the body of Christ.
Will you join us?

Anniversary

Celebrating One Year of New Mercies Ministries!

Kenyetta remembers the fear racing through her mind as she arrived at the New Mercies office to place her infant twin boys with their host family for a couple of days.
<blockquote>"I'm just like, 'What am I doing? I'm giving my kids to some total strangers'...but I was like, 'I'm going to put it in God's hands. He knows what's best, and I need the help.'" </blockquote>
That day, Kenyetta met Flora, the twins' host mom, and an unexpected friendship flourished.
Listen to <a href="https://borders.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/new-mercies-ministries/Kenyetta-Flora-clip.mp3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kenyetta and Flora's story</a> here.

Kenyetta

"I just see God working through my healing. It took a whole lot of prayer, a whole lot of patience...and just some extra help." 
To listen to the full-length podcast episode with Kenyetta and Flora, <a href="https://apple.co/3avw2Sl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TAP HERE</a>.

Kenyetta and Flora

Community Through Connection: Kenyetta + Flora's Story

Did you know that a New Mercies relationship actually begins before a child walks through the front door of her host family’s home?
When New Mercies parents find themselves in a hard place—facing hospitalization, suddenly homeless, or another critical situation—their first step is to contact the support line. That’s where compassionate volunteers like Jill Hire step in to answer the call.
Over the last year, Jill has often been the first voice a parent hears when reaching out to New Mercies. She’s a member of the support line team, which takes crucial family information and then helps locate a suitable host family.

Jill Hire

When she learned about New Mercies, Jill says she was “instantly inspired by the mission, purpose, and drive to support, empower, and build relationships with families—all while showing Christ’s love."
Jill's favorite part of her role is helping connect families with a host home. “I love to hear the sound of relief in a mom, dad, or grandma’s voice,” she says, “when I tell them a host family has offered to provide a safe place for their child while they handle whatever challenge they are facing.”
The greatest challenge comes when the solution doesn’t appear according to her own timeline, Jill says. “I want to find a solution right away,” she shares. “I want a host family lined up, and I want the parent to sleep well that night knowing everything is taken care of.” But, she adds, “God continuously reminds me to wait for His timing.” 
<blockquote>“I love to hear the sound of relief in a mom, dad, or grandma’s voice, when I tell them a host family has offered to provide a safe place for their child while they handle whatever challenge they are facing.”</blockquote>
God’s timing, while never predictable, always provides, Jill says. Once, the volunteer team had a multitude of hostings needing to happen at the same time, all with little kids requiring car seats. “The team was discussing how we were going to handle the lack of car seats in the resource room with the abundance of hostings occurring.” 
Jill says that while the team was meeting to discuss how to handle the shortage, “I received a text from the host [mom],” Jill says. “She happened to be at the store and felt the nudge to buy her own car seat for the upcoming hosting, rather than using one from the resource room. She had absolutely no idea that the team was in the midst of problem-shooting how to deal with the lack of car seats! God always provides!”
Jill says she has really enjoyed her flexible schedule while serving with New Mercies. “I have the flexibility to make my own schedule when it works for me to volunteer,” she says. “Some weeks, it is only once, other weeks, it is five days a week. There is always someone to cover if I am busy with my family obligations or work schedule.”
Interested in learning more about becoming a support line volunteer? In Jill’s words: “If you feel the nudge, just do it! God wants to use you and your talents for a greater purpose!”
To take your next step toward volunteering on the support line team, tap below and request more info!

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Answering the Call

Two afternoons each week, Sheri Walz climbs into her car and drives to a New Mercies host home. There, she picks up and safely delivers her three-year-old passenger to the little lady's grandparents for family time.
"Each ride is so different," Sheri says, smiling. "Sometimes we sing all the way, sometimes she is sharing about what she did with the host family, and sometimes she falls sound asleep within a mile. My favorite part is that we start the drive with prayer, and she will let me know if I forgot someone—or the dog."

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After learning about New Mercies, Sheri knew she wanted to serve, but she wasn't sure where to plug in. She decided to try transportation, and fell in love with the role. Sometimes, the host family's schedule bumps up against the needs of hosted children, and that's where Sheri comes in. "If I can help transport a child from their home to a doctor’s appointment or to school," she says, "I will do it in a heartbeat."
<blockquote>"It’s not about competition, it’s not about prestige—it’s about helping others. You can just be a part of the body...That’s my favorite part."</blockquote>
Sheri has found joy and purpose in her time behind the wheel, with many sweet moments catching her by surprise. She remembers taking a teenaged girl to A Hope Center, and the unique opportunity that followed.
"On
the way back," Sheri says, "she was telling me that she grew up in Chicago. She told me
that this one gas station [in Fort Wayne] provided her favorite chips and pickles. I was able
to stop by that gas station and get her her chips and pickles. I love that. It
meant something to her."

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Sheri believes that thriving on the volunteer transportation team takes flexibility, patience, and a readiness to seize the moment.
"I drove a little girl to school and no one knew there was a two-hour delay," she remembers. Where she could have spent the moment in frustration, Sheri chose to see opportunity. "I was able to take her out to breakfast and spend some time with her."
Sheri loves serving with New Mercies, because each role meets a unique and crucial need.
"It all works together," she says. "I love it, because nobody stands out. It’s not about competition, it’s not about prestige—it’s about helping others. You can just be a part of the body...That’s my favorite part."



Interested in joining the transportation team? Click below!

Everyonecandosomething

Many Roles, One Ministry

Unmet expectations – we've all experienced them. A job that doesn't match what we had hoped for when hired. A carefully planned vacation that has to be cancelled. A long-term relationship ends abruptly. We wonder if we did enough. We wonder what we did wrong. We wonder why life can be so messy. 
When we enter into the ministry of hospitality, it can be easy to set our sights on our own definitions of success, only to have those expectations dashed by a different reality. When reality doesn't align with our expectations, the easiest response is often frustration, doubt, or even defeat. 
But what if we redefined success? What if success was less about results and more about simply showing up? John 1:14 tells us that "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood" (MSG). The incarnation of Jesus as a person tells us that presence matters to the God of the universe. The world often models that success equals results – we must produce. Jesus simply asks that we show up in obedience and be with.
Volunteer family coaches Jeanne and Mike Belth agree.

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"We need to define success as when we are faithful to do what we ought to do," says Mike. "We have to recognize that many times, things aren’t going to turn out the way we want, but...we can actually succeed every time if we go out and serve the way the Lord would have us serve, and then leave it to God to do the work."
<blockquote>“We can actually succeed every time if we go out and serve the way the Lord would have us serve, and then leave it to God to do the work.”</blockquote>
Because Jesus moved into hard, complicated places, Christ followers are compelled to do the same. We can move into messy situations, because that is what has been done for us. We don't have all of the answers, but we can walk alongside those around us trusting that God is always moving.
"I’ve got to remember that it’s God doing the work," Jeanne says. "He’s not going to mess things up. I may, but he won’t."

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Redefining Success

Dear Friends,
Thank you! As 2021 ends, and the inaugural season of New Mercies Ministries comes to a close, I am overcome with gratitude. Amid the ups and downs of beginning a new ministry, I look in the rear-view mirror in awe of what I see. Our ministry is surrounded by faithful volunteers, churches, staff, and financial partners. So many have stepped up and filled needs in ways that are difficult to describe, and the ministry would not be here without you.

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A year ago, we were serving our neighbors through Safe Families, not knowing the challenges or great blessings God had in store. On July 1st, 2021, we stepped out in faith, becoming an independent organization. And through you, God enabled us to stand, steadied our first steps, and continues to provide for all our needs. No one could have imagined how God would take that hardship and use it for good. But He did, and we give Him all the glory. 
Because of your support through this transition, New Mercies Ministries volunteers have served in 135 hostings in the last five months alone. We now confidently carry on the work God prepared for us to do when hostings in Northeast Indiana began in 2013. Including our past years’ work with Safe Families, a cumulative total of 397 children have now been served through 993 hostings in Northeast Indiana as of November’s end.

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While numbers give us glimpses of God’s work, we know that the true impact is seen in the personal story. Just this week, we heard from a parent of twins who were hosted in the past by a host family who also had twins. This mom struggled with keeping her kids safe. She was so discouraged by her situation that she considered placing the 5-year-old twins for adoption. Throughout the hosting, her host family and family coach continued to encourage her without judgement. She made the decision to continue to parent her twins and long after the hosting ended, her host family is still just a phone call away. Tap to read this <a href="https://www.new-mercies.org/stories/hope-along-the-journey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">full story</a> in this mom’s words.

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You have been a means of God’s grace to this ministry and to the families that are served by it. Whether you have volunteered, supported, been on staff, or have been a financial partner with New Mercies Ministries, we are so grateful for you!
We still have a long way to go to meet our 2022 budget needs, but we know from looking in that rear-view mirror that God will provide exactly what we need to serve our most vulnerable neighbors.
Thank you for your support during our most difficult season. 
With gratitude,
Bonnie S. Doolittle Founder and Executive Director

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In Awe of God's Faithfulness (and yours!)

Recently, one of our supported moms shared on social media her experience with New Mercies and the family that hosted her children. What an incredible testimony to the power of friendship, vulnerability, and radical hospitality: 
"There was a time when I couldn’t care for my babies. So much I’ve never said out loud because I was ashamed of my thoughts. I saw a video of a lady adopting a baby and having an open adoption with the birth mother so that she could still have a relationship with her baby, and it made me think of Rochelle Metz because she is one of the reasons I was able to continue on being a mother. Not very many people know that she took the twins in for a short while so I could figure out my life. 
I was having what people would call a midlife crisis at just 24 years old. I was so terrified letting [the twins] leave with a complete stranger [to be hosted], and I remember talking to them on the phone that same night thinking to myself...they sound so different, and that’s because I had never heard their voice through a phone and my heart fell out of my body! I immediately started sobbing, and Rochelle took the phone and just hearing her voice calmed all of my nerves. She knew exactly what to say, and I just knew they were safe. 
<blockquote>“I just knew they were safe.” </blockquote>
I was considering adoption because I felt like I could not possibly love them enough, I could not keep them safe, I was too worried about paying the bills and not completely going crazy at work because it was so stressful. I just knew I’d be working for the rest of my life, missing all the best moments of their life, and I knew they needed a family that could give them what I couldn’t. So, I started meeting couples with this adoption agency...the last couple I met was just the sweetest couple and I knew I found the twins a home.

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After a few days, the lady called me, and we met up again and she was confused. She and her family were talking about how someone like me, that seemed to have all the right kind of love and concerns, would want to give her children up because I was a great mother. With an honest heart, I couldn’t explain why. After talking to Rochelle about what I wanted to do, I couldn’t go through with the adoption. She made sure that I knew her and her family would always be there for the twins, for us—and they have. 
I always thought I had it hard being a new mom of twins doing it alone, but talking to someone that knew what it was like really helped. I appreciate everything you and your family have done for us! We love you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/twinmom?__eep__=6&amp;__cft__%5B0%5D=AZW0ncHX9K8y2SomgAqJGs371G8VClKffRaMazKVPvTUSPm34T63lsT9jl6oXfjGTKFBH_ku73kl7mEEEzyKmo0cQpHwFi3Cfbk4uBT1-97ERfc3BBHMlm4xPeGQxEvqBVw&amp;__tn__=*NK-R" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#Twinmom</a>”*

*Content edited for length and clarity

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Hope Along the Journey

One of the most beautiful parts of coming alongside vulnerable families in our communities is watching God form special friendships between volunteers and kids or parents served. Few stories show this as clearly as one that happened this summer. 
The Studys, one of our Host Families, were caring for a girl (who we’ll call T) and her siblings while their mom was working through challenging life circumstances. The Study family took T to summer youth group at Blackhawk during her stay with them since she was old enough to attend. 
T struggled with feeling different from the other kids at youth group. Her background of being raised in an environment where she’d seen fatherlessness and other difficult things firsthand was such a stark contrast from the lives of many of the kids at youth group. T wanted to fit in, but sometimes she would come home to the Study’s after church and cry because of the loneliness she was experiencing. But one thing kept her going back to youth group: the welcoming heart and friendship of a girl named Mattie. 
Thirteen-year-old Mattie, without any prompting, introduced herself to T near the beginning of the summer, and from that time they formed a special friendship. Whenever T came to youth group, the girls spent time together. What began simply with a welcoming heart led to a caring relationship and belonging. 
Mattie’s heart for helping families in similar situations to T’s extended to her birthday party where she organized a resource drive of donations to be given in place of gifts to help other families needing support. Hundreds of dollars' worth of gift cards, diapers, wipes, and other items were raised at Blackhawk Church thanks to the efforts of Mattie and her family. 
One of the most beautiful pictures we see of Jesus is how He welcomes those who are different and often outcast due to their past or social status. Mattie’s example of welcoming and forming a friendship with T illustrates the beauty of the gospel. Whether it’s the new girl in youth group, your neighbor next door, or the family member who’s struggling, part of being a Christ-follower is that we’re called to look for the lonely and show them an open and welcome love. 
<blockquote>Living for Jesus involves big sacrifices at times, but often it may be as simple as having an eye and a heart for those who need a friend. Just like Mattie and T’s friendship, we all have people in our lives who need someone to care. Will you be the first to respond? </blockquote>

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One of the most beautiful parts of coming alongside vulnerable families in our communities is watching God form special friendships between volunteers and kids or parents served. Few stories show this as clearly as one that happened this summer.

A Call To Friendship

This summer, Pine Hills Church held “Engage my City” events to extend Christ’s love to the surrounding community. During that time, they collected over 7,000 diapers, 840 pull-ups, and over 500 packages of wipes to give to New Mercies! 
Also thank you to this church partner for hosting us on their “Summer At The Hills Podcast” with Mike and Paige. <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-008-caring-with-mercy/id1572713323?i=1000531678454" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to listen to "Caring with Mercy."</a> 
You can also watch Pastor Mike Drury’s sermon given on the day of our ministry launch at Pine Hills. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4R5Iu416g-g" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here to watch Loyal Love &amp; Morning Mercies.</a> 
Thank you again to this wonderful church partner for their support!

New Mercies Relaunch at Pine Hills Church