St. Joseph Community Health Foundation Grant

Press Release

July 9th, 2024

New Mercies Ministries is thrilled to share that the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation recently awarded a generous grant of $25,000.00 to assist in funding the Family Coach Manager position. Volunteer Family Coaches facilitate the relationship between parents and a Host Family during each hosting by 1) supporting the Host Family and ensuring the well-being of the children in their care and 2) providing support and mentorship to parents. The Family Coach Manager oversees the work of these volunteer Family Coaches. This position will be partially funded by the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation this year. Funding allows New Mercies to continue providing accountability and compassionate coaching to parents in need of support.

The Family Coach Manager allows New Mercies to serve moms like Leah*. Leah was parenting her young son, Elliot*, as a single mom when she found out she had cancer. Without a support system, Leah had nowhere for Elliot to stay while she attended chemotherapy appointments and dealt with her symptoms. That's when she reached out to New Mercies. Within a few days, Leah could count on Kerry and Vinson to host Elliot during each treatment. Her Family Coach, Jeanne, checked in with Leah regularly to make sure she was being given the support she needed. Jeanne also made sure Elliot was thriving in Kerry and Vinson's home until the hosting ended. The Family Coach Manager oversaw this hosting from start to finish and supported Jeanne and the Host Family so Leah and Elliot could be cared for.

Without this funding from the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, families like Leah and Elliot would be left without vital support and community. New Mercies would like to thank the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation for supporting the ministry and allowing us to come alongside so many families in our community.

*Names changed to protect confidentiality