Fall 2017 M E R C Y F O U N D AT I O N
Horizons
Inspiring Philanthropy. Changing Lives.
Mercy Foundation presents the 2016-2017 honor roll of donors | 10
President’s message Autumn, Harvest and Gratitude Having endured the heat of summer, we now find ourselves enjoying the crisp fall air and the changing colors of the trees and thinking about the warmth of a favorite sweater and a fire in the fireplace. Poet Christine Valters Painter notes, “Autumn invites us to gather in the harvest, to name and celebrate the fruit of the seeds of dreams we planted months ago.” This thought resonates with me as I think about you, our family of generous donors, who through your giving, help plant the seeds of dreams, which when harvested, strengthen our supported ministries and improve the health and well-being of numerous individuals in our community.
Statistics show human trafficking and exploitation have been increasing every year, creating urgency for expanding services and outreach to victims.
The Fight Against Human Trafficking The Heartbreaking Reality A young woman walks into an emergency room with bruises and broken bones. She is asked how she sustained her injuries, but is too terrified to tell the truth; she is a victim of human trafficking. Situations like this are common in hospitals across the nation. Human trafficking is a heartbreaking reality that occurs every day in our country, our state and even here in our own community. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. According to the United States government, “human trafficking” refers to the act of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking fuels a $150 billion industry worldwide and is our nation’s fastest growing criminal enterprise. Locally, women and children are being commercially sexually exploited—and indicators suggest only a small fraction of these cases are reported.
In this edition of Horizons, we share a sampling of those dreams that, through the seeds of your thoughtful generosity, are now coming to harvest. We are grateful for each and every one of you who support the Mercy Foundation ministry and have included a list recognizing our McAuley and Legacy Society members, along with the names of those who have given $1,000 or more during the 2017 fiscal year. Thank you for all you do to support the shared mission of Mercy Foundation and the Sisters of Mercy. I wish you and your loved ones a blessed fall season. Sincerely,
President and CEO
Human traffickers prey on those whose lives have been scarred by poverty, unemployment and/or family instability. They seek out people who are vulnerable due to age, low self-esteem, or addiction. Continued on page 2
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