Summer 2022
Empower www.mcwerie.org | @MCWerie
A newsletter for supporters who care about homelessness in Erie
Time to celebrate our graduates It's that time of year when many of us head outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and to see all that's blossomed and grown since last year. At the Mercy Center, we’re seeing growth in a different way. We’re celebrating the women graduating from our transitional living program, moving out of the Mercy Center to live on their own.
Angel
Greyson & Nicole
Jen
Vayda & Amanda
For many of our residents, they’ve grown or grown up here thanks to hard work and the love and support they've received. Because of life experiences leading up to their homelessness, many of our women arrived here with their guard up, or perhaps with an “attitude.” But staff were quick to understand that their struggles, often too awful to comprehend, made them that way. It was how they coped. These women persevered. Some regained custody of their children or completed treatment court. They learned what healthy relationships look like, or they secured employment and housing, and now they’re venturing out on their own. We could have just as easily called it our transformational program as the women are leaving us much different than how they arrived. They’re excited and maybe a little scared. But they’re much stronger and better equipped to handle life as the strong women and mothers they’ve become.
To all our current graduates and those who have graduated throughout the year, we’re excited right along with you. We trust you will keep in touch and remember the big and small lessons learned while at the Mercy Center. We will miss you dearly. And we’ll always be here for you.
What's inside... Community garden project wins award Women Making History 2022 Mercy Anchor Community Center Our volunteers Erie Gives 2022 Amazon Wish List
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2022 Board of Trustees
Dear friends,
Pat Burns, Chair Atty. Lydia Caparosa, Vice chair Anthony Keim, Treasurer Sr. Michele Schroeck, RSM, Secretary
Summer 2022 will quickly be upon us. This is the season to get out and appreciate music, bike rides, picnics, and family. Summer months at the Mercy Center welcome new beginnings. The graduates on the newsletter front cover are living independently, working, and embracing a new journey. Congratulations graduates, and remember we are only a phone call away!
Brian Arrington Aimee Baumann Nicole Brugger Kathleen Burik Niken Astari Carpenter Deacon Denis Coan Jennie Hagerty, Executive Director Elizabeth Hirz, Esq. Brandy Krieger Maureen Geary Krowicki, Esq. Emily Merski, Esq. Victoria Merski PJ Monella Kenzie Ryback, Esq. Sr. Patricia Whalen, RSM
Staff Jennie Hagerty Executive Director Carla Storrs, LCSW Director of Client Services Teresa Borowy Communications, Marketing Director Mary Graziano Program Director Dress for Success Erie Melinda Albright House Manager Toni Barry Dress for Success Erie Claire Ciezki AmeriCorps VISTA Erin Dworakowski Executive Assistant Amanda Hernandez House Manager Melissa Kaster House Manager Annmarie McLellan, BSW Case Manager Lindsey Miller, LMSW Case Manager Angela Murosky Office, Volunteer Coordinator Holly Nowak Grants Manager Shirley Schell Grants Coordinator Shana Theuret House Manager Mary Tobin House Manager/Activities Coordinator Tiffany Walker House Manager Evelyn Wesman House Manager
Agree with God, and be at peace, thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. - Job 22:21-22
Jennie Hagerty
Thank you to State Farm Insurance! State Farm kicked off their 100year celebration by providing non-profits the opportunity to submit a grant. There were 4,000 submissions nationally, then it was narrowed to 200, one of which our community garden project. Thanks to our supporters who voted daily for our project on social media, we made the top 100 and will receive $25,000! We are grateful to everyone who took the time to vote. This is a huge win for Erie to have a non-profit acknowledged for its mission. Mercy Center for Women will be busy this summer with the Butterfly Effect Celebration, Erie Gives Day, and our second annual Pedal for Mercy. There is true beauty to release a butterfly in memory or honor of a loved one. The Erie Community Foundation's Erie Gives Day showcases the missions of over 400 non-profits in Erie County. Be sure to select Mercy Center as one of your top nonprofits to support on Tues., Aug. 9! Mark those calendars for Sept. 10 when we kick-off Pedal for Mercy at Penn Shore Winery and Vineyards. Did someone say “ice cream"? The doors of our new Mercy Anchor Community Center will open for housing in early October. Dress for Success Erie will be moving in July, and Our Daily Threads thrift store will open its doors in September. The community partnerships continue to expand. It will give life into the neighborhood and enhance the Mercy mission to serve. Please look for a fall grand opening. In the world we live in, it is important to show kindness. Recently, I was exiting a local coffee shop when an acquaintance stopped me and relayed this story. "Someone was standing on a street corner with a sign asking for help. I told this person that there are businesses on upper Peach Street in need of employees. Did I do the right thing?" If only the answer were that easy. Homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and mental health factor into why someone is seeking financial support. A warm and safe place to rest at night. I walked into the Mercy Center in 2017, humbled by the journeys our women live. There is no right or wrong response to that question. You are the only one who can answer this by listening to your heart and asking, what would Jesus do? (#WWJD) Enjoy these beautiful summer months. Catch a sunrise, sunset or both. Pick strawberries but remember only the first 15 minutes are for eating! Most of all: Smile, Pray, Be Kind. In the end, if we have accomplished these three gifts, the finale is happiness.
Jennie Hagerty, Executive Director
2 | Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814) 455-4577 | mcwerie.org
IN
MEMORY
Jean Joyce was the Mercy Center for Women's inaugural board chair. She would also become a volunteer, donor, and our friend.
JEAN JOYCE
"Your life was a blessing, your memory is a treasure, and you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure."
1930-2022
Community garden receives funding, wins national award Out of 4,000 entries for the State Farm Neighborhood Assist program which awards $25,000 each to worthy community projects nationally, the Mercy Center's "Care and Feeding of our Neighbors" project was one of just 100 winners. Erie County Gaming and Revenue Authority (ECGRA) provided initial funding for the project which is located adjacent to the Mercy Anchor Community Center. The State Farm Neighborhood Assist grant will enable the Mercy Center to complete the community garden project which will include areas for fresh fruit and vegetables, a meditation garden, mural-painted retaining wall, and park benches. The new community center will also offer ongoing classes in gardening and nutrition to residents and neighbors.
"We are grateful to so many people for this project," says Jennie Hagerty, executive director at the Mercy Center. "Our project was up against thousands from across the country, and State Farm felt ours was worthy to place it in the top 200." From there, it was a social media blitz to obtain votes, as only the top 100 would receive $25,000. "We're grateful to ECGRA, to all of our supporters who voted for us on social media, and of course State Farm. We're thankful to Yardmaster, too, who has been doing the work and donated and a pear tree, a symbol of longevity, fruitfulness, and strength," she said.
PEDALfor MERCY BECAUSE LIFE'S A JOURNEY
09.10.22 Our second annual Pedal for Mercy is set for Sat., Sept. 10 at Penn Shore Winery & Vineyards in North East, Pa. Cyclists can choose to bike the 12-, 25-, or 50-mile course in beautiful wine country. Afterwards, riders will enjoy a catered meal outdoors in the
winery pavilion with live music. Those who register by by July 31 will receive an event t-shirt. To register, volunteer or sponsor Pedal for Mercy, visit mcwerie.org.
Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814) 455-4577 | mcwerie.org | 3
Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814)455-4577 | mcwerie.org
12 women receive recognition for their service Women Making History 2022 Honorees Pictured, left to right, top row: Mary Bula, Katrina Byrd, Elizabeth Edwards-Steen, Mary Kay Eisert-Wlodarczyk. Middle row: Susannah Weis Frigon, Amparito Hernandez, Penny Johnson, Marybelle Martin. Bottom row: Sr. Michele Schroeck, RSM, Karen Seggi, Dr. Karen Tyler, Annette Wittmann.
The Mercy Center for Women's signature event, "Women Making History" is in the books for yet another year. On March 2 before a crowd of nearly 400 guests at Mercyhurst's Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, the stories of this year's honorees were shared publicly for the first time. Guests that evening learned how these 12 women are quietly serving our community, improving lives one person, one story at a time. Whether it's by helping the poor by running a parish's a food pantry for decades, or educating our youth about the dangers of drug and alcohol because this mom knows firsthand the pain of losing a child to a drug overdose, these women give selflessly to those in our community with no fanfare or public recognition for their compassion. "Every year when hold this event I'm amazed that most of the stories we learn about were hidden, yet these women are truly making a difference in people's lives right here in Erie," says Jennie Hagerty, the Mercy Center for Women's executive director. "There's no question that each one of our honorees are treasures in our community--they fight for those who can't fight for themselves, she said. "They're like gold, in my opinion."
"Our organization will always honor women with this awards program," said Hagerty. "Our honorees are an inspiration to all of us, especially the women and children we serve." Plans are underway for the 30-year anniversary of Women Making History in March 2023. Although the nomination period is not officially underway, names of women to consider may be forwarded to Jennie Hagerty.
Proud of her teacher Katrina Byrd's accomplishments is seventh-grader Yolanda Harris.
Sharing in Annette Wittman's special evening is her husband Thomas Wittman, MD. Mercy Center Executive Director Jennie Hagerty, left, and Erie County District Attorney and Board Member Elizabeth Hirz meet this year's honorees at the Women Making History luncheon at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel in February.
4 | Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814) 455-4577 | mcwerie.org
Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814)455-4577 | mcwerie.org
Our friendly volunteers are a blessing
Taking advantage of the spring weather and her expert gardening skills, Danielle gives a facelift to the landscaping near the Mercy Center entrance. Residents are responsible for maintaining their home including mowing, snow removal and cleaning.
Butterfly Effect Aug. 14
1:00-2:30 PM Mercy Center Campus Gardens
Our sixth annual Butterfly Effect Celebration will be held Aug. 14 1:00-2:30 PM in the gardens of the Mercy Center for Women campus, 1039 East 27 St. in Erie. The event will include music, memorials and the opportunity to release a butterfly. A butterfly to honor a loved one may be purchased online at mcwerie.org. Names will be read aloud as part of the memorial service.
Whether supporters have visited the Mercy Center or called our offices, chances are they have interacted with one of our many volunteers.
Vicki Rupprecht
With a limited number of staff and many activities taking place, volunteers play a vital role in helping to carry out our mission. Vicki Rupprecht is one of our longest-standing volunteers. She has been a spirited and dedicated volunteer at the Mercy Center for the past eight years, putting in numerous hours each week assisting at the receptionist desk, sorting donations, and always lending a helping hand wherever needed. Says Rupprecht, "I began volunteering at the Mercy Center because I felt the need to give back to other women in my community," she says. Rupprecht loves what she does at the Mercy Center because every morning she has the opportunity to become "a happier version of herself, " as she puts it. During her free time, she enjoys reading Nicholas Sparks books, scrapbooking and spending time with Stephen, her husband of 16 years. "I really enjoy my work at the Mercy Center," she says. "I get inspired when I see the progress of the clients and the smiling faces of the children." Those interested in volunteering should contact our office and ask to speak with the volunteer coordinator.
House manager welcomes baby Weston
ServeErie has assisted with many volunteer projects at the Mercy Center, from painting to yardwork. Volunteers for the new community garden are currently being sought. Those interested should contact the Mercy Center and ask to speak with the volunteer coordinator.
Congratulations to MCW House Manager Melinda Albright who gave birth to Weston on May 18. Both baby and mom are doing well.
Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814) 455-4577 | mcwerie.org | 5
Neighborhood's 'anchor' project nears completion Mercy Anchor Community Center At-a-Glance Service providers: AHN Saint Vincent, UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, Sarah Reed Children's Center, Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC), Erie County Community College, and local artist Antonio Howard Bed capacity: 34 Resident qualifications: Previously homeless men, women and children Length of stay: Maximum two years It's been more than two years in the making. The vacant Holy Rosary School building, which the Mercy Center purchased for $300,000 in 2020, is nearly ready to provide affordable housing to those previously homeless, plus offer accessible services to residents in the Academy-Marvintown neighborhood of Erie. Thanks to a successful capital campaign initiative, the Mercy Anchor Community Center project has received financial backing to the tune of $3.5 million from various funding streams including an overwhelming number of private donors and local businesses.
Tenants: Dress for Success-Erie, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, Our Daily Threads Thrift Store the Erie County Community College will provide accessible community-based programming to meet children's and adults' educational, physical and psychological needs. Plans are for residents to move in later this fall followed by an open house for the community.
Housing and assisting more. The 39,000 square foot, three-floor Mercy Anchor Community Center (MACC) will expand the Mercy Center's bed capacity from 34 to 68. Half of the beds will be for individuals who have graduated from the Mercy Center's transitional housing program; the other half will be available to others previously homeless in the community. But the new Center will offer more than a safe home. Anchoring our community. Tenants and residents alike can take advantage of the Center's food pantry, Dress for Success Erie, thrift store, GED classes, technology center, fitness center, gymnasium, community gardens and meeting space. Partnerships with various service providers including AHN Saint Vincent, UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, Sarah Reed Children's Center, Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) and
Mercy Center Executive Director Jennie Hagerty, left, tours Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin, right, and other officials to see firsthand the conversion from school to community center last December. The DCED, which administers the Neighborhood Assistance Program funds, contributed $613,125 to the project.
6 | Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814) 455-4577 | mcwerie.org
Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814)455-4577 | mcwerie.org
VISION 2020 Capital Campaign Foundations
Funding Sources
Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) 2.4%
15.8%
Local businesses
23.2%
$3.5M Private donors
58.6%
With funding from the state's Neighborhood Assistance Program, Calypso Enterprises presents the single-largest corporate donation in the Mercy Center's 28-year history. On hand are, left to right, Sumi James-Black , Calypso owner, Mercy Center Board Member Sister JoAnne Courneen, and Jennie Hagerty, MCW executive director. Calypso is one of eight local businesses that supported the Holy Rosary School renovation project using the tax credit program.
Each of the community center's 13 apartments has its own stackable washer/dryer, kitchen, living room and bathroom. The MACC can accommodate as many as 36 residents, all previously homeless, for up to two years.
Extensive work was conducted on the exterior of the facility including new water lines, sidewalks and a community garden.
Touring the community center to see firsthand the plans for the facility are, second from left, Perry Wood, executive director of the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, (ECGRA), along with staff and board members of ECGRA and the Mercy Center. Mercy Center's Executive Director Jennie Hagerty, right, continues to reach out to both City of Erie and Erie County government entities to obtain additional funding support for this community resource, funded to-date primarily through private and corporate donations.
Showing his reimagined work of art is local artist Doug Bailey. Sarah and Antonio Howard organized an art auction/fundraiser for the Mercy Center last December using furniture found in the former Holy Rosary School.
Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814) 455-4577 | mcwerie.org | 7
Donations go further on Erie Gives Day Mark your calendar for Aug. 9, Erie Gives Day. This is your chance to support the Mercy Center for Women's mission while taking advantage of the match The Erie Community Foundation offers on this day only, which makes your donation go even further.
FIGHT S U P L HE
S
ES N S S E L E HOM IN ERIE
DONATE TO: MERCY CENTER FOR WOMEN
AUG. 9
To get involved, please visit eriegives.org on Aug. 9 to donate to the Mercy Center for Women and other local charities.
Last chance to donate this fiscal year
$350,000
The Mercy Center is $340,623 inching ever closer to its annual fund goal and will close the books June 30.
The annual fund offers the greatest flexibility in how funds are used at the Mercy Center. With increasing costs in food, transportation, utilities and general living expenses, any donation to this fund would be greatly appreciated. Please visit mcwerie.org to donate online or mail a check today.
June 22 COVID-19 Vaccination & Health Fair. 10:00 AM1:00 PM, Mercy Center parking lot. Aug. 9 Erie Gives. 8:00 AM-8:00 PM. Visit eriegives.org for more information. Aug. 14 Butterfly Effect Celebration. 1:00 PM2:30 PM, Mercy Center campus gardens. Visit our website for more information. Sept. 10 Pedal for Mercy. 7:00 AM-3:00 PM, Penn Shore Winery & Vineyards. Visit our website for more information.
Online shopping proves helpful tool for supporters
Thanks to those who've generously purchased items from our Amazon Wish List. We have received so many wonderful items, many from anonymous donors. But that's not the only generosity we've seen. One donor recently underwrote a day at the Erie Zoo for residents and their children. Seeing the expression on our children's faces, little Greyson on the merry-go-round for the first time, was priceless. Whether it's a gift of cleaning products, bedding for residents for when they move into an apartment, or a day at the zoo or Waldameer, we are grateful. To see what's on our wish list, please visit our website under the "Give" tab and select "Amazon Wish List." For all who have donated, thank you so much.
8 | Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814) 455-4577 | mcwerie.org
Mercy Center for Women | 1039 E. 27 St. Erie, PA 16504 | (814)455-4577 | mcwerie.org