Vision of Devotion: MACC West

of Devotion

Opening doors to a future of hope.

1039 East 27th Street Joel Tuzynski MSW Erie, PA 16504 For further information, contact: Jennie Hagerty Executive Director

1039 East 27th Street Joel Tuzynski MSW Erie, PA 16504

Grant MercyWriter Center for Women 1039 E. 27th Street

1039 27th Street • Erie, PA 16504 Erie,East PA 16504 814-455-4577 (814) 455-4577 • (814) 459-7012 fax jhagerty@mcwerie.org www.mcwerie.org • jtuzynski@mcwerie.org www.mcwerie.org

Grant Writer 1039 East 27th Street • Erie, PA 16504 (814) 455-4577 • (814) 459-7012 fax www.mcwerie.org • jtuzynski@mcwerie.org

About Mercy Center The Mercy Center for Women provides a safe, supportive home while helping those in need rebuild their lives after homelessness and other challenges including domestic abuse, behavioral health issues, and/or addiction. The Mercy Center can house as many as 30–34 women and children, and since 1994, it has served more than 4,000 individuals.

The Mercy Center’s dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and supporters work tirelessly to create a nurturing environment where individuals can find solace, healing, and the tools they need to build a brighter future.

In 2023, the Mercy Anchor Community Center opened, doubling the Mercy Center’s capacity to house those in need. The building adds 13 two-bedroom apartments and serves as a neighborhood hub, providing services and resources for the entire community.

1039 East 27th Street Erie, PA 16504

In 2025, MCW expanded the campus of services once again with Brandy’s Corner, a transitional housing program designed to support women with or without young children. This program provides stable housing and supportive services to help women successfully transition into independence.

We invite you to bring hope, light, and awareness through philanthropy and transparency in impacting present and future lives.

The Mercy Center partners with more than 20 organizations to offer services onsite—both now and in the future—including AHN Saint Vincent, UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor, ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum, Second Harvest Food Bank, Sarah Reed Children’s Center, Erie County Community College, GECAC, Diaper Depot/Erie Family Center, and NAMI Erie County, among many others.

Our Mission Graceful journey to dignity and fulfilling life through a place to call home.

What We Do The Mercy Center for Women provides safe, supportive, and empowering housing solutions (Including permanent supportive housing) for individuals and families in transition with a focus on those affected by domestic violence, addiction, and mental health challenges. We are committed to fostering stability, healing, and resilience through comprehensive support services and collaborations acknowledging the importance of spiritual well-being in the journey towards empowerment and a fulfilling life.

of Devotion

Opening doors to a future of hope. 1039 East 27 Erie,

Be a voice, not an echo. ~Albert Einstein

From Incarceration to Inspiration: Cynthia’s Journey with Mercy Center for Women

I

n 2020, The Mercy Center for Women boldly embraced a $5.4million capital campaign transforming the former Holy Rosary School Building. The Mercy Anchor Community Center provides housing for 36 women, men, and children. The wrap-around services include over 20 community partnerships and feeding over 1000 neighbors through its satellite food pantry.

W

hen Cynthia arrived at the Mercy Center for Women straight from Cambridge Springs prison, she knew she was ready for change. “I was done being in and out of jail,” she says, “This was the first time I was really ready to stand on my own two feet.”

Cynthia had served two years and was seeking a path forward. With a history of dealing drugs that made approval from her parole officer difficult, the odds were stacked against her. But Mercy Center gave her something she hadn’t had before: a foundation.

Brandy’s Corner, a former rectory on the northwest corner of the Mercy Center for Women campus welcomes 12 to 15 women with children. This newest program opened fall 2025 with an aggressive $1million renovation.

As poverty increases in Erie County, domestic abuse and addiction climb higher, leaving individuals homeless with little or no options. The uncertainty of housing continues to leave Erie County struggling for solutions. There is more work to be completed and bringing partnerships to the table is a must for survival.

“Every other time, I went straight back to the streets. That’s what I was comfortable with. But Mercy Center gave me the chance to get involved in the community, to do new things I had never done before.”

The Mercy Center for Women, with the acquisition of the former Sacred Heart School, has joined hands with the Hamot Health Foundation (BUILD) and the Mazzini Foundation. Together, these 3 buildings will be known as The Triangle, which will provide housing, social services, culinary/catering to individuals seeking their way toward recovery.

At first, the adjustment wasn’t easy. “It was crazy!

There were lots of kids, and I wasn’t used to that. I was shell shocked—I stayed secluded for a while.”

But slowly, Mercy Center’s structure, programs, and the persistent encouragement of the staff began to grow on her.

The Sacred Heart School building (Mercy Anchor Community Center West- or MACC West) is in northwest Erie. A 42,000 square foot elementary school will transition into housing with 20 apartments and a lower-level food pantry.

Cynthia started volunteering at Daily Threads, the Dress for Success Erie, and the MACC Food Pantry. “I had never had a job before, but they trusted me. That made me feel trustworthy. It made me want to do better.”

One of her biggest supporters was her case manager, Mary. “She was always on me to do better!” Cynthia laughs. “But she made a big difference. So did case manager, Lindsey. They never gave up on me. That’s why I wanted to move into MACC—because the people here, they’re my family now.”

A $7million renovation will be completed in less than 2 years. The potential to house an additional 30 to 40 individuals will proactively benefit the Mercy Center, which has a wait list of 80 seeking shelter.

Cynthia says the program helped her find hope again. “It showed me what I could do with help. There aren’t a lot of places that take women straight from jail. I’m so thankful Anna accepted me into the program.”

Our invitation to you is simple. Partnership. We ask that you listen to our vision and open your heart in support of housing and collaborative efforts. The Mercy Anchor Community Center is a successful model in breathing life back into a vacant building.

We need you to bring hope, light, and awareness through philanthropy and transparency in impacting present and future lives. Please take the time to listen and understand the cries of our community. Your gift will allow us to transform a school into a home. The sound of laughter and feet fueling the hallways that was once a school to thousands of alumni will continue with your gift. However, this new laughter and hallway chatter will bring beginnings for individuals in desperate need of housing, hope and a new start.

Partner with the Mercy Center today and help conquer homelessness one day at a time. We are powerful together and will exceed the 7-million-dollar vision. Together with one voice, anything is possible with belief and commitment to our community.

Smile, Pray, Be Kind,

Jennie Hagerty Executive Director Mercy Center for Women

PROJECT COST:

Acquisition Costs: $10,000 Environmental Remediation: $190,000 Construction Costs & Fees: $ 6.7 million Security System, Signage, Furnishings: $ 100,000 Total Project: $7 million

Today, Cynthia is living independently at the Mercy Anchor Community Center. She’s studying to earn her Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) credential and still volunteers with MCW programs. Most importantly, she’s proud of the life she’s building.

“I’m proud of my sobriety. I’m not out on the streets, I’m not selling or using drugs, and I’m not hanging with the same crowd. I like stability now.” She jokes, “I’m too old for all that!”

As for her future? Cynthia is crystal clear. “I want to get my CRS and help women coming out of jail. I’ve been in and out since I was 13 or 14. This is the first time I feel stable—and I’m not going back.”