Haven for women marks 25 years of saving lost

A formerly homeless woman wrote those words about going to a place where she believes her life was saved. She now has her own place and a job.

When she refers to herself now, it is not as being desperate, stubborn or angry, words she used to describe what her life was like when she was homeless. Instead, she talks about being part of a very special group of women: the "Mercy House Alumni."

Silver anniversary

"Our women range in age from their teens to their 70s and 80s," said Jean Dobbs, director of the facility, which is an agency of Catholic Charities of the Albany Diocese.

Some women come there to escape an abusive relationship in their home; some are left alone by the death of a spouse; others may be in the process of getting a divorce and find themselves homeless; still others are alcoholics, drug abusers or victims of sexual or physical abuse.

They are all looking for the same things: peace of mind, self-esteem, a helping hand and a way out of their desperation.

Testimony

"At first, I had very negative thoughts about going to Mercy House. What would people say about me? I didn't really know what to expect, but I was so distraught I had to try whatever was offered. After a short time there, though, I began to feel the family atmosphere."

According to Ms. Dobbs, the women at Mercy House comprise exactly that: a family. In the cozy atmosphere of a renovated Victorian-era home, residents find a kitchen, dining room, two parlors, a bed, and even office space where they can learn computer skills and what a business environment is all about.

Providing help

A comprehensive care program allows the staff to evaluate a woman to determine what type of services she requires. Mercy House's 17 staff members include social workers, case managers and counselors. Through an agreement with Albany County, Mercy House also accepts women in transition from institutional living, such as mental health facilities, those with emotional issues and those in recovery programs.

"This is the last step for these women before they re-enter society and begin living on their own," Ms. Dobbs explained. "It has been very successful."

Solutions

To deal with such needs, Mercy House has self-development programs in such areas as communication, job skills and readiness, and self-esteem.

"From the minute a woman comes here, she is completely cared for," Ms. Dobbs said.

Many volunteers spend time at Mercy House and provide what Ms. Dobbs called "excellent role-modeling" for the residents. Among them are a regular cadre from St. Thomas Church in Delmar.

"They've been coming here for over 15 years," she said, adding that residents eagerly anticipate what food they will bring. "They are a very popular bunch of ladies."

("A Future of Hope for the Homeless: Celebrating Catholic Charities' Shelters" is the title of a reception to mark the 30th anniversary of the St. Charles Lwanga Center and the 25th anniversary of Mercy House. The reception will take place on Oct. 2, 5-8 p.m., at the former Chancery, 465 State St., Albany. Bishop Howard J. Hubbard will receive a Shelter Support Award, along with Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings and Albany County Executive Michael Breslin. For information about attending, call 459-0183. For information about Lwanga Center, see separate article.)

(09-19-02) [[In-content Ad]]