OUR PURPOSE
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since we were founded by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de la Misericordia in 1894 . Today, as a ministry of the Sisters of Mercy, our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in New York City (Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island) and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. We provide community-based prevention and family foster care services, group homes in the community for struggling children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Every day MercyFirst helps at-risk individuals overcome enormous obstacles and re-imagine their futures.
found her forever home
Meet Jennifer, who found her “forever” home with Mrs. H (a relative) at the age of 10, when her mother could no longer care for her. Read more…
pursUing his college dream
When Dylan expressed an interest in becoming a doctor to his MercyFirst staff, the team immediately worked to plan next steps for his education goals. Read more…
therapy dogs teach patience
Tiffany’s casework team felt that she would benefit from participating in our Therapy Dog Program, Project C.A.R.E, to help her learn to better manage her feelings and emotions. Read more…
In the last year…
719
At-risk children were kept out of foster care and home safe with their families
170
Children with serious medical and mental health needs kept healthy and safe
304
Foster care children found healing and returned to their families
14
Foster youth provided with permanent loving homes through adoption
