Mercy Ministries is a residential program for young women between the ages of 13 -`28 who are dealing with any number of life-controlling issues. Please note that all girls ages 13 - 15 are received into the Nashville home because it is the one that is equipped to deal with this age group in education, counseling, etc. We do reserve the right to decline any applicant under 16 who we do not feel is mature enough for this program.

 

An average stay is six months; however the stay varies depending on the needs of each individual girl.

 

Each girl's situation is looked at individually. Severity of issues is considered, as well as the girl’s willingness to complete the application process and enter the program.

 

Our program is free-of-charge, but we do make sure that the girl applying to the program is fully committed to change in order to ensure that we are good stewards of the investments made by our contributors.

 

Mercy Ministries in an independent organization that is not affiliated with any single church, organization or denomination. While girls are at Mercy Ministries, they have daily praise and worship as well as daily life-changing classes based on principles of freedom found in God’s Word. The girls also attend a local church in the community where each home is located.

 

Mercy Ministries is not a medical facility and cannot accept girls who need constant medical attention or are at high risk. If we cannot accept a girl into the program for any reason, we will refer her to another program equipped to provide her with the help she needs.

 

Mercy Ministries uses a Christian-based counseling program. All residents set goals for what they'd like to achieve during their time at Mercy Ministries. Residents work through a counseling process which includes topics such as forgiveness, resolving past hurts, family issues and thought patterns. Residents also work through whatever their specific issues may be. In addition to individual counseling, residents also participate in group counseling on a weekly basis.

 

A girl can enter the program if she is married or has children. If she has children, she must have a plan in place to make sure her children are taken care of before she can be accepted into the program.

 

An official application can be obtained under Need Our Help?, or by contacting our corporate office: (615) 831-6987. The process is started by filling out the application, sending it in and calling Mercy Ministries to see if the application was received. An applicant will then receive instructions from the intake department regarding next steps.

 

No. A girl cannot be court ordered to come to Mercy Ministries. If a judge were to present Mercy Ministries as a possible option, we will work with the girl on an individual basis; however, legal issues must be addressed before the girl enters the program. Mercy Ministries is not an option for a girl who wants to avoid going to jail.

 

We offer schooling for those who are still school-aged. The Director of Education works with the girls to keep up with the curriculum they are currently studying at school. Also, if a girl was unable to complete her high school education and has not yet earned a GED, she will be given the opportunity to obtain her GED during the program.

 

Generally we encourage girls to defer their studies while they are in the program. Universities will usually work with students to defer studies due to special circumstances.

 

Meals are set with a menu plan approved by a registered dietician. There are three meals each day plus, optional, healthy snacks available. If a girl is dealing with an eating disorder or other health issues, she will be given an eating regimen set for her by our Director of Nutrition. Girls who are on a set eating plan will be monitored by our Director of Nutrition and our in-house Registered Nurse.

 

Mercy Ministries can take residents to see the doctor or one will come to the facility. The Director of Medical Services oversees doctor visits. 

 

Medications are monitored and administrated by the Director of Medical Services. Outside psychiatrists are available when necessary.

 

Activities include aerobics, going to the gym, and neighborhood walks. On the weekends residents can participate in recreational activities such as volleyball, riding bikes, and going to the park.

 

Residents participate in supervised activities offsite from time-to-time. These include spending an afternoon shopping, recreational activities, going to church and attending sporting events.

 

Mail can be sent and received every day unless privileges are revoked for disciplinary purposes.

 

Phone calls can be made and received on the weekends.