Program FAQs

• What is the Mercy Ministries of America Program?

  Mercy Ministries of America is a free-of-charge, Christian 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 - 17 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.

• What is the length of the program?

  Mercy Ministries asks each girl to make a 6 month commitment, which is the average length of stay; however the length of stay can vary depending on the needs of each individual girl. The individual’s counselor and the Program Director continually evaluates each resident to determine when she is ready to graduate the program.
  
  

• Are you connected or affiliated with any church or denomination?

  Mercy Ministries of America in an independent organization that is not affiliated with any single church, organization or denomination. While girls are at Mercy Ministries of America, 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.

• What method of counseling is used at Mercy Ministries of America?

  Mercy Ministries of America uses a Christian-based counseling program called “Choices That Bring Change” and helps young women work through a counseling process that explores issues of faith, forgiveness, family, overcoming abuse and past hurts, and general life principles. In addition to individual counseling, residents also participate in group counseling on a weekly basis. This counseling curriculum is the result of Mercy Ministries’ nearly three decades of ministering to girls in crisis and combines biblical principles of healing and unconditional love with best-practice clinical interventions.

• What are the qualifications of your counselors?

  All counselors at Mercy Ministries are required to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited university in social work, psychology, counseling or a related field, and more than 80% have master’s degrees.

• What kind of medical care do the girls receive?

  It has always been the policy at Mercy Ministries to provide adequate medical care for residents. This includes care from Mercy Ministries’ staff and from outside professionals who are called upon to help on a regular basis. Helping young women regain control of their lives is a central mission and proper health care is a key element of the Mercy Ministries Program.

• What is a typical day's schedule at Mercy Ministries of America?

  The typical day's schedule starts with breakfast, then goes to Bible reading, praise and worship, class, then lunch. After lunch there is counseling, recreation, school (for minors), dinner, class, study hall, and finally, bedtime.

• How does a girl apply to the program?

  An official application can be obtained under Need Our Help tab listed above, 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 of America to see if the application was received. An applicant will then receive instructions from the intake department regarding next steps. The length of the application process varies by each applicant's situation and commitment level, but on average the process takes 4-6 weeks (minors may take longer). Girls must be medically stable to enter our program.

• How long does the application process take?

  The length of the application process varies by an applicant’s situation and commitment level, but on average, the process takes between 4-6 weeks. Girls who demonstrate a high level of commitment have the potential to be placed more quickly into the program. Openings for applicants ages 13-17 may take longer, as placement is subject to limited availability.

• Is there anyone Mercy Ministries of America will not accept into the program?

  Mercy Ministries of America 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.

• How severe do the issues need to be for a girl to enter the program?

  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.

• What costs are involved?

  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.

• What if a girl is married or has children?

  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.

• Can a judge sentence a girl to Mercy Ministries of America rather than jail?

  No. A girl cannot be court ordered to come to Mercy Ministries of America. If an applicant has legal issues, we will work with the girl on an individual basis; however, legal issues must be addressed before the girl enters the program. Mercy Ministries of America is not an option for a girl who wants to avoid court requirements such as probation or going to jail.

• Can residents continue/finish school while at Mercy Ministries of America?

  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.

• Can University studies be completed while at Mercy Ministries of America?

  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. Online College and University studies are not available while at Mercy.

• What and when do the girls eat?

  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.

• What happens if a girl needs to see a doctor?

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

• What about prescription and other medications?

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

• What are the recreational activities?

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

• Do residents leave the property for any activities?

  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.

• Can I have contact with my family?

  Contact is allowed with families through weekend phone contact, mail, and monthly passes.

• What is the policy on mail?

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

• What is the policy on phone calls?

  Phone calls can be made and received on the weekends.

• What happens when residents finish the program?

  In the final stages of a girl's stay at Mercy Ministries of America, she will begin the transitional care component of the program. This involves planning for work, education, training and transportation. Girls are also assigned an accountability partner in her city that she will meet with on a regular basis after she completes the program.