Results

A confidential survey was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the Mercy Ministries program in transforming lives and restoring hope to young women who have previously been a resident in a Mercy Ministries of America home. The survey was conducted in 2008.

Former residents for whom we had current email addresses were invited to participate.

Total respondents to this survey: 382 people. Their responses are included in summary below.

Average time respondents have been out of the program: 4.1 years

Survey respondents’ reasons for leaving Mercy Ministries: 84% graduated from the program; 7% left of their own accord for non-medical reasons; 2% left for medical reasons; 7% left because they were asked to leave.

Survey Results

  • When asked “Did Mercy Ministries help you transform your life and restore your hope?”
    • 93 percent of all the respondents answered “YES”.
  • Status before Mercy Ministries: Respondents rated themselves an average of 2.1 on the following scale when asked how well-adjusted to life they thought they were before coming to Mercy Ministries.
    • Scale:
      • 5= Very well adjusted to life
      • 4= Well adjusted to life
      • 3= Somewhat well adjusted to life
      • 2= Poorly adjusted to life
      • 1= Not at all adjusted to life; require institutionalization
  • Status after Mercy Ministries: Respondents rated themselves an average of 4.1 on the same scale when asked how well-adjusted to life they currently were.
    • This significant improvement in response (from 2.1 to 4.1) along with the average time out of the program being 4.1 years signals a transformation of young women’s lives that is both robust and long-lasting.
  • The overall positive impact of the Mercy Ministries program was independent of the year in which a young woman entered the program. This suggests that the Mercy Ministries Program has been well established over time and should be sustainable.
  • Furthermore, the results were independent of the home location in which a young woman resided during her time at Mercy Ministries. This suggests that the effects of the Mercy Ministries Program are transferable to multiple locations and thus can be a legitimate basis for expansion.
  • 85 percent of all our residents have been in previous treatment centers or programs without lasting results. (Note: Often, financial resources run out before they can finish the program, insurance benefits run out, or the young women lack access to the right programs for their issues.)