Starved | Page 75

ABOUT MERCY MINISTRIES M ercy Ministries exists to allow young women to experience God's unconditional love, forgiveness, and life-transforming power. We provide residential programs free of charge to young women ages 13-28 who are dealing with life-controlling issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, addictions, sexualabuse, unplanned pregnancy,and depression. Our approach addresses the underlying roots of these issues by addressing the whole person-spiritual, emotional-and physical, and produces more than just changed behavior; the Mercy Ministries program changes hearts and stops destructive cycles. Founded in 1983 by Nancy Alcorn, Mercy Ministries currently operates in four U.S. states and in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Peru, and the UK, with plans for additional U.S. and international locations underway. We are blessed to have connecting relationships with many different Christian congregations but are not affiliated with any church, organization, or denomination. Residents enter Mercy Ministries on a voluntary basis and stay an average of six months. Our program includes lifeskills training and educational opportunities that help ensure the success of our graduates. Our goal is to have each young woman not only complete the program but also discover the purpose for her life and bring value to her community as a productive citizen. 83