"The ultimate measure of a [person] is not where [they] stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where [they] stand at times of challenge and controversy."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy , we are grateful for our partnership, most especially during difficult times. We recognize and share their “Critical Concerns” which seem imperative at this time.

We share their concerns for the unjust treatment of immigrants, work with them to prevent domestic violence and violence in our communities, and recognize the need for all of us to work to dismantle racism.
Immigration
“We reverence the dignity of each person and believe everyone has the right t o a decent home, livelihood, education and healthcare...”
The coronavirus has shown the vulnerability of the immigrant population that we serve. Bronx residents represent an extremely high percentage of those who are affected. Given the work that they do on the front lines, and in service industries, it’s not surprising .
Nonviolence
“We work for peace through prayer, education, and personal and communal practices of nonviolence…”
At Mercy Center we work to prevent domestic violence and abuse of women and children through education in both classes and programs to reduce violence in our communities. Our youth programs help develop the necessary skills to work together, recognize the value of each individual, and help build a more peaceful world.
Racism
“ We believe racism is an evil affecting us all. We work to mobilize sisters and associates in recognizing and dismantling institutional racism in order to become an anti-racist multicultural community...”
Recent events remind all of us of the painful, needless loss of loved ones. The African American Community is repeatedly impacted by the trauma these killings produce. In an email this week, the Institute Leadership Team of the Sisters of Mercy joined with us to grieve the recent killings of

George Floyd, 46
Minneapolis, Minnesota
 
Ahmaud Arbery, 25
Brunswick, Georgia
 
Breonna Taylor, 26
Louisville, Kentucky
Mercy Center is also an affiliate of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New York . In the words of Executive Director Monsignor Kevin Sullivan this week: “Addressing the realities of inequity and lack of opportunity is already embedded in the work Catholic Charities agencies in so many New York neighborhoods and communities.”  We are also proud of this partnership and our joint mission to bring dignity and respect to everyone we serve, those who need it now, more than ever.

Mercy Center stands in solidarity with those calling for justice and an end to the killings. For us, silence is not an option.
Mercy Center | www.MercyCenterBronx.org
718-993-2789 | [email protected]