Each year, the Roar on the Shore® Board of Directors selects a local charity to be the beneficiary of the annual Roar on the Shore® bike week. Here, Jennie Hagerty, the executive director of the Mercy Center for Women, talks about the mission of the Center and what it means to be the designated charity for Roar® 2017, which is set for July 12, 13, 14, 15 & 16 in downtown Erie.
Tell us about the history of the Mercy Center for Women and how it began.
The Mercy Center for Women was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1994 and provides transitional living for women and children who are victims to domestic violence, homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse.
What is the mission of the Center and what kinds of services do you provide?
Mercy Center for Women is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy and is committed to enhancing the dignity of each person it serves through the healing of body, mind and spirit.
How vital is the Mercy Center for Women to our community?
Mercy Center for Women changes lives. We take women and children and provide them with supportive services and programs in self–esteem, building healthy relationships, project reach and advocacy. These women look upon each other as peers. They come together in building a better life through daily communication, reflection and mail sharing.
The Center has been named the designated Roar on the Shore® charity for 2017. Please tell us what it means to you and the organization to be a part of the 11th annual rally.
This is an incredible opportunity for Mercy Center for Women. We are truly grateful for being chosen as the designated charity. There are so many well-deserving nonprofits. We will be focusing the proceeds on our “house to home” project. The project will allow our women graduates the necessary resources to begin their life once they graduate from our program. Our graduates will be provided with cleaning supplies, medical supplies, hand tools, childcare options, transportation and necessary bedding, including mattresses.
What it means to Mercy Center for Women is a success story. The Mercy Center for Women will benefit from this in helping our women and children find their place in the community once they graduate from the program. Roar on the Shore® 2017 will forever leave a footprint here at Mercy Center for Women.
In addition to Roar®, what are some other ways that businesses and individuals can support the Center?
Who should they contact? We love donations of clothing and monetary gifts are truly appreciated. We are always in need of volunteers. Please call Kim Church at Mercy Center for Women 814/455-4577.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Mercy Center for Women is fortunate to have this opportunity with Roar on the Shore®. We appreciate this wonderful organization choosing Mercy Center for Women as their charity to support in 2017.
To learn more about the Mercy Center for Women, visit www.mcwerie.org.
