Mercy Center is a community-based resource center with 24 years of experience serving low-income women and families in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx. We promote the right of every individual to an improved quality of life by developing programs for healthy family living and building a community of respect. Today, Mercy Center serves 2,000 people annually, responding to the chronic problems of unemployment and the cycle of poverty; violent and oppressive behaviors in families and the community; overburdened public schools. Mercy Center provides women and families with academic instruction, counseling support, and training in advocacy strategies, especially as they are related to language development, communication, financial literacy, education, and employment. Mercy Center serves the entire family – child through adult. It is our belief that increased literacy, proficiency in English, improved parenting skills and general education for adults will not only contribute to a greater likelihood of the social and economic well-being of our adult participants, but will impact the social and academic success of their children as well. With 21 full-time staff members and 170 dedicated volunteers, Mercy Center provides programs and services in: English for Speakers of Other Languages, Immigrant Services, Adult Education and Work Readiness, Family Skills and Alternatives to Violence, Family Development, Youth Programs, Social Services and Community Education, and Personal Development. Mercy Center became incorporated in 1995 and received a 501(c)(3) tax determination one year later.