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Joshua’s life has been completely transformed thanks to his time
at Mercy House. “It’s unbelievable how God has restored everything
in my life. I lost so much but gained so much more in return. My
relationship with my children is incredible, my life has been restored,
and my family believes in me and is proud of me. It’s a blessing to be
able to share my story and mentor other men who feel hopeless.”
Although Mercy House is in Georgetown, Mississippi, men come
from all over to the program. The first nine months are spent at the
original Mercy House, followed by five months at what is called the
“re-entry house.” During their time in the re-entry home, men
prepare for life outside the home. Many don’t have driver’s licenses
and may have debt or fines to pay off. Here they are given the tools
they’ll need to get jobs and keep them.
Mercy House Adult & Teen Challenge has a good working
relationship with the court system, due to the high rate of success
of the graduates. Oftentimes, a man facing jail time will be sent to
Mercy House instead, as the chance for getting clean and staying
clean is greater and is provided at no cost to the participant. Since
2017, approximately 300 men from Rankin County have been
through the program, and there are many businesses throughout the
county who have partnered with Mercy House to provide jobs to
program graduates.
“One of our long-range goals is to have a house in Rankin County
for men in the second phase of the program,” says CEO Matt Milliman.
“With so many businesses who are willing to hire our students, it
makes sense to have a home for them where they can be close to
work. It’s a long drive to Rankin County from Georgetown. They also
need to be plugged into a local church before they leave our program,
and there are simply more options in Rankin County.”
Mercy House relies on individual and business partners to continue
to offer hope to men trapped in addiction, and there are several ways
to help. The men create beautiful artwork and home decor, called
“Product with a Purpose,” that can be purchased online. Mercy House
also operates a thrift store in Byram, where donations are welcomed
and 100% of the profit goes back into the program. A vehicle donation
program, endorsed by former Governor Phil Bryant, provides
community members with the opportunity to donate vehicles,
running or not, and repairs are made in Mercy House’s very own auto
shop. Of course, monetary donations are also appreciated as well,
and allow for continued operation of the program, free of charge.
Another area of need is in mentoring men as they prepare to
re-enter the workforce and reunite with their families. Classes on
budgeting, relationship building, and work skills are much needed
and volunteers with those areas of expertise are a valuable resource.
It would be hard to measure the number of lives impacted by
Mercy House. Like Joshua, so many men have been changed and, in
turn, their families have been changed. “It’s unbelievable how God
has restored everything in my life,” he says. “I lost so much but
gained so much more in return. My relationship with my children is
incredible, my life has been restored, and my family believes in me
and is proud of me. It’s a blessing to be able to share my story.”
Hometown MADISON • 33