NEWS: Bay Shore, NY, August 2008 – Mercy Unto Thousands, a community-based outreach and educational program provided by Mercy Haven, Inc., successfully completed the third series of its Breakthrough sessions in Bay Shore, NY. The program focuses on providing tools of empowerment for the homeless, one community at a time.

DESCRIPTION: On the evening of August 7^th, 2008, Mercy Haven, Inc. celebrated the graduation of 13 dedicated participants from its Mercy Unto Thousands Breakthrough Program for individuals of the Bay Shore area who are currently, or have experienced homelessness. The group, consisting of both men and women from the community, was honored at Saint Patrick’s RC Church on Main Street in Bay Shore for their successful completion of the 12-week program. Patricia C., a mother and volunteer mentor for the Bay Shore sessions, shared her experience with the Breakthrough program. She explained to the audience that while she had helped her participant take the first steps in overcoming life’s obstacles, she herself had learned so much. Patricia C. told of her life struggles, and how the program brought a whole new perspective on how we can take the cards we are dealt in life and make the best of what is given us.

 It was a touching scene as the graduates were called up one by one to receive a personalized framed certificate. The graduates offered words of gratitude to the volunteers and program mentors for the hard work, dedication and support. After the graduation ceremony, the nearly 70 persons in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal cooked by volunteers from the community and surrounding areas. The 13 participants were clearly empowered by the program as they openly shared their future goals which include obtaining employment, housing, and, for some, even enrolling in school. An important theme of the evening was that hope is what will see us through; hope is a good place to start.