Our History
Our Story: A Mission Born from Compassion
In 1985, Mercy Haven was founded in Bay Shore, Long Island, when Sisters Patricia Griffith and Kathleen Nolan, alongside a dedicated group of citizens, came together to prevent 116 residents of the Baybright Hotel from losing their homes. Recognizing the urgent need for stable housing, they established Mercy Haven—a nonprofit organization committed to providing safe, supportive housing for individuals living with mental illness.
What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a multifaceted community resource serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Today, Mercy Haven remains deeply embedded in the communities it serves, expanding its reach and impact while staying true to its founding mission of offering hope, stability, and opportunity to those in need.
Our Founder & President Emeritus, Sister Patricia Griffith, D.Min., CSW
A Legacy of Advocacy and Compassion: The Story of Mercy Haven
Since 1970, Sister Pat has been a dedicated advocate for the Islip community, first as an elementary school teacher and later as a champion for the underserved in Bay Shore. She was key in establishing the Hospitality Center at St. Patrick’s Parish, supporting individuals recently mainstreamed from state psychiatric hospitals.
While the deinstitutionalization movement aimed to reintegrate people into their communities, a lack of resources left many struggling to transition. In 1985, when the Town moved to close a building housing over 100 former psychiatric patients, Sister Pat and a group of committed volunteers quickly mobilized, learning the complexities of advocacy and navigating government systems to protect those at risk.
Teaming up with Sister Kathy Nolan and a coalition of concerned citizens, they worked tirelessly to prevent the displacement of residents at the Baybright Hotel. From this urgent mission, Mercy Haven was born.
Over the past 40 years, Mercy Haven has grown from its grassroots beginnings into a vital agency that provides housing and essential support services to more than 400 individuals. Under Sister Pat’s leadership, the organization expanded from operating three community residences for individuals living with mental illness to a comprehensive network of housing solutions. Today, Mercy Haven manages 65 sites, offering housing for adults and children in crisis, including veterans, disabled individuals, low-income families, and the elderly.
At its core, Mercy Haven believes that everyone deserves a safe, supportive community. With unwavering dedication, the organization continues Sister Pat’s legacy to advocate for those facing poverty and mental illness, working to dismantle stigma and build a future where dignity, stability, and opportunity are accessible to all.