Who We Serve
Mercy Neighborhood Ministries is dedicated to creating equal opportunities for individuals of all ages who are affected by poverty, ensuring that they are not left behind. Believing that early success in a child’s learning provides confidence and skills needed for the future, our Head Start Preschool program serves children 3-5 years of age, ensuring that they are on the right track for kindergarten. For children in kindergarten through 8th grade, our After-School program gives students the tools to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Our Adult Education, Workforce Development, and Financial Literacy programs meet adults where they are and provide them with the skills and connections they need to move forward. Mercy Meals is one of the most significant ways we reach our community at large, as we distribute over 30,000 pounds worth of food annually, and our neighbors report saving at least $100 a week in groceries.
We primarily serve the Tioga-Nicetown population of Philadelphia, a neighborhood where many households consist of a single parent or guardian raising multiple children. Economic hardship is prevalent, with a citywide poverty rate of 20%, affecting approximately 300,000 people. In North Philadelphia overall, nearly half of the individuals live below the poverty line.
While most of our participants reside in North Philadelphia, a smaller number come from other parts of the city, including Southwest, West, and Northeast Philadelphia, where families face similar socioeconomic challenges. The people we serve strive for better outcomes for themselves and their families – such as opportunities for education, stability, and growth – but often lack the resources to reach these goals on their own. We want to help break cycles of poverty by strengthening academic foundations for children and creating economic pathways for adults, ultimately improving the quality of life for our neighbors and their families.