Dear Friends:
I used to be homeless. But not any more. Saint Joseph’s Mercy Care Services gave me the chance I needed to beat alcohol and get off the street. I’ll never – never – forget what they did for me. But I also know that I'm only one of many that they've helped.
Let me tell you my story …
The first contact I had with Mercy Care was back in 2000. I was homeless and their health team visited the Atlanta Women’s Day Shelter, where I was staying. They were really nice people, but I wasn’t as interested in getting healthy as I was in getting drunk. So I ignored what they said – and soon after that, I left the shelter and started sleeping outdoors at the Library, City Hall and Woodruff Park. That’s where I first met Mary Watson, who works on Mercy Care’s CHOP (Community Homeless Outreach Program) Team.
Every week, Mary came to the park and talked to any of us who were willing to listen, about getting medical services, mental health assessments, substance abuse counseling, food and clothing. She also helped us get to a shelter or know where to get meals or take a daily shower. Every day I’d wait on one of the benches for Mary to come. She always brought me a hygiene kit. I may have been abusing alcohol, but I didn’t want to be dirty!
It was a blessing to know that someone really cared enough to make me laugh and smile, even when I didn’t feel like it – somebody who gave me encouragement and inspiration when I was in a world of gloom, loneliness and depression. At that time, I was having alcoholic seizures, blackouts and tremors. One day Mary just said, “Patricia, you’ll know when you’re ready for rehab – and I’ll be here for you.”
Time passed, and I met a man named Blue. We were both alcoholics and homeless. And I remembered what Mary said about being ready. Thanks to Mercy Care, Blue and I both went into an 18-month alcohol treatment program. Then we got married! We even qualified for our own little apartment. During that time, Mercy Care assisted us with vouchers for food, clothing and furniture. They even delivered a Thanksgiving package of food to our home. We were so happy and blessed.
On December 3, 2007, after 3 years of marriage, Blue had a massive heart attack and died. I called Mary, and she immediately helped me see to Blue’s funeral arrangements. Mercy Care paid my travel expenses to the funeral – and through Mary, they even got me a beautiful black suit to wear. Mercy Care and staff members like Mary gave me and Blue a chance to beat the alcohol and move on to a beautiful life together.
But all this was possible only because someone like you showed they cared – and gave generously to Saint Joseph’s. No wonder Mercy Care Services was able to help me and Blue, they’ve been doing it for over 20 years. Doctors and Nurses donated their time for homeless and suffering people just like me. Now they even have vans and a mobile clinic that come to the neighborhoods in Atlanta. Mary said last year Mercy Care helped over 12,000 people like me, some who were homeless, and many who didn’t have any insurance.
They couldn’t have done it without you. That’s why I’m hoping you’ll support Mercy Care Services once again with a year-end gift. Your gift will help offer a brand new life to someone who’s homeless…who’s hurting…who’s in desperate need to know that someone cares. Won’t you please let Saint Joseph’s Mercy Foundation hear from you right away? Thank you for caring. And have a wonderful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Pat J.
Client of Mercy Care Services
P.S. Blue was clean of drugs and alcohol when he went to God, thanks to compassionate people like you. I’m still not drinking – and grateful every day for that! I’m living proof that your gift today will make a difference. So please, give generously. Thank you so much!
YES! I want to make a year-end contribution to Saint Joseph's Mercy Care Services!
