Mercy Street Dallas

FC Dallas and CornerStone Staffing - Dallas presented a generous gift to Mercy Street, along with a custom jersey, during halftime at their Saturday game! The gift will provide over 100 scholarships to athletes who otherwise might not be able to play in our soccer, baseball, softball and football leagues.

Mercy Street neighbors - we will be present at this event that our friends at Buckner Family Hope Center at the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy are hosting to share about our summer program. Please attend to learn more about ours and other community partners' programs!

Jaylin and his uncle Keiden (as well as his 3 aunts) are all mentored through Mercy Street - an example of generational impact!

https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/jaylin-and-paul

For #TeacherAppreciation Week, we are appreciating the hard-working faculty and staff at our partner schools!

What a generous partnership with FC Dallas - we are grateful for their contribution to building future leaders through our sports leagues!

The FC Dallas Foundation is proud to announce our 2019 Grant Recipients, thanks to the generous support of our friends at CornerStone Staffing.

Learn more about our 2019 grant recipients (6 Stones, Heart House, Mercy Street Dallas, Lakewest YMCA, Dallas) : fcdallas.com/grants

Attending the Dallas Opera and a Q&A session with the current Miss America was an exciting opportunity for this group of Mercy Street girls!

2nd-Generation Mentee Receives a Mentor!

We're thrilled about this milestone in our 16 years of mentoring! https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/jaylin-and-paul

mercystreetdallas.org For the first time in our 16 years of mentoring, Mercy Street is excited to match a 2nd-generation mentee, Jaylin! Jaylin’s grandmother loves how Mercy Street has impacted the lives of her children and was so excited to be able to introduce Jaylin into that same life-giving experience.

Special thank you to one of our partners, Energy Transfer, for their critical role in helping maintain our state-of-the-art soccer fields so that we can best serve our athletes and families!

Mercy Street is in the business of relationships. Check out our long-term impact:

"No one can control the absolute outcome of a child’s life. But mentors can choose to be both faithful and obedient [to the Holy Spirit], which leads to a trajectory change in the life of a child." - Jill, Mercy Street Director of Mentoring

Did you know? "We’ve begun a new relationship with Eladio R Martinez Learning Center, serving a new group of elementary students and following many of our current mentees who were transferred there at the beginning of this school year" (Destiny, Elementary Mentor Coordinator). Over 1/3 of the current 793 students had to be transferred from other West Dallas schools. Through this partnership, Mercy Street aims to support the school administration as they serve such a large segment of the students in our community.

Friends, remember today that YOU are to die for! Praise Jesus, He is risen!

Mercy Street events are not only about the fun and games. It is our hope that every child and parent experiences love and belonging when they interact with our staff, volunteers, and other families! #GlowingEaster

Buckner Family Hope Center at the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy

Highlight reel of a great event - the fruit of a successful partnership!

We would like to thank all our partners that made this event happen! Together we served over 1,000 individuals from West Dallas! #HopeShinesHere #AquiBrillaLaEsperanza #GlowInTheDarkEasterEggHunt #Matthew5_16 #TexasRangersMLBYouthAcademy #MercyStreetSports #MattieNashRecCenter #BrotherBillsHelpingHands #YMCA #UpliftHeights

Celebrating Easter with Over 1,000 West Dallas Neighbors

On Friday, we celebrated Easter with over 1,000 of our neighbors! Volunteers and community members built connections over hot dogs, face painting, string bracelets, Easter egg magnets, sack races, and of course, a glow-in-the-dark Easter egg hunt. Thanks to Buckner Family Hope Center at the Texas Rangers MLB Youth Academy, Brother Bill's Helping Hand, Lakewest YMCA, Dallas, & Mattie Nash Myrtle Davis Recreation Center.

Read more here: https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/glowing-easter

mercystreetdallas.org As volunteers hustled to distribute wristbands, prepare hot dogs, and facilitate crafts and games, it became clear that the expected 700-person attendance was well on its way to being exceeded!

Mentoring myth #1: "I don't have anything to offer." Margaret, Mercy Street Mentor Coordinator, shares 7 myths she hears often about mentoring - read more at https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/7-mentoring-myths!

Easter at Mercy Street will look a little different this year, but no less fun! Join us this Friday at 6:30 pm for a glow-in-the-dark egg hunt, face painting, a meal, and more for kids of ALL ages!

Event will be at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy at 2303 Bickers St. https://www.facebook.com/events/1315065498643610/

"Dear AT&T Performing Arts Center, thank you for putting Black Violin together for all of us. This was my first time seeing a concert in a lawn. I loved the experience and I am grateful that you guys invited us." - Ali'ya

This group of Mercy Street students was thrilled to see BlackViolin in concert and is grateful to the AT&T PAC for the opportunity!

7 Myths About Mentoring

Have you ever believed a myth about what mentorship is or should look like? Find out in the latest Mercy Street article below!

https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/7-mentoring-myths

mercystreetdallas.org As someone who was mentored throughout high school and well into my adult life, I can attest to the power of healthy and strong mentorship.  I’ve heard many misconceptions about mentoring over the years, so I hope to shed some truth on these thoughts.

We're so proud of Raymond! He was mentored for many years at Mercy Street before attending A&M Commerce, working as a Pine Cove camp counselor, and becoming a powerful change agent for his community.

ScholarShot Scholar of the week is RAYMOND WILLIAMS who will be graduating this Spring from TAMU- Commerce! Check out what Raymond has to say about his journey with ScholarShot! 🎓

Thank you for sharing so beautifully about our presence in these communities. We are proud to partner with you, Advocates For Community Transformation!

The mission of Mercy Street Dallas is based on the belief that transformation occurs in the context of relationships. Their value of people over programs is why they are making a lasting impact in our community. Motivated by the love of Christ, Mercy Street seeks to foster mutually transforming relationships with the future leaders of West and South Dallas to bring about positive, permanent change to our city from within. The heart and mission of Mercy Street is to make disciples of all nations, one Dallas neighborhood at a time.

It is an honor to partner with Mercy Street and work together as we seek community transformation in West and South Dallas. Click the link to learn more about how you can get involved, become a mentor, and more! https://www.mercystreetdallas.org

This #InternationalWomensDay, we are championing the mommas, grandmothers, aunts, cousins, and sisters raising this generation of future leaders. We are proud to know you!

“When children are still young, a mentor...is a ‘place’ where they can go so that they know they are not alone, a safe haven. To have one wise voice offering them sound, comfort, faith in themselves and who they are can make all the difference.” - Donna Jackson Nakazawa, "Childhood Disrupted"

https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/pine-cove-retreat

Mentors Forge New Memories with Mentees at Retreat

“I learned how gifted (my mentee) Jayshun is with crowds - interacting with people, engaging people, and making sure to include everybody and think about others." Read about the importance of canoeing and memory-forging at our mentor/mentee retreat!

www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/pine-cove-retreat

mercystreetdallas.org Jayshun declares his favorite activity of the weekend was canoeing, and his mentor agrees. Cole, mentor, follows up with an affirmation for Jayshun: “I learned how gifted Jayshun is with crowds - interacting with people, engaging people, and making sure to include everybody and think about others....

"One of my favorite memories was when I was on a zipline, because it was my first time being on it and I conquered my fears" - Alicia (mentee) about her second Pine Cove retreat!

There was much fun to be had at the mentor/mentee retreat this weekend, from games to giggles to lifelong friendship-building!

Mentor/Mentee Pine Cove Retreat 2019

Erin, Mercy Street mentor, shares: "One thing I loved and didn’t expect was how much her mom made me feel like a part of their family - like one of the team members raising Shanessa. She always made me feel like my opinion and my involvement were special and highly valued."

Read her mentorship story at https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/shanessa-letter!

RSVP's for Pine Cove Retreat are due in just 2 days! The theme for the retreat is Conflict Resolution - you won't want to miss it. Mentors and mentees, see you there!

https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/calendar/pine-cove-retreat-2019

JUST IN: 2019 Crystal Charity Ball Beneficiaries Announced

We are honored to be a beneficiary of the 2019 Crystal Charity Ball committee alongside these reputable organizations. https://mysweetcharity.com/2019/02/just-in-2019-crystal-charity-ball-beneficiaries-announced/

We give thanks to God for this generosity!

mysweetcharity.com After weeks of researching, the 2019 Crystal Charity Ball committee has selected the collection of beneficiaries. 2019 CCB Chair Pat McEvoy announced the beneficiaries and programs are: Child And

Letter from Shanessa: 10 Years Mentored and Counting

Shanessa and her mentor, Erin, have walked through 10 years of life together! "Everyone deserves someone they can go to when they need help or just want someone to hang out with," Shanessa shares.

Read her letter here: https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/shanessa-letter

mercystreetdallas.org My name is Shanessa Carson and I am an alumni student from Mercy Street. When I was in the 4th grade I was paired with my mentor Erin Lewis. Erin is basically a part of our family. The relationship that we have is something I will cherish forever.

Mercy Street Sports Complex

Every time we drive past the Mercy Street Sports Complex in West Dallas and see young athletes, coaches, and families gather together, we give thanks to God for his provision. The Sports Complex took several years and the generosity of many friends of Mercy Street to complete. The drone footage gives a bird's eye view of the beautiful fields!

Pine Cove Retreat is just T H R E E weeks away! Mentors, have you signed up you and your mentee yet?

Let's spend 24 hours of bonding and adventure together! https://www.mercystreetdallas.org/calendar/pine-cove-retreat-2019

LaChristal has some sweet words for her mentor, Destiny, this #ThankYourMentor Day!

Today we celebrate the man who pioneered social justice. In the words of Dr. King, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’“

Michelle is a mentee of one of our staff members. Here she is pictured with her daughter and her mentor's daughter! Says her mentor: "I’m so thankful for the gift of mentoring! It has transformed my life from the inside out! Mercy Street has been an invaluable resource to me. My mentee has taught me many things. Now my baby girl has someone to look up to."

Shared from one of our mentors, Laura: "It is my joy and privilege to mentor with Mercy Street Dallas! And I can't believe it has been almost 5 years mentoring my sweet mentee, Natalie! I am so thankful for her! I thank God for these 5 years and for all of the moments that He has used to draw me closer to Him. I have day by day gained a greater understanding of the loving Father that He is! 'The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.' Psalm 145:8"

We're thankful for Laura and Natalie's consistent mentorship!

Happy International Mentoring Day! Whether you’re a mentor or mentee, your story matters. Today, please share your testimony of mentoring and a photo by tagging @mercystreetdallas on social media or emailing us at [email protected]. We’d love to share your story to inspire others!

www.mercystreetdallas.org

Mercy Street Dallas

Mentors, this Saturday we want to offer you resources AND an easy, fun hangout with your mentee! Join us at 9 am for an in-depth conversation on mentoring & the Gospel, followed by an Open Building event at 12!

mercystreetdallas.org

Ashunti was struggling with anger and loneliness, while Oscar was facing setbacks in school and at home. Through the Lord’s work in their lives, both young adults are now diving into activities like poetry and baking and carrying out lifelong relationships with their mentors. www.mercystreetdallas.org/season-of-transformation

Happy New Year! As we celebrate new beginnings, we remember stories like Dezaria’s and DJ’s. Both mentees are breaking out of their shells and experiencing mutual transformation in their relationships with their mentors! www.mercystreetdallas.org/season-of-transformation

Ti and Joey serve behind the scenes to care for mentees like DJ, whose story we shared this Season of Transformation. You too can serve a mentee by visiting www.mercystreetdallas.org/season-of-transformation to give a gift!

Merry Christmas from our Mentor Coordinators! These fine folks work hard to ensure that each of our mentor/mentee matches feel cared for and supported. Blessing from the Mercy Street family to yours!

In 2 1/2 years, Bobby and DJ have begun a number of traditions including: talking about the story of Jesus each Christmas, attending Mercy Street events, and having a serious conversation every time the two are together. Visit www.mercystreetdallas.org/stories/dj to read more!