MercyFirst

🏳️‍🌈 Happy Pride Day! 🏳️‍🌈

Today, we celebrate love, inclusion, and the freedom to be your authentic self.

Congratulations to Anayyah, a member of MercyFirst’s Bridges to the Future Program and a tutor in our Post Permanency Support Program, on earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work with Honors from Hunter College!

Anayyah’s journey is a true testament to resilience, determination, and hard work. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make in the lives of others.

Congratulations, Anayyah!

In celebration of Foster Care Month in May, MercyFirst partnered with Mindi Cooke, SVP of Business Development at Reunitus, who coordinated the Suitcase Art with Heart initiative. This national foster care awareness campaign aims to replace the trash bags that many youth in foster care use to transport their belongings with hand-painted suitcases that promote dignity, belonging, and self-worth. The suitcases serve as a reminder to youth that "You matter. You belong. You are not disposable."

The project brings together professional illustrators, art students, and community members to create painted suitcases that are then donated directly to youth in foster care. Reunitus donated 50 beautifully, designed suitcase to MercyFirst. Each donated suitcase includes a copy of Tuesday's Bear and a plush bear to provide additional comfort and support.