Mercy Street: Transforming Lives in West and South Dallas
Mercy Street exists to cultivate mutually transforming relationships with inner-city youth through Christian mentorship. We desire to see West and South Dallas neighborhoods transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Believing transformation best occurs in the context of relationships, Mercy Street began with a humble Mentoring Program in 2003 and has since grown to include a Sports Program and Leadership Program that collectively serve over 2,400 youth each year. Mercy Street will soon celebrate 21 YEARS in the community and we are joyfully celebrating 14 graduating classes of mentored students, spanning from 2011-2024.
Our programs are fueled by a volunteer base of 926 caring, committed volunteers from across the Dallas-Forth Worth metroplex. Our work has enabled youth to improve their educational outcomes by providing long-term mentors and coaches to them in their formative years, from ages 4-18.
Mercy Street Sports
Our sports leagues provide a positive outlet for youth in West and South Dallas during their critical out-of-school time, as well as offer the accessibility and benefits of sports to those who would not otherwise have access to organized sports. Our sports leagues foster character development, strategy, teamwork, resilience, grit, determination, a competitive spirit, and accountability. Mercy Street currently serves over over 2,000 young athletes each year through soccer, baseball, flag-football, basketball, and newly added volleyball and lacrosse camps.
Mercy Street Mentoring
Mercy Street provides long-term, one-on-one mentors to every child in our target schools who desires to have one. Our Mentoring Program serves over 200 youth annually, with long-term mentors provided from the 4th to the 12th grade. Youth.gov and MENTOR report that benefits of mentoring include: increased high school graduation rates, lower high school dropout rates, healthier relationships and lifestyle choices, better attitudes about school, higher college enrollment rates, higher educational aspirations, enhanced self-esteem, improved behavior at home and school, improved interpersonal skills, a decreased likelihood of initiating drug and alcohol use, and stronger relationships with parents, teachers, and peers.
Mercy Street Leadership
Through the Mercy Street Leadership Institute, 30-40 high school students each year are provided paid internship opportunities focused on preparing them for life after graduation. Each summer, students are equipped with workforce development training, theology classes, college and career readiness training, job shadowing, mental health training, financial literacy classes, business exposure trips, college and university tours, and invaluable paid work experience.
COMING SOON: Mercy Street Dream Center
The Mercy Street Dream Center will open next fiscal year 2024-2025 and be equipped with: a computer lab, music and podcasting recording studio, photography and videography studio, and much more! Mercy Street will add offerings for high school students outside of school in a safe and supportive environment. The Mercy Street Dream Center will cultivate an environment of learning leaders who are equipped to transform their communities through Science, Technology, and The Arts.
Our dream is to create a multicultural, multiethnic, multigenerational movement of God's people who work together for His glory and the good of our city.
Childrens' Needs + Your Generosity = Huge Impact
Your generosity has the power to transform young lives in West and South Dallas. Every dollar you contribute to Mercy Street directly supports our mission to nurture and empower inner-city youth through mentorship, sports, and leadership development. Consider the tangible impact of your gift in these examples:
As you can see, every contribution, regardless of size, plays a crucial role in our mission. Whether you're enabling a child to experience the joy and discipline of sports, fostering a life-changing mentorship, or equipping a future leader with essential skills, your gift is an investment in the potential of our youth and the future of our community. Join us in making a lasting difference – your generosity today shapes brighter tomorrows.
Make an impact in the Kingdom by investing in the youth of West and South Dallas today!