Frequently Asked Questions About Us

How is Mercy Ministries governed?

In 2007, Mercy Ministries International adopted a governance model that brought a new level of programme consistency, oversight, and accountability, and positioned the organisation to expand its reach and increase its effectiveness throughout the world. Mercy Ministries is currently active in five countries—Peru, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. An Executive Director and Board of Directors oversee operations in each country. In the UK, Arianna Walker is the Executive Director and the UK Board is chaired by Andrew Coghlan.

Is Mercy Ministries run by Nancy Alcorn?

Nancy Alcorn is the founder of Mercy Ministries and currently serves as President of Mercy Ministries International, which is run by a Board of Directors that is charged with maintaining the overall vision and direction of the international ministry, as well as overseeing the integrity of the ministry's operation within each individual country.

Who can work at Mercy Ministries? What qualifications does Mercy’s staff have?

Necessary qualifications vary by position and by country. In the UK, our staff have a variety of qualifications ranging from Degrees, Certificates in Higher Education, or Diplomas in related fields such as: Child and Youth Work, Youth and Community Studies, Criminology, Occupational Health Therapy, Counselling, Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or Teaching.

Are Mercy Ministries programmes the same in each country? And what sort of curriculum does Mercy Ministries use?

Mercy Ministries International formalised its Christian-based curriculum in June 2008.

This curriculum is now used in all Mercy Ministries homes throughout the world. It is called “Choices That Bring Change” and helps young women work through a process that explores issues of faith, forgiveness, family, overcoming abuse and past hurts, as w ell as general life principles.

In addition to individual one-to-ones, residents also participate in group sessions on a weekly basis. This curriculum is the result of Mercy Ministries’ nearly three decades of

ministering to girls in crisis and combines biblical principles of healing and unconditional love with best-practice clinical interventions.

Is Mercy Ministries affiliated with a particular denomination?

Mercy Ministries is not directly affiliated with any particular church, denomination or organisation but is rather an inter-denominational Christian organisation with staff members from a variety of Christian backgrounds and traditions. While girls are at Mercy Ministries, they have daily praise and worship as well as daily, life-changing classes based on principles of freedom found in God’s Word. The girls also attend a local church in the community where each home is located. In the UK, Mercy Ministries has partnerships with over 60 churches across the nation from a variety of denominations. View our statement of faith here.

What does Mercy Ministries believe about spiritual warfare?

As a Christian organisation, Mercy Ministries believes that spiritual warfare is real and that prayer pl ays an important role in healing and spiritual growth. Mercy Ministries does not perform or endorse exorcisms as part of its treatment curriculum. Our emphasis is on the power of God’s grace and unconditional love to help hurting young women overcome addictions and past hurts. View our statement of faith here. f="cms.php?page=48">

Is Mercy Ministries licensed to operate its homes?

In the UK, MMUK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and as such we are regulated by both the Charity Commission and Companies House. We are not required to be registered with CSCI, as there is no category that applies to MMUK but we have established contact with CSCI and are working with them to ensure that MMUK continues to provide the highest level of care.

How does Mercy Ministries decide where to open a new home?

Mercy Ministries has a long-standing policy of not incurring debt in the establishment of its homes. It has established a clear model for creation of new homes that begins at the local community level in order to ensure that each home will have the appropriate level of ongoing financial, spiritual, and community support necessary to achieve Mercy’s mission. The minimum criteria for consideration of the establishment of a new home has been formalised by Mercy Ministries International and is available on request: info@mercyministries.co.uk

Is the programme at Mercy Ministries voluntary?

Mercy Ministries recognises that true change can only be brought about through a personal commitment to change. This commitment is a pre-requisite for an applicant to enter the programme. Mercy Ministries only accepts applicants who clearly understand our Christian emphasis and specifically seek out our help and assistance. Furthermore, Mercy Ministries’ residents are always free to leave the programme at any time.

What happens if a resident has concerns with her treatment at Mercy Ministries?

Mercy Ministries International has helped over 2,500 residents in its nearly 30 years of operation, and in a recent survey of former Mercy Ministries of America residents, 93 percent of respondents said Mercy Ministries “transformed their lives and restored their hope.” However, in any treatment programme, some will inevitably have questions or concerns, which is why Mercy Ministries has a process in place for current and former residents to air grievances without fear of retribution. View UK success stories here.

In 2007, Mercy Ministries International adopted a governance model that brought a new level of programme consistency, oversight, and accountability, and positioned the organisation to expand its reach and increase its effectiveness throughout the world. Mercy Ministries is currently active in five countries—Peru, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. An Executive Director and Board of Directors oversee operations in each country. In the UK, Arianna Walker is the Executive Director and the UK Board is chaired by Andrew Coghlan.

Why has Mercy Ministries in Australia closed?

While we are saddened by the closure of Mercy Ministries Australia, we have an association with the Australian service in name and brand only. Mercy Ministries UK is an independently run Christian based charity governed by a UK board with an operating model tailored in the UK for the UK. As such, we have no information on Mercy Ministries Australia's operations and encourage you to contact them directly for more information regarding the Australian service by referring to www.mercyministries.com.au.

Mercy Ministries UK is part of Mercy Ministries International.
Registered Company Number: 5373315 a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales.
Registered Charity Number: 1111377
© Mercy Ministries UK 2008

Content Management System by Adept Design