BeLoved Mercy Ministries

05/24/2026

If you or someone you know needs support, help is available any time, day or night. AWARE offers a 24/7 confidential hotline at 888-981-1457, along with website chat and advocacy services designed to meet you where you are.

Support is available for survivors, as well as for family members and friends who want to help. You do not have to navigate this alone. Compassionate, confidential support is always within reach.

To learn more about resources or connect with support, visit: https://merceraware.org/

05/24/2026

Trauma-informed care is about more than services provided. It is about how people are treated when they reach out for help. At AWARE, this means listening without judgment, respecting each person’s choices, and meeting individuals where they are in their healing process. It is an approach rooted in advocacy, safety, and compassion.

Everyone deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported when seeking help. Learn more about AWARE’s advocacy and support services: https://merceraware.org/

Hotline (888) 981-1457

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

Mercer County Housing Support
We’re hiring in Mercer County!

If you’re passionate about supporting youth and strengthening the community, we want you on our team this summer.

💡 Make a difference
🤝 Work with an amazing team
📈 Gain valuable experience
Apply today: https://www.cognitoforms.com/Keyst.../AmeriCorpsInterestForm

05/08/2026

Save this image and fill in the blanks, and — voilà — your family has an emergency plan that everyone can keep right on their phone. 🤳👍

05/06/2026

"Self-Care: Essential Tools to Care for Your Mind

Self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Just like your body needs healthy food and exercise, your mind needs self-care to function at its best. Here are a few ways to replenish your mental reserves:

Get Active: Exercise isn’t just about physical fitness, it elevates your mood and improves sleep. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it’s disc golf, yoga, or even learning the latest dance craze.
Embrace Creativity: Art is a powerful tool for processing emotions, both positive and negative. Explore painting, writing, music, or any creative outlet that resonates with you. Remember, it’s about the process, not creating a masterpiece!
Connect with Your Support System: Humans are social creatures. Make time for friends and family, even if it’s just a quick chat or a shared activity. Feeling connected reminds you you’re not alone.
Journaling: Sometimes your brain gets stuck on repeat. Journaling helps clear your head. Grab a notebook, or even a grocery list – whatever works for you!" Jennifer Lang

05/06/2026

Catholic Charities Support & Referrals for Mental Health Services and Crises
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie connects individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges with appropriate resources. Resources available throughout Northwest Pennsylvania are listed below.

For more information or to be connected with resources, please contact Diane Gallagher, Director of the Office of Social Service & Impact, at [email protected] or 814-824-1251.

CATHOLIC COUNSELING & THERAPY REFERRALS

• Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services (814) 580-6267 for drug and alcohol counseling, to***co cessation and gambling addiction, individual and family counseling, mental health counseling for anxiety, depression, marriage, trauma, etc. Services may be covered by insurance or a sliding fee scale.

• Prince of Peace Center in Farrell (Services — Prince Of Peace Center, 724-346-5777) offers individual, group, and family counseling; support for anxiety, depression, stress, & mood concerns; substance use challenges; mental health counseling; faith integrated counseling, all free of charge.

• Directories of Catholic Therapists found here: Catholic Psychotherapy Association: cpa - Directory Search; CatholicTherapists.com - find.catholictherapists.com/search; Divine Mercy University Alumni Directory: Alumni Directory - Divine Mercy University

• Call Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Erie (814-824-1251), to get you connected to Catholic or Christian counseling in your county.

CRISIS SUPPORT RESOURCES

• For mental health crises, see the directory from pa.gov of crises hotlines per county: Suicide_Prevention_Hotlines.pdf

• Dial 988 anywhere in the Diocese, and you will be routed to the closest 988 call center.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Catholic Charities Affiliate Agencies that provide emergency assistance by county:

• CLEARFIELD — Good Samaritan Center men’s homeless shelter (814-765-6880) also provides assistance with rent or utilities for eligible individuals/families.

• ERIE — St. Martin Center (Home - St. Martin Center, Inc., 814-452-6113) has a food pantry and early learning center, provides classes on financial literacy and home-purchasing, and offers emergency assistance for rent and security deposit; call 814SHELTER for a referral for financial assistance.

Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Services (814-480-0009) has emergency assistance for a variety of needs based on eligibility. Also runs a free car seat program for new moms in Erie. (Main office is in Erie with satellites in Bradford and DuBois.)

• MERCER — Prince of Peace Center in Farrell (Services — Prince Of Peace Center, 724-346-5777) provides family supportive services, mentorship programs, financial planning and life skills classes, and is home to a soup kitchen, food pantry, and thrift store.

• VENANGO — St. Elizabeth Center in Oil City (St. Elizabeth Food Pantry, 814-677-0203) offers emergency assistance, welcome home kits, and operates a food pantry and thrift store.

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE, MENTAL HEALTH & POVERTY AWARENESS, AND SOCIAL JUSTICE EDUCATION

Contact Elizabeth Slaby, Director of the Office of Social Justice and Life (814-824-1254; [email protected]) or Diane Gallagher, Director of the Office of Social Service & Impact (814-824-1251; [email protected]) for more information or to schedule a presentation.

05/02/2026

Mercer County Adult Education Center is a fantastic resource for our community! Thank you for all your great work!