A Beautiful Beginning

Established in December 1996, the Divine Mercy House ministry raised money and renovated a private home which, beginning in November 1999, helped eight young women between 16 and 23 years old give birth to their babies, learn life skills, and develop a stronger spiritual relationship with God. Located in Fruit Cove, just south of Jacksonville proper, the house was provided on a temporary basis for a three year period, pending the owner’s retirement to Florida. The home had capacity to serve up to three women at a time plus a full-time, live-in Resident Director.

Sister Esther Flanagan served as the Resident Director and together with the Executive Director, Kathy Shane, coordinated the medical and educational needs of the women in a safe and spiritually directed environment. Educational successes included the earning of GEDs and completing career oriented programs such as medical assistant and beautician.

This temporary home closed in December 2002. However, the success of the mission inspired its leadership to pursue the establishment of a permanent setting.  With the blessing of Bishop Galeone and the support of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, which donated land and assisted with funding, the Divine Mercy House ministry undertook design and construction of a new 4,000 square-foot home with accommodations for five women plus a Resident Director.

The home opened in June 2007 with Sister Anne Marie Lennon serving as Executive Director and Ms. Cynthia Kelly serving as the Resident Director.