The Mercy Center of Slidell

For the past five years, an idea has been brewing in the minds of a few folks. An idea that would culminate into a life changing organization with proper cultivation and continuous nurturing as it emerged in the minds of many more. This idea is the birthing of the Mercy Center of Slidell.

Located in the northwest corner of Slidell, Louisiana, Vineyard Christian Fellowship borders several neighborhoods of low-income residents. The nearby schools are those considered to be at the bottom of St. Tammany Parish’s schools; a parish touted for having the best school system in the state. Not much in variety or number of commercial businesses occupy the area. Crime is higher here than other parts of Slidell and St. Tammany. We feel a burden to reach out to our neighbors and change these trends; we believe we have a duty to minister to our neighbors where they have needs. Mercy Center of Slidell will do this by offering programs that equip people with skills to help them better their situation.

To begin our mission, we have chosen to focus on the educational and job skills programs. We currently have volunteers to build and conduct Tutoring, Adult Literacy, Job Skills and Job Readiness Training programs. We are using these next few months of 2007 to develop and introduce our After School and Summertime programs. We intend to open up in October of 2007 with such an array of programs that those needing educational assistance will also have the option to participate in cultural awareness, heritage and folk life studies, music, drama, dance and visual art sessions. Soon to follow will be programs that address family support issues like nutrition and meal planning, budgeting, age appropriate chore assignment and recreation activities, problem solving and anger and stress management skills. Coupled with Apprentice Ship programs in office, kitchen, wood working and light construction, these programs will complete our selections.