Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Award Supports Mercy Home Programs For People with Intellectual and

New York, NY— Mercy Home for Children is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $750,000 from Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In a very competitive application process, The Cabrini Health Foundation selected three Mercy Home initiatives: "Telehealth HEAL," "Just Imagine! Therapeutic Health," and "Life Skills Lifelong". Each project will provide resources in neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.

"We are really excited about this award. Living independently plays a significant role in our residents' lives, offering a source of self-esteem, personal motivation, and self-fulfillment. With this funding, Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is significantly boosting health and wellness among a marginalized and disadvantaged population that suffers disproportionate health outcomes." Janice Aris, Executive Director of Mercy Home, stated.

Mercy Home's mission is to ensure the quality of life for persons with special needs, elevating each person's inherent dignity and enabling a life filled with learning and love. Like Mercy Home, the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation also works to improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable. "As the largest healthcare foundation in New York State, it is a vital part of our mission to be on the front lines assisting during this pandemic. We are working to get urgently needed funds across the state to organizations supporting New Yorkers most in need." — Alfred F. Kelly, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Visa and Chair of the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation Board.

To address the long-term health needs of the people we support, Mercy Home will launch HEAL (Health Enrichment and Learning). With the partnership of Mother Cabrini, we will be able to create a comprehensive telehealth and triaging project for the individuals we serve. Telehealth HEAL will fund the installation of specialized communications hardware and software for remote monitoring of health conditions. This project will also bolster IT and network capabilities throughout Mercy Home residences and programs with a telehealth/triaging program, boosting health outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and helping us to continue combating COVID-19.

Mercy Home will also implement "Just Imagine! Therapeutic Health," an impactful expansion of our successful Creative Arts Therapy program that harnesses music therapy, yoga/movement, therapy, drama therapy, arts therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). These programs have proven effective in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Just Imagine! will expand online and in-person activities, reaching more people, offering new sites, and laying the foundation for a more sustainable program going forward. These therapies address social determinants of health and increase community inclusion by engaging with families with critical therapeutic services. 

Mercy Home's third award will allow us to improve independent living of men and women with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Central to Mercy Home's mission is allowing each individual to make choices in their home and housing, having a say in their care, and pursuing personal goals and dreams. This initiative will provide a safe space for women and men with developmental disabilities to live independently and meet the needs of medically frail individuals with underlying health conditions. The grant will bolster medical services to support women and men with IDD as they age in place safely with grace and dignity.

Mercy Home has sought to reduce the isolation and institutionalization of people with developmental disabilities from its founding. Our families' needs have become poignant during the COVID-19 crisis, which has exacerbated the stress and anxiety of the people we serve. These programs will boost life outcomes for families and neighborhoods, women, men, and youth with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities.

About Mercy Home for Children

Mercy Home provides essential services for children and adults with developmental disabilities. One of our earliest mandates was to address health care disparities in our community, serving the most vulnerable, those in need, and disadvantaged families. Founded in 1862, our vision and all of our work grew out of the Sisters of Mercy Critical Concerns, particularly working on behalf of the marginalized, dismantling racism, and believing firmly in every person's dignity. These initiatives will boost health outcomes in resource-poor communities that are under stress. www.MercyHomeNY.org. 

About Mother Cabrini Health Foundation

The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission to improve the health and well-being of the vulnerable New Yorkers, bolster the health outcomes of targeted communities, eliminate barriers to care, and bridge gaps in health services. The Foundation – which is named in memory of a tireless advocate for immigrants, children, and the 

poor – provides flexible support for new and innovative approaches that enhance health and wellness across New York State. For more information, visit www.cabrinihealth.org.

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To learn more about this project contact:

Helen Stewart

Director of Development

Mercy Home for Children

273 Willoughby Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 12205

hstewart@mercyhomeny.org

718.832.1075 x 121

mercyhomeny.org