Your Giving Tuesday gift helps Chicago teens heal and thrive — all year long.

Jayla didn't trust adults. Her father was gone, and her mother struggled with addiction, so Jayla often ended up alone in shelters. At school, teachers thought she was lazy. But she wasn't. She was spending all her energy worrying about her mom and searching for a safe place to sleep.

When she heard about Mercy Home, a place where she could live, get help with school, see a counselor, and where her mom could get connected to rehab, it sounded too good to be true. Still, she decided to try.

The transition was hard. But over time, Jayla opened up to her therapist, and the other girls helped her feel less alone. She hopes she and her mom will share an apartment someday. Until then, she's looking forward to the Christmas she's only dreamed of: presents under the tree, carols, and a special meal with friends.

This Giving Tuesday, your donation will be TRIPLED to help even more children. Thanks to the Philos Foundation and friends of the Home, every gift you make will be matched 3x, up to $150,000. 

Since 1887, Mercy Home has helped tens of thousands of Chicago kids heal from abuse, neglect, and violence. Give a teen like Jayla a safe, loving home. Thank you!