DALLAS — The Catherine McAuley Center in Scranton and Plymouth received grants totaling $240,000 in support of its operations and programming from the Mercy Foundation at Mercy Center.

The grants will be used to defray the cost of moving into apartments for clients, to provide funding for matching funds for HUD programs that aid the chronically homeless and in support of the emergency shelters and transitional and bridge housing for clients in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties.

The programs provide housing, case management, and supportive services for one year. The goal at the completion of the programs is for participants to maintain permanent housing with adequate financial resources and supportive services for the women and their families.

Mercy Foundation Inc. was established in 2011 by the Catholic Healthcare Partners after the sale of Mercy Hospital in Scranton. The foundation is a nonprofit organization operated to benefit, support, and carry out the religious, charitable, educational and other related programs and projects by the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming counties.

The Sisters of Mercy are called and committed to a life of service and are dedicated to the philosophy of their foundress, Catherine McAuley, “to serve the needy with courage and compassion.’’ The sisters spend their lives teaching and ministering in hospitals, schools and parishes.

In 1979, the Catherine McAuley Center was founded by Sister Anne Paye, RSM, who responded to a housing crisis for women and children.

Today, under the direction of Sister Therese Marques, RSM, the McAuley Center offers emergency housing in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties for homeless women and children. The facilities also provide case management and support services which include assistance in finding permanent housing.

Case-workers identify needs and goals of families, work individually with families, access appropriate services, and provide transportation to appointments.

The women are encouraged to apply for benefits and receive assistance in their search for employment. The residents are also encouraged to save money, which can be used for a security deposit or first month’s rent on permanent housing.

The Mercy Foundation presented the Catherine McAuley Center with grants totaling $240,000. Fro left, are Dr. Martha Hanlon, chairperson of the Mercy Foundation Board of Directors; Sr. Patricia Vetrano, RSM, president of the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community and member of the Mercy Foundation Board of Directors; Sr. Therese Marques, RSM, executive director of the Catherine McAuley Center; and Attorney Mary Cummings, chairperson of the McAuley Center Board of Directors.
https://www.mydallaspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Mercy-foundation-Catherind-Mccauley-2.jpg.optimal.jpgThe Mercy Foundation presented the Catherine McAuley Center with grants totaling $240,000. Fro left, are Dr. Martha Hanlon, chairperson of the Mercy Foundation Board of Directors; Sr. Patricia Vetrano, RSM, president of the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community and member of the Mercy Foundation Board of Directors; Sr. Therese Marques, RSM, executive director of the Catherine McAuley Center; and Attorney Mary Cummings, chairperson of the McAuley Center Board of Directors.