By Gia Myers • Posted September 23, 2024

“Blessed” is a word you often hear from Marianne, a resident at Mercy Hospice, the Catholic Social Services (CSS) community for women in recovery, where they can heal and prepare for new beginnings in their lives.

September is National Recovery Month, which recognizes programs like Mercy Hospice that are making recovery from substance use possible.

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, almost 30 million people across the United States don’t have access to affordable, comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment. For this reason, Mercy Hospice is a true blessing to its residents.

Founded in September 1976 by the Sisters of Mercy, the program at Mercy Hospice is grounded in faith and respect. Located in Center City, Philadelphia, the 31-bed program welcomes single women and mothers with children, providing a safe and supportive environment that allows women to focus on their recovery.

“They’re very welcoming,” said resident Marianne of the case workers and staff at Mercy Hospice.

“They make you feel like you’re at home and prepare you to go back out there,” she said, referring to Mercy Hospice’s goal that residents eventually achieve self-sufficient and sober lives.

Originally from the Overbrook section of Philadelphia, Marianne arrived at Mercy Hospice last December after being referred there by KeyStone Center in Chester, where she was receiving treatment.

As all new residents do, she started in the Genesis program with a group of roommates. She attended meetings, received counseling on topics including health and finances, and case workers made her aware of different programs offered throughout the City of Philadelphia from which she could benefit.

“They give you a lot of opportunities,” Marianne said. “This program is a giving program. It’s like a family.”

During her Mercy Hospice residency, Marianne became involved in numerous activities that help to sustain a lifestyle of recovery. One such activity is the Good Shepherd Singers, a choral group composed of staff, residents, and alumni of Mercy Hospice and Saint John’s Hospice, a CSS residential program for men.

With the Good Shepherd Singers, Marianne has had the opportunity to perform at local events, including singing the National Anthem at a Philadelphia Phillies game last April.

She also appreciates special events offered to Mercy Hospice residents, including the Bishops Dinner and Queen for a Day luncheon, which bring together at the table CSS staff, residents, clergy and volunteers.

“My confidence is coming back,” Marianne said. “They build people back up,” she said of everyone at CSS and Mercy Hospice.

“They make you feel important,” she continued. “When you’ve been in that bad place in life, you lose yourself. They give you back to yourself.”

Marianne exudes a positive outlook and says she enjoys reading the Bible daily and attending services regularly at a local non-denominational church. Following in the footsteps of Jesus, CSS helps people of all faiths, races, genders, ages, ethnicities and lifestyles.

Marianne has progressed through the Genesis program and now lives with one roommate. The women continue to make progress along the recovery path, enhance their life skills and prepare for the ultimate goal of independent and sober living.

“Marianne’s commitment to others and dedication to the Mercy community is admirable,” said Cecilia Chambers, program director at Mercy Hospice.

“There are still good people out there,” Marianne said, reflecting on her experiences at Mercy Hospice. She said she hopes to “pay it forward” as she looks ahead to her future.