Variety – the Children’s Charity Supports MercyOne House of Mercy Families

MercyOne House of Mercy recently renovated a new large family visitation room thanks to grant support from Variety – the Children’s Charity. This updated space has helped enhance the child and family services offered at MercyOne House of Mercy.

Visitation is an important aspect in maintaining family connections and has a lasting impact on a child’s relationships, emotional health and social skills. Previously, visitations at MercyOne House of Mercy occurred in smaller spaces with little privacy. In this new space, families can meet in a larger, private room and feel more comfortable interacting together, building bonds and reaffirming their family units.

“The new visitation space allows MercyOne House of Mercy families to visit and connect in a more home-like environment,” said Andrea Smith, Child Care Manager at MercyOne House of Mercy. “This renovation will allow families more floor space to play games and engage with young children, a readily available bathroom for added convenience during the visit and most importantly a place to relax and fully delight in their children without the distractions of a busy waiting room.”

Children need to feel safe, comfortable and welcomed as they build and repair relationships with their mothers. Visitation supports the mother-child bond and is an important step for mothers as they work toward reunification.

“The family visitation room at MercyOne House of Mercy is important to us because it’s a very safe, kid friendly room where we can meet,” said a current MercyOne House of Mercy client. “This room provides a fun time for our kids, privacy for our families and security for the other woman and children at MercyOne House of Mercy.”

Families are grateful for this new family-friendly safe space to connect and interact with their children.

“We are so grateful for Variety’s support of MercyOne House of Mercy and the families we serve,” said Andrea. “So much of what we are able to provide to the children and families we serve is due to the support we get from Variety.”

MercyOne House of Mercy is one of Iowa’s largest and most comprehensive providers of vital services for persons – especially women – with behavioral health issues including substance use disorders and mental health issues. The women, children and staff at MercyOne House of Mercy are grateful to Variety for their continued support of our mission and the families we serve.

Variety - the Children's Charity is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill or living with special needs. Funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children throughout Iowa. For more information on how you can be a part of Variety's work, please visit varietyiowa.com.