irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $905KFAMILIA ADELANTE (FAMILY FORWARD)/ FAMILY SKILLS/ SOCIAL SERVICES IS A GROUP OF PROGRAMS THAT AIMS TO STRENGTHEN FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND HELP PARTICIPANTS TO NAVIGATE SYSTEMS AND RESOLVE PROBLEMS. IN FY25, 184 PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED AND 118 COMPLETED ONE OR MORE OF OUR PARENTING SKILLS CLASSES/ACTIVITIES: PARENTING (ENGLISH), PARENTING (SPANISH), ABRIENDO PUERTAS (FOR LATINO PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN), ANGER MANAGEMENT (SPANISH) AND MOM'S SUPPORT GROUP. IN FY25, WE COMPLETED THE EIGHTH FULL YEAR OF OUR COLLABORATIVE 'WHOLEFAMILY APPROACH' PROGRAM, FAMILIA ADELANTE (FAMILY FORWARD), IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIVER CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION, QUALITAS OF LIFE FOUNDATION, AND MINDFULNESS PRACTITIONER MARITZA PUELLO. DURING FY25, 105 FAMILIES PARTICIPATED IN ACTIVE CASE MANAGEMENT. 38 FAMILIES GRADUATED FROM THE PROGRAM, and 24 NEW FAMILIES ENROLLED. OUR SOCIAL SERVICES UNIT PROVIDED CASE MANAGEMENT, ADVOCACY, AND REFERRALS FOR PARTICIPANTS SEEKING HELP NAVIGATING SYSTEMS AND ACCESSING RESOURCES. THE UNIT PROVIDED A TOTAL OF 1,322 CASE MANAGEMENT SESSIONS FOR 608 INDIVIDUALS. THE TOP THREE ISSUES (BY NUMBER OF VISITS) ADDRESSED IN FY25 WERE PUBLIC BENEFITS, CASH ASSISTANCE & ONE_SHOT DEALS, AND HEALTHCARE ENROLLMENT REFERRALS.
- #2 $402KTHE YOUTH PROGRAMS UNIT OFFERS ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN A SAFE, SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT. IN FY25, MERCY CENTER PROVIDED 139 YOUNG PEOPLE WITH 17,933 OFF THE STREET ACTIVITY HOURS IN OUR AFTER SCHOOL, DANCE, SUMMER CAMP AND BABYSITTING PROGRAMS. WE CONTINUED OUR HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL STEM/ROBOTICS PROJECT AND INTRODUCD A READING ENRICHMENT PROJECT AS PART OF OUR AFTER SCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS. 100% OF THE CHILDREN IN OUR AFTER SCHOOL WERE PROMOTED TO THE NEXT GRADE IN JUNE 2025.
named programs · 7 · from sources
What they call their work
Dance to Unite
Weekly dance and social-emotional learning program for 1st-8th grade students that promotes cultural diversity, respect, and self-esteem through creative expression
Familia Adelante (Family Forward)
Collaborative 'whole family' approach program offering case management, parenting skills classes in English and Spanish, anger management, and Mom's Support Group for families in the South Bronx
Immigration and Asylum Seeker Services
Support program providing case management, advocacy, and resource access for recently arrived migrants and asylum seekers in the South Bronx
NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program
Partnership program helping families open and grow college savings accounts regardless of income or immigration status, with financial education and $100 initial deposits
STEAM
Hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math program using KiwiCo kits to foster problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork among students in grades K-6
Summer Day Camp
Four-week summer program offering recreational activities, educational field trips, and hands-on learning opportunities to support children's social and academic development
Youth Programs
After-school and summer enrichment programs including homework help, robotics, dance, arts and crafts, and social-emotional learning for children of Mercy Center participants
activities · 12 groups
What they do
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Community Resource Navigation and Support Services 2 activities
- Case Management and Social Work ServicesProvides individual case management, advocacy, and referrals to help participants navigate systems related to housing, immigration, taxes, domestic violence, and public benefits. Delivered 1,322 sessions to 608 individuals in FY25, primarily supporting public benefits and healthcare enrollment.
- Familia Adelante Family Strengthening ProgramOperates a holistic family support program for immigrant families in the South Bronx, serving 121 families (555 individuals) in 2024–2025. Supports participants in achieving personal goals such as completing HSE coursework, obtaining driver’s licenses, and engaging in children’s education.
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Women's Wellness and Empowerment Programs 1 activity
- Adult Personal Development and Wellness ActivitiesOffers wellness and stress reduction workshops and a women's movie discussion group with monthly film viewings, discussions, and potluck dinners to support adult personal growth and community bonding.
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Holiday and Seasonal Essentials Distribution 1 activity
- Annual Drives for Food and Hygiene SuppliesExpanded annual turkey drive to deliver a full-sized truck of donations and launched an annual women’s hygiene supplies drive, collecting over 200 toiletry bags to support low-income families.
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Financial Literacy Education Programs 1 activity
- College and Career Planning for FamiliesAssists families in District 7 public and charter schools with opening college savings accounts through the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program, provides financial education, and supports college and career planning for children of participating families.
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Community Festival & Event Production 1 activity
- Community Building and Cultural EventsHosts community events including Mercy Day Celebration, Day of the Dead Art Workshop, Thanksgiving Prayer & Dessert, Community Holiday Celebration & Gift Distribution, and Ash Wednesday Service to foster cultural connection and community engagement.
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ESL and Citizenship Instruction 1 activity
- English Language and Adult Education ProgramsOffers in-person ESOL classes at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, GED preparation in Spanish, and Adult Basic Education in English, with career readiness integrated into curricula. Provides workplace-contextualized instruction for healthcare and hospitality workers and operates on structured academic-year schedules.
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Immigration Legal Services 1 activity
- Immigration Legal and Rights ServicesProvides free legal assistance for naturalization, asylum, DACA and green card renewals, U- and T-Visas, VAWA self-petitions, and employment authorization. Conducts community workshops on immigrants' rights, fraud prevention, and access to health care, housing, and workplace protections.
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Parenting Education and Support Programs 1 activity
- Parenting and Family Support ProgramsOffers evidence-based parenting courses in English and Spanish, including Abriendo Puertas for Latino parents of young children, a 10-week Spanish-language leadership program, and a 10-week anger management course addressing trauma and cultural adjustment. 118 participants completed one or more classes in FY25.
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Public Benefits Navigation and Enrollment 1 activity
- Public Benefits Assistance and Civic WorkshopsOperates the NYC Benefits initiative to screen for eligibility and assist with applications and maintenance of SNAP, cash assistance, Medicaid, and Social Security. Offers bilingual workshops on tenant rights, street vending, taxes, and domestic violence.
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Summer Day Camp Programs 1 activity
- Summer Camp and STEAM Enrichment ProgramsOperates a 4-week summer day camp with recreational activities, field trips, and leadership development, and offers STEAM programming using KiwiCo Kits for hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math projects. Introduced free summer camp access through Camp Fiver in 2025.
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Workforce Readiness Training 1 activity
- Workforce Development and Job Readiness ServicesOffers Skills for Employment Success workshops covering job search, interview preparation, and career advancement, along with one-on-one job counseling, computer classes, and networking support. Maintains a community computer lab to support digital access.
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After-School Academic and Enrichment Programs 1 activity
- Youth After-School and Enrichment ProgramsProvides after-school tutoring, homework help, computer instruction, and enrichment activities including robotics, dance, arts and crafts, and social groups. Served 139 youth in FY25, delivering 17,933 off-the-street activity hours, with 100% of participants promoted to the next grade.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$5.57M
Contributions & grants$5.09M91%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$272K5%
Other revenue$209K
expenses
Total expenses$4.95M
Program expenses83%
Admin / overhead6%
Fundraising11%
Salaries & benefits$3.66M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$6.54M
Cash$272K
Investments$1.65M
Liabilities$1.41M
Net assets$5.13M
Liquid reserves4.7 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +34.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 4
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen J Stritch III | Executive Dir. | 40 | $184K |
| Paula M Sarro | Assoc. Ex. Dir | 40 | $148K |
| Linda Simmons | Dir. of Finance | 40 | $133K |
| Archie Crawford | Dir. Development | 40 | $125K |
board members · 18
- Ana Collado — Board Member
- Beth Beranbaum — Board Member
- Beth Finnerty — Board Member
- Blanca Cofino — Board Member
- Daria Pizzetta — Board Member
- Eileen Trainor — Board Member
- Elizabeth Cassino — Board Member
- Jeannette Pina — Board Member
- Joan McGillycuddy — Board Member
- Kathryne Lyons — Vice Chair
- Mary Galeone RSM — Board Member
- Michael Termini — Board Member
- Nancy Gallin — Board Member
- Patricia Vetrano — Board Member
- Robin McKenna — Board Member
- Sean Adcroft — Board Member
- Shari Coats — Board Member
- Timothy O'Connor — Board Member
relationships · 22
Who they work with
- Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors Partner — Collaborates on a Spanish-language parenting and leadership program designed by and for Latino parents.
- Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York Partner — Served as an Honorary Chair for the Transforming Lives Gala.
- Fiver Children's Foundation Partner — Collaborates on the Familia Adelante (Family Forward) program to strengthen family functioning.
- Fiver Children’s Foundation Partner — Local partner since 2003, providing a limited number of children from Mercy Center Youth Programs with access to a two-week tuition-free summer camp and year-round enrichment activities.
- Fiver Children’s Foundation Partner — Provides academic coaching and youth development support for the program.
- Hispanic Federation Partner — Member of the Host Committee for the Transforming Lives Gala.
- Judit Criado Fiuza Partner — Contact person for volunteer coordination at Mercy Center.
- Justin and MacKenzie Forgberg Partner — Expanded annual turkey drive and initiated women’s hygiene supplies drive in support of Mercy Center programs.
- Kathryne Lyons Partner — Served as an ESOL teacher and member of the Board of Directors’ Development Committee.
- Maritza Puello Partner — Mindfulness practitioner collaborating on the Familia Adelante (Family Forward) program.
- Mott Haven Partner — Community neighborhood in the Bronx where Mercy Center operates and partners with residents.
- NYC Benefits Partner — Specialized initiative for screening and enrolling participants in public benefits, implemented in partnership with Mercy Center.
- NYC Kids RISE Partner — Partnership to support college savings account enrollment and financial education for families with children in District 7 public and charter schools.
- NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program Partner — Partners to expand financial planning tools and educational savings opportunities for families.
- NYS Office for New Americans Government — Funds Mercy Center as an Opportunity Center.
- Qualitas of Life Foundation Partner — Collaborates on the Familia Adelante (Family Forward) program to strengthen family functioning.
- Qualitas of Life Foundation Partner — Provides financial literacy workshops and coaching for Familia Adelante participants.
- Sean Adcroft Partner — Taught computer classes in the Job Readiness Program, redesigned the computer lab, and served on the Board of Directors.
- Sisters of Mercy Network — Mercy Center operates in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, indicating an affiliation or shared mission.
- Tanya Valle Partner — Mindfulness practitioner who previously collaborated on the Familia Adelante (Family Forward) program.
- individuals, groups, businesses, foundations, and friends Partner — Supporters who partner with Mercy Center to fund and deliver programs
- info@mercycenterbronx.org Partner — Primary contact email for program information and enrollment
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Holistic, Community-Driven Integrated Services Modelmethodology: holistic-community-supportBy providing coordinated education, legal, economic, and family support services within a single community-centered framework, the organization addresses interconnected barriers to stability, because integrated access reduces systemic fragmentation and increases engagement among low-income immigrant families.
- Trauma-Informed, Culturally Congruent Programmingmethodology: trauma_informed_cultural_integrationBy integrating trauma-informed care with cultural identity and peer-led design in parenting and adult education, the organization improves family communication and empowerment, because healing and learning are most effective when culturally grounded and sensitive to historical and interpersonal trauma.
- Two-Generation (2-Gen) Whole Family Approachmethodology: two-generation (2-Gen)By supporting parents and children together in setting shared goals, the organization fosters intergenerational progress and self-sufficiency, because family-level change is more sustainable when both caregivers and children are engaged simultaneously.
- Workplace-Contextualized Language Learningmethodology: workplace_contextualized_learningBy embedding career readiness and job-specific competencies into ESOL instruction, the organization strengthens pathways to employment, because language acquisition is more effective and transferable when tied directly to real-world workplace contexts.