MDM's VISION

Mercy Dive Ministries, Inc. dares to envision a community of healthy, whole, productive and responsible citizens. We believe our vision will become reality when the Church extends its hand to reach those individuals who have become marginalized by society. Lasting change comes from within a person?s heart, as hope and new life are restored. In turn, the transformation of the community is a natural result of changed hearts and a new outlook on life.

Educational Achievement

MDM is positioned to offer practical solutions to the educational inadequacies of our neighborhood through the creation of the Mercy Drive Early Learning & Development Center, Performing Arts Center, Christian Academy, and Adult Education & Personal Enhancement Center.

Mercy Drive Ministries Enrichment Program “Mercy Drive Achievers “is to provide an array of academic, cultural and recreational activities that are designed to motivate and encourage students from a diverse low-income population to reach their full potential. Working in partnership with families, local school, churches and other community agencies, the enrichment program serves students of varying academic abilities throughout their childhood and adolescence. Mercy Drive Ministries is committed to the positive development of each child and provides services that build academic skills, develop awareness of community responsibility, teach respect for oneself and others, and encourage a life-long interest in learning.

We envision Mercy Drive Enrichment Program progressing in such a manner as to establish Mercy Drive Leadership Charter School (MDLCH), where students will continue to mature in Christians Values and excellence. The process has already begun as of December 1, 2010, with the opening of MDLCH in the fall of 2012.

The Mercy Drive Early Learning & Development Center (ELDC) will incorporate a well-balanced Christian education with the objectives of State-mandated preschool curriculum. In addition to the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, the ELDC will teach our children the fundamental elements of Christianity. They will learn at an early age who Jesus is and will grow up naturally incorporating outward-focused Christian values into their everyday lifestyles. One component of the ELDC will be daycare for children of single parents on welfare transitioning to the workforce as well as students and employees of other aspects of the community development model.

The Mercy Drive Young People’s Center for the Performing Arts youth are trained in media arts, technical writing, interpretive dance, acting and stage presence that capitalizes on a positive self-image. The center was developed through partnerships First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, and Central Florida Art & Cultural Alliance. The Center will offer a positive outlet for self-expression in a safe after-school environment.

In addition to bringing up your youngsters in a manner pleasing to Christ, MDM has a goal of reaching adults who are disadvantaged. The Adult Education and Personal Enhancement Center will offer classes and workshops in career readiness, counseling, and through the partnership with Habit for Humanity will also offer on-site homebuyers’ workshops to quality potential homeowners.

Beginning in March 2008, Habit for Humanity will host on-site home buyers? workshops to quality potential homeowners to occupy anticipated townhouses and single-family dwellings along with the Mercy Drive Corridor.

With HIV/AIDS reaching pandemic proportions, the Church must do something to reach those who are affected by this deadly disease. MDM is forging a partnership with the National Black Alcoholism & Addictions Council, Inc. to offer the community free HIV/AIDS education, testing, and counseling on-site. We will also be in a position to offer referrals for outreach services, such as healthcare, nutrition, transportation, housing and other needs that arise.

The Orange County Health Department will likewise be on-site in March 2008 to offer residents of Mercy Drive free flu shots. MDM has a long-term vision for a community center that hosts health fairs and community outreach promoting a healthy lifestyle, sound nutrition, and wise choices related to the care of our bodies and souls.

Economic Development

Economic Development will have its roots in a community development corporation that will employ residents of the Mercy Drive corridor who are earnestly seeking a hand up.
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