Hearts of Mercy is beginning a new chapter in the community, with a new home at Manahawkin Baptist Church and a lineup of programs designed to give local children opportunities to learn, create, discover their talents and build confidence.
“Hearts of Mercy is especially grateful to the church for providing an extra-large classroom space as the organization continues to grow,” said Kristin Santorelli, Hearts of Mercy executive director and founder. “While one-on-one academic tutoring remains an important part of the organization’s mission, Hearts of Mercy has grown to offer children much more.”
Over the summer, she said, children participated in Art Camp, STEAM Camp and Performing Arts, giving them opportunities to explore creativity, science, technology, engineering, art and performance in an encouraging environment.
Santorelli said the organization’s Art Camp introduced children to artists and artistic techniques while encouraging them to express themselves through their own creativity. STEAM programming provided hands-on opportunities for children to learn through exploration and experimentation. Performing Arts gave young participants a chance to discover the confidence that comes from using their voice, movement and creativity.
“These programs are about helping children discover what they can do,” she said. “Sometimes a child just needs someone to give them an opportunity and say, ‘Let’s see what you can create.’”
At the onset of the school year, HOM is launching its one-on-one private tutoring program with certified teachers. Students will receive individualized academic support designed around their specific needs, with the goal of helping each child grow academically and personally.
Hearts of Mercy believes that supporting a child takes more than one person. Parents, teachers, volunteers, mentors and community organizations all play a role in creating a strong support system – or “village” – around each student. The organization also follows students’ progress through recording grades, performance, and communication with parents and educators to measure the impact its programs are having in each child’s life.
“What began as a grassroots effort to help children has continued to grow through the generosity of volunteers, donors, educators, local businesses and community partners,” said Santorelli. “The partnerships we’ve built are each playing a part and creating their own ripple effect of kindness.
“This is really about community. When people and organizations come together, we can create something much bigger than any one of us could create alone.”
