Springfield, IL – M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, Inc. provides housing and supportive services for homeless women and their at-risk children. The goal of M.E.R.C.Y.’s programming is self-sufficiency; and its programs revolve around education, work skills and life skills.
The M.E.R.C.Y. Furniture Store is a wholly-owned resale shop that provides a stream of revenue to fund programs, as well as a job training venue for its program participants.
“The new web portal provides us with a powerful new channel for sales and connection with our benefactors,” explains Nathan Mihelich, the site’s designer and a member of M.E.R.C.Y.’s Board of Directors.
Non-profit organizations have been particularly hard it in this economy – while need is up, donations are down. Working creatively, leveraging technology and meeting customer demand are key success factors for M.E.R.C.Y. Communities.
“The Store provides a unique connection between our homeless families, and the caring people who what to help. Every donation, consignment or sale, brings benefit,” states Bob Hall, President of the Board of Directors. “We are excited about the online capabilities and the new doors it will open.”
M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, Inc. (Mentors, Empowerment and Resources for Change in Young families) was founded in 1999. Since inception it has served over 300 families, with housing and supportive services that changed lives.
Debra Stonikas was born at Camp Legeune, North Carolina, where her father served as a United States Marine. She grew up in the Chicago area, received her bachelor's degree in business administration from Indiana University, and her M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago. Stonikas is married to Bill and has four children; Joe, Pete, Anne-Marie, and James. She enjoys family activities such as basketball tournaments and college game days and taking walks during the fall weather.
Springfield, IL – M.E.R.C.Y. Communities, Inc. provides housing and supportive services for homeless women and their at-risk children. The goal of M.E.R.C.Y.’s programming is self-sufficiency; and its programs revolve around education, work skills and life skills.
Debra Stonikas was born at Camp Legeune, North Carolina, where her father served as a United States Marine. She grew up in the Chicago area, received her bachelor's degree in business administration from Indiana University, and her M.B.A. from DePaul University in Chicago. Stonikas is married to Bill and has four children; Joe, Pete, Anne-Marie, and James. She enjoys family activities such as basketball tournaments and college game days and taking walks during the fall weather. 
