daniel nelson – keeping the family together
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photo by steed media service |
Manager, After Care Program, Mercy Home
A little over three years ago, Daniel Nelson found his dream job. Originally, Nelson joined Mercy Home For Boys and Girls as a home supervisor. After a stint as a clinician working with 13-16-year-olds, Nelson assumed the post of manager of Mercy’s After Care program, which offers resources and support to alumni of Mercy. After Care keeps the kids connected to a positive base.
“The idea is that we’re making sure their transition back into their environment — which is sometimes the same environment that created the conditions for them to be here in the first place — is a successful transition and they have enough tools and resources internally to overcome any obstacle that they may encounter,” Nelson says. Through various events like Mercy’s recent holiday party, in which residents past and present united with their families in celebration, Nelson is able to reconnect with and witness the growth of kids he’s helped. “To be part of creating a program that goes out into the community and helps all ages, [as well as] supports families — that was the perfect vehicle for me,” he says.
It’s Nelson’s hope that even after the holidays pass, more attention can be directed to organizations like Mercy. “Whether it is a kid that came from a family, or didn’t come from a family, they’re still connected to the overall experience of Mercy Home,” he says. “It is a life-changing experience that needs be celebrated, and the lessons from it need to be passed to everybody.” – gavin philip godfrey
