Behind the Match: The Mercer Family’s Journey
When the Mercer family first connected with Closer to Home, life felt overwhelming. Two loving moms were raising their children, an energetic nine-year-old and a baby just shy of two. But their older child, who had been hospitalized due to a pre-existing medical condition and carries deep trauma from his early years in care, was struggling.
His meltdowns could last hours, happening multiple times each day. The stress was taking a toll on the whole family, especially with a baby in the home. At one point, his needs became so intense that he had to be hospitalized. That’s when the Mercers were referred to Family Matters, Closer to Home’s in-home program that provides intensive support for families in crisis.
Over the following weeks, practitioners worked alongside the Mercers to build strategies for communication, behaviour management, and calmness. Slowly but surely, the home began to feel different. The meltdowns became shorter, less intense, and less frequent. Three months after graduating from Family Matters, the family proudly shared that they had gone more than five weeks without a single major episode, a huge milestone.
But support didn’t end there. Through the North Central Family Resource Network, the Mercers joined programs like You, me and ADHD and accessed counseling services. They also found joy and creativity together, sharing handmade diamond art with Closer to Home staff as a thank-you for walking beside them.
When the holidays came, things were still tight financially. Thanks to donor support, the family was matched through Adopt-a-Family, bringing relief and joy during a difficult season.
Today, the Mercers are looking ahead with hope. One mom is preparing to pursue training in electrical engineering, and the whole family is relocating north to begin a new chapter.
Their journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been marked by resilience, love, and the support of a community that believes in them.
This holiday season, you can give families relief, hope, and a chance to move forward. Adopt-a-Family today and be the support they need.
