Mercedes

As far back as I can remember I was always criticized and put down for what I was doing - even when I was trying my best.

My mom had me when she was young, and all I knew about my father was that my mother hated him. She chose to take her aggression out on me because apparently I look like him. That meant that of all my siblings, who all have different fathers, I was the one who bore the brunt of her anger. It seemed like no matter what I did, she was mad at me.

I wish I could say that eventually she realized that I was trying to do the right thing, working hard to support her and my sisters, but sometimes that’s not how life works out. One night my mom thought I’d stolen something, and wouldn’t believe that I hadn’t. I kept telling her I didn’t, but she wouldn’t stop hitting me. That was the last time I saw my mom. She put me in foster care, even though I was 17.

From there I moved into a group home, but that didn’t last long. I ended up with nowhere to go, and that’s when I found Covenant House Michigan. I’d never been in a place where I felt safe before and where they want to see me succeed. I’m currently working on my GED and a better life.

Donate now to help Mercedes and other kids in our Crisis Center.