Who we are

MercyFirst is one of New York’s leading not-for-profit human service agencies. With an annual budget of $43 million and a staff of over 700 employees, we serve more than 4,000 children and their families at locations in Brooklyn, Queens and throughout Long Island. Founded as sister orphanages in 1894 by the Sisters of Mercy, Angel Guardian Home in Brooklyn and St. Mary’s of the Angels Home in Syosset, MercyFirst today offers an integrated continuum of care for children in need, from birth through adolescence, including children who have been abused and neglected; youth with serious emotional problems; teenagers and young adults who are without family; and families coping with the stress and pressures of poverty, domestic violence, mental illness, and substance abuse.

MercyFirst is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and the American Psychological Association and has membership in a variety of professional organizations, including the Child Welfare League of America, New York State Coalition for Children’s Mental Health Services, Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies.

MercyFirst is a Sanctuary © Agency. In 2006 MercyFirst received a grant from the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to train its staff and implement the Sanctuary® Model into its programs. The Sanctuary® Model offers a trauma-informed method of creating supportive environments in which healing from psychological and social trauma can occur.