Circles of Mercy

Circles of Mercy is located in Rensselaer New York. Circles was established in September 1997 and has a fourteen-year tradition of providing hope, hospitality and empowerment to individuals and families in the Rensselaer Community. We are a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community.

Our staff consists of a full-time director, part-time receptionist, and 75 to 100 volunteers.

At Circles of Mercy we assist our clients in accessing many of the social service benefits for which they qualify. For example: Section 8 housing assistance, Medicaid coverage, HEAP, Food Stamps and WIC.

Bus passes or cab fare so that clients can get to the Rensselaer Co. Social Service in Troy, medical appointments and job interviews.
Free income tax preparation through our partnership with the IRS and CA$H as a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site.
Christmas Adopt-a-Family, Cate’s Kids Easter Basket and Back to School Programs.
Computer instruction, job application and resume writing.
Professional business clothing for job interviews.
A monthly women’s mentoring and sharing group, “Catherine’s Circle of Friends”.
Referrals to a furniture program for our clients in need of furniture.

“Hope and Empowerment”, here is a “thank you” from one of the hundreds of people we have helped:

Thank you so much for adopting our family for Christmas. We were very short on funds this year and our children wouldn't have had a Christmas if it wasn't for you.

This year is especially difficult because my father died back on January 29, 2011 of sepsis and my brother died on October 24, 2011 from brain cancer.

I am also battling lupus and have suffered a stroke a few weeks ago and have several heart problems too. You helped to put us in the Christmas spirit for our kids. Because of you they get to keep their belief in Santa.

I am so grateful to you and appreciate your help. You truly are our Christmas angels. Thanks so much for your love and caring hearts.