Today, Assemblymember Harry Bronson hosted a press conference to announce a $20,000 investment from the State of New York for Angels of Mercy, a not-for-profit organization in North Winton Village that provides support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking, and other life controlling issues, as well as to women in recovery, returning from incarceration, or who have been homeless and are getting back on their feet.

Angels of Mercy was started 17-years ago by Mary Jo Colligan with a mission to ‘Educate, Protect and Empower’ women through a healing, supportive community. Today they partner with over 100 organizations in the Finger Lakes Region to provide education, clothing, personal care items, and other necessities to women working to rebuild their lives. All of Angels of Mercy’s services are free.

“By providing a healing, compassionate, and positive boutique-like environment for women starting over, Angels of Mercy is filling an important gap in the journey of rebuilding your life: regaining your sense of self,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “This organization has served thousands of women over the years and continues to raise attention and awareness for some of the most pressing, and underrecognized, dangers to women in our community. I am proud to support the work they do with an investment from the State so they can expand their operations and outreach.”

“We are extremely thankful that Assemblymember Bronson is offering support and funding to Angels of Mercy. This enables us to continue unique/no barriers services within our community. Welcoming others unconditionally, without judgement is most important. God has a plan and purpose for everyone, and we strive to help our clients realize their self-worth and give them hope for a future,” said Mary Jo Colligan, Founder and Executive Director.

“Angels of Mercy has been fighting anti-human trafficking with education and awareness for over ten years, and we are looking forward to adding additional resources to create a program for young people focused on education about human trafficking to reduce vulnerability,” said Lauren VanCott, Anti-Human Trafficking Education Director.

Mary Jo, a survivor of domestic violence in her twenties, was also inspired to start Angels of Mercy by a family member who struggled with opioid abuse, life controlling issues and related trauma. These experiences became the catalyst for creating an organization dedicated to providing comfort, care and kindness to women in an empathetic environment.

Today, Angels of Mercy’s multifaceted organization serves the community through their Butterfly Boutique as well as providing Anti-Human Trafficking education and curriculum. Human trafficking can take many forms, from wage slavery and forced employment to sexual exploitation, and affects women, girls and boys of all ages and demographics. Angels of Mercy aims to teach our community how to recognize the signs and, to date, have educated more than 8,000 people.

The Butterfly Boutique is a center of transformation where they accept gently used women’s clothing in all sizes and styles that is made available to clients in need of a fresh start. They also accept shoes, accessories and personal care items. This year, to date, the Butterfly Boutique has served over 700 women in 33 zip codes and worked with 110 referring agencies. Their outreach programs serve more than 6,000 women and girls annually. The volunteer-run Butterly Boutique offers a full shopping experience, stocked with all the clothing, shoes, personal goods and toiletries women may need. The boutique operates on a referral-only basis, and also doubles as office space for Angels of Mercy staff and volunteers.

Angels of Mercy relies on many dedicated volunteers who say, “Volunteering here gives me more blessings by helping others and a sense of purpose. The women here have become a sisterhood, all from different backgrounds, working together to help our community. It certainly makes a rainy day a bright one.”

A recent client, shared, “I want to personally thank this wonderful agency from the bottom of my heart for the cute, cozy and clean clothing when I needed it the most. I am currently trying to better my life. I feel blessed and plan to return to Angels of Mercy after I graduate from Norris Inpatient Clinic.”

With the funding secured by Assemblymember Harry Bronson, Angels of Mercy will be able to expand their operations, and reach their full potential by inspiring hope, dignity and transformation. They resolve to enrich the scope and reach of programs, strengthening value throughout the community.

How you can help: If you are a social worker, school resource officer, refugee provider, or other provider agency, please contact their office to learn how their services can benefit your organization: 585-730-4556. To learn more about Angels of Mercy or how you can contribute to their work or donate to the Butterfly Boutique, please visit their website.