What We Do

Our Philosophy

“the mlc way”

Mercy Learning Center empowers low-income women, the majority of whom speak English as a second language, through education that is delivered within a time-tested and holistic social services model.

Our wraparound approach to adult education makes it possible for our students to progress despite the extraordinary life challenges they typically face! Education empowers our students to transform their lives.

Programs

Empowering & Transforming Lives

When MLC students realize what they are truly capable of achieving, anything is possible!

Reasons Women Come To Mercy

  • To learn how to speak English
  • To improve skills in reading, writing and math
  • To secure their high school diploma equivalencies
  • To become U.S. citizens

How We Help Each Student

  • We assess each student’s unique needs and goals
  • Develop an academic program tailored to each student
  • Address barriers to learning so students can focus on achieving their academic and career goals

Support Services Meet Basic Life Needs

  • Food & diaper pantry
  • Caseworker support
  • Citizenship preparation
  • Free childcare & preschool
  • Emergency financial assistance
  • Referrals for legal & medical services
  • College & career counseling

MLC Students Will Go On To:

  • Advocate for themselves & their families
  • Obtain jobs with higher wages
  • Pursue secondary education
  • Navigate community resources independently

Testimonials

From Our Students & Volunteers

Mercy Learning Center is the best place to learn!!! I’m a single mother and I got the opportunity to learn English. They provided me a lot of help since I was alone with my son.

Eva

Former MLC student

The most important thing I learned at Mercy Learning Center was how to ask for help when I need it.

Maria

Former MLC student

It’s never too late to start with your dreams.

Sonia

Former MLC student, recent HS graduate

The childcare at Mercy Learning Center gives me the opportunity to study and be confident that my baby is safe while he is learning too!

Ana

MLC student

This is a school of opportunity for women to learn English, computers & many other life skills. I am happy & feel blessed to study at Mercy Learning Center. It is my favorite place.

Sandra

MLC student

One day I want to help others the same way you have helped me to become a better person, scholar, and citizen.

Olivia

MLC student

Thanks to Mercy Learning Center, my education has gone above and beyond anything I could have imagined.

Michelle

MLC student

I started attending English class at Mercy Learning Center, which was the best thing that had happened in my life

Clarisa

MLC student

Everyday I feel more confident speaking English and now I can help my kids with their school homework.

Victoria

MLC student

Mercy has helped me trust myself more and to know that anything I put effort into is possible. I am very proud of myself and my family as well.

Daysie

MLC student

Getting my high school diploma means there are many doors that are going to be open for me in the future.

Genesis

MLC student

The most important thing I learned at Mercy Learning Center is to be confident and trust that I can do It.

Maritza

MLC student

At Mercy Learning Center, I learned different things that are going to help me in my future as a student and also in my daily life.

Amy

MLC student

I have wonderful classmates and the best teacher, who helps me to understand math without worries.

Virginia

MLC graduate

This school helps many women for different things. I always recommend this school when I speak with other women.

Gabriela

MLC student

Every time I walk through the doors of Mercy Learning Center, my heart lifts.

John

Volunteer Tutor

Finally, I found a place where I can make a difference.

Erica

Volunteer Tutor

I am doing something significant and I am a better person because of my association with these incredible women.

Susan

Volunteer Tutor

It is a gift to know that I have helped these women achieve such successes and that this is only the beginning for them.

Anne

Volunteer Tutor

Our Programs

Mercy Learning Center provides basic literacy and life skills training to women with low income using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. All women are welcome without regard for race, religion, color, creed, sexual orientation or national origin.

Our Impact

Progress is depicted in a variety of ways among the diverse group of women Mercy Learning Center serves.

In the 2024/2025 school year, 86% of our students are enrolled in our English As A Second Language (ESL) program. Activities and tasks that are basic to most native English speakers are triumphs for women who do not speak English as their primary language. As our students learn more English they are able to advance to learn basic reading, writing, and math skills. They can take advantage of our career and college counseling, life skills, and high school equivalency programs

Here are some powerful examples of life-changing wins:

Eva is from Guatemala and is 20 years old.

This year she was able to apply for and obtain her driver’s license.

6 women earned a master’s, bachelor’s, associate’s degree or career certification.

47 women found jobs.

Karla is from South Africa and is 31 years old.

She set up her first Gmail account and can now confidently look and apply for work online.

22 women earned high school equivalency diplomas.

Rosa is from Ecuador and is 65 years old.

Speaking to neighbors used to make her nervous. Now, she is comfortable saying hello and having a friendly exchange.

Mary is from Peru and is 40 years old.

Her child has special needs. Mary’s improved English empowered her to effectively participate in a parent/teacher conference.

49 women were enrolled in post-secondary education programs.

Exceeding Yearly Educational Targets

CSDE Endorsed

Mercy Learning Center is endorsed by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and provides assessments and testing each semester for all of its students. Our holistic approach helps MLC consistently and substantially exceed the yearly target set by the CSDE for the percentage of adult education students who achieve a ‘measurable skill gain’ in the different levels of English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education programs. Additionally, we greatly surpass the state average across all comparable programs

View Our Reports

Download our reports through the following links.

End Of Year Report 2023 Annual Report Financial Statement Form 990

Love What We Do? Get Involved!

In order to fulfill our mission of helping and empowering low-income women, we rely on our volunteers and donors for support.

Donate Today! Volunteer