Mercy Alumni Monthly Sustainers Fellowship

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your continued faithful support as Mercy Alumni.  One of the programs that has developed out of the birth centers funded by your gifts is our First 1,000 Days program.  We have trained Mercy "Kasamas" (Tagalog for 'companion') to track babies' growth and development for the first 1,000 days of their lives, from conception through the 2nd birthday.  We are excited to share that we have now been running our First 1,000 Days Project long enough to have some 'graduates,' healthy children who have been supported for the first 1,000 days of their lives.   You will see a picture of Marry, and this is what the Mercy Kasama who worked with her family reports about her: 

"This is Marry and she already turned two. This little girl is doing well. Unfortunately, she lost weight during the last visit. Her mother said that she is not eating so well. I advised the mother to feed her child other nutritious food that would make her like the taste. Fortunately, the child is still on the road to health and is very active and can do skills at her age."

The Mercy Kasamas are devoted to their work,  faithfully following the babies, visiting their homes each month to track their physical growth as well as encouraging their families to provide the stimulation that promotes optimal development.  They encourage mothers to exclusively breastfeed until 6 months, and then to begin adding nutritious foods to supplement breastfeeding.  After a recent flood that polluted the drinking water and increased the spread of disease, the Mercy Kasamas taught families the importance of boiling all water and cleaning the toys of their children.  

The Mercy Kasamas also recently held a Facts for Life informational program for families.  UNICEF created the Facts for Life booklet to provide global information for families about pregnancy, childbirth, childhood illnesses, and child development, so it's an excellent supplement for the 1,000 Days Program.  The participants enjoyed attending this special event and grew in their confidence to raise children who will thrive.

Your donations go directly to support the birth centers in the Philippines.  By supporting the birth centers that train the First 1,000 Days Kasamas, you have played an important role in Marry's life, and the lives of many other children.  We are grateful for your partnership!

Gratefully,