Mercy Ministries Celebrates Official Dedication and Ribbon Cutting of First West Coast Home!

This past weekend, November 7th and 8th, staff, residents and friends gathered together to celebrate a huge milestone in the 26 plus year journey of Mercy Ministries. Thanks to a generous gift of $2.5 million and one acre of land, donated by the Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation, Mercy Ministries’ supporters were excited to share in the joy with the official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony of its first West Coast home in Lincoln, California.

The Sacramento-area home is Mercy Ministries’ fourth home in the United States, but the first on the West Coast—a fact that Mercy Ministries’ Founder and President Nancy Alcorn says is important. “So many girls from California have sought our help over the years, but they have always had to travel across the country to find a Mercy Ministries facility. Before the construction of the California home, Mercy Ministries in St. Louis was our closest home to California. Now we are serving girls from the West Coast in their own backyard,” Alcorn said. “I am so grateful to Buzz Oates, a generous man with a huge heart, and his foundation, The Buzz Oates Charitable Foundation, for giving such a large gift to make this home for hurting young women possible.”

Greg and Kathy Fairrington, pastors of Sunset Christian Center and daughter and son-in-law of Buzz Oates, welcomed guests and opened the ceremony in prayer (pictured below).

Pastors Greg and Kathy Fairrington of Sunset Christian Center welcoming guests

Guests heard from special music guests, Austins Bridge, up and coming Christian artists, and were excited to have Holly Wagner, founder of GodChicks and Co-founder of Oasis Christian Center and Mercy Ministries’ Founder, Nancy Alcorn as keynote speakers.

Recording Artists Austins Bridge performing at Grand Opening

Nancy Alcorn with Buzz Oats and Holly Wagner

Several other key supporters echoed their congratulations for the ministry’s milestone including Ken Mansfield, former president of Apple Records and manager of the Beatles U.S. career Jerry Manuel, Manager of the New York Mets, and his wife Renette, and 2006 Mercy graduate Ashleigh Stevenson, who is originally from the Northern California area.

Jerry Manuel, Manager of the New York Mets, and his wife
Renette sharing at the Grand Opening

Mercy Graduate Ashleigh sharing her testimony

Buzz Oates and his entire family along with Mercy Founder Nancy Alcorn stood together as Nancy prayed the official prayer of dedication and Buzz cut the ribbon. Following the ribbon cutting, guests had the opportunity to tour the new home and greet fellow supporters at a reception inside.

Official Ribbon Cutting with Buzz Oates and Family



Guests entering the home after the ceremony for tours



Buzz Oats and Nancy Alcorn entering the home for the first time!



Guests enjoying a reception after the ceremony

Then on Sunday, Mercy staff and residents hosted an open house from 2 – 6 pm. This gave those who were unable to attend the dedication on Saturday night an opportunity to see the home as well as those who were at the dedication to bring their friends out to see the new Mercy home. Close to 1,000 people walked through the home this past weekend, including those who attended the dedication ceremony on Saturday and those who attended the open house on Sunday.

A big thanks to the many volunteers and staff who have worked tirelessly to make this celebration a reality. Mercy Ministries would also like to thank the Sacramento community for welcoming our staff and our residents with open arms. This community and the faithful generosity of our supporters have made it possible for us to take 40 more hurting girls off our waiting list.

Here’s what several who attended this weekend’s celebration had to say:

"It brought tears of gratitude to my eyes to visually see all of the people who are helping make a way for us by their love, support and prayers" -Christine (resident)

"The grand opening was absolutely wonderful. The rooms are beautiful and the hospitality was warming!" -Nan

"Hearing the girls' testimony was moving and I'm excited to see what the Lord is going to do here at Mercy Ministries, Lincoln!" –Amy (local supporter)

"It was so awesome and encouraging to see how much faith, love, and support people have to Mercy Ministries. I loved the fact that people would travel from all over the world just to be a part of this wonderful event. The whole night was amazing and I could really see God working through it all" -Janelle

Nancy Alcorn pictured with Mercy graduates Lauren, Britney, and Rachel

If you are interested in knowing what needs still exist or would like to sponsor a room in the California home, please contact Selah Hirsch at shirsch@mercyministries.com.