Mercy Street Ministries

Mercy St. Drop-In

Have you ever seen a young person walking down the street and wondered, “Do they have a place to go?” And further, not just a ‘place’ but a safe place where they can feel secure and comfortable to develop and grow? Mercy Street is our solution as a destination for youth who need a place that meets those criteria.

Newmarket High School is the weekday home to over 150 students through the school year. With Northridge’s current location just down the hill in the shadow of the school, former Youth Director Dave Drinkwalter saw what a great opportunity we had to provide space for the school youth to gather.

Mercy Street Lunch Drop In was born as a response to the youth who were gathering along the road and on corners without a place to go. A hot lunch, games and safe space to ‘chill’ was offered and accepted by the students. Now carrying on this ministry, we currently host 150+ youth from the school weekly and invite them to our facility to interact in a positive, safe, enjoyable community.

The atmosphere is electric as the youth descend the hill to get together for food, games, activities or just conversation. As the youth get to know the adult staff and volunteers, opportunities for mentoring are discovered and our team responds with loving support to help see the youth through their school years. Volunteers are always needed. Contact Phylicia Gairy at (905) 895-6276 for more information.

Mercy St. Mobile

Also known as the Newmarket Youth Coalition, Northridge has the privilege of working with the Town of Newmarket and York Regional Police to provide a week night program or sports for youth.

Concentrating on areas that contain identified “at risk” youth, the principles of Mercy Street are implemented with volunteers and staff from all 3 organizations participating. St. Nicholas CS and Maple Leaf PS are home to the programs providing easy access for community youth to attend. Special events are organized and the 2 programs have come together to enjoy hockey games, Safety Village, and more.

Do You Need Help?

In serving the communities of Newmarket and Aurora and East Gwillimbury, The Salvation Army helps people through various programs from food bank services, clothing and furniture assistance, counselling for men, women, and youth, to help for seniors, people seeking shelter, summer camps for youth, emergency disaster relief and much more.