Published in the New Britain City Journal
Native Begins Ministry to Help Youth, Women By Robin Vinci February 6, 2012
Michele Mercado-Ruiz began Light of Hope Ministry last year in order to help women and youth deal with the issues facing them.
The New Britain native who now lives in Windsor, said she began the mission because she feels in order to make good decisions, we must be wise.
“It’s really motivating. We talk about women becoming wise with their choices (in the woman’s group),” said Mercado-Ruiz. “A lot of times we don’t always do everything with love and patience and kindness. There is so much depression and anxiety and stress out there and no one takes the time to quiet their mind and read the word of God.”
With the youth, Mercado-Ruiz has had sessions about love, trust, depression, living in the light, suicide, temptation, anger and gratitude. Self-esteem, peer pressure and divorces are part of the upcoming schedule.
“It’s not a place they come and are told what to do,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “This is their place and their time. It’s a place they can come and be themselves, express what they are feeling without anyone judging them.”
Mercado-Ruiz said society has brought a lot of negatives in the world. Teenagers can make better decision with the right guidance.
“If you don’t get the right guidance and make the right choices at that age, or know what kind of choices to make, what are you going to become tomorrow in the future?” said Mercado-Ruiz.
Youths come to meetings from New Britain, Hartford, Newington, Manchester and more. Mercado-Ruiz started with her daughter and her group of friends.
“I’ve had this desire (to help teens) in my heart for a long time because I see what they go through,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “You don’t need to look for love in the wrong places whether it is drugs, sex or whatever.”
Presently there are about 16 teenagers in the groups, but there is room for more.
“There are hungry children out there not knowing where to go or who to talk to,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “A lot of kids don’t feel they have anyone they can talk to. They need to go somewhere they can feel confident, have guidance and know they are doing things with love.”
The Woman’s Group is made up of adults and they speak about some of the same subjects such as love and how it relates to them and avoiding worry.
“We need to learn the way God loves us and accepts us,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “What does worry do to you? It takes love and peace away.”
Mercado-Ruiz said she used to work with children in her church and at a shelter, but these are not related to her church.
The Youth Group meets every Thursday night from 7-8:30 p.m. The Woman’s Group meets on the third Saturday of the month from 12-2 p.m.
She holds the group meetings at 600 East St., Chamberlain Square and they are free.
For more information call 203-214-6682.
Native Begins Ministry to Help Youth, Women By Robin Vinci February 6, 2012
Michele Mercado-Ruiz began Light of Hope Ministry last year in order to help women and youth deal with the issues facing them.
The New Britain native who now lives in Windsor, said she began the mission because she feels in order to make good decisions, we must be wise.
“It’s really motivating. We talk about women becoming wise with their choices (in the woman’s group),” said Mercado-Ruiz. “A lot of times we don’t always do everything with love and patience and kindness. There is so much depression and anxiety and stress out there and no one takes the time to quiet their mind and read the word of God.”
With the youth, Mercado-Ruiz has had sessions about love, trust, depression, living in the light, suicide, temptation, anger and gratitude. Self-esteem, peer pressure and divorces are part of the upcoming schedule.
“It’s not a place they come and are told what to do,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “This is their place and their time. It’s a place they can come and be themselves, express what they are feeling without anyone judging them.”
Mercado-Ruiz said society has brought a lot of negatives in the world. Teenagers can make better decision with the right guidance.
“If you don’t get the right guidance and make the right choices at that age, or know what kind of choices to make, what are you going to become tomorrow in the future?” said Mercado-Ruiz.
Youths come to meetings from New Britain, Hartford, Newington, Manchester and more. Mercado-Ruiz started with her daughter and her group of friends.
“I’ve had this desire (to help teens) in my heart for a long time because I see what they go through,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “You don’t need to look for love in the wrong places whether it is drugs, sex or whatever.”
Presently there are about 16 teenagers in the groups, but there is room for more.
“There are hungry children out there not knowing where to go or who to talk to,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “A lot of kids don’t feel they have anyone they can talk to. They need to go somewhere they can feel confident, have guidance and know they are doing things with love.”
The Woman’s Group is made up of adults and they speak about some of the same subjects such as love and how it relates to them and avoiding worry.
“We need to learn the way God loves us and accepts us,” said Mercado-Ruiz. “What does worry do to you? It takes love and peace away.”
Mercado-Ruiz said she used to work with children in her church and at a shelter, but these are not related to her church.
The Youth Group meets every Thursday night from 7-8:30 p.m. The Woman’s Group meets on the third Saturday of the month from 12-2 p.m.
She holds the group meetings at 600 East St., Chamberlain Square and they are free.
For more information call 203-214-6682.