The Well of Mercy's mission is to provide a secure home for single, pregnant women in need – encouraging and developing programs of change, offering and building paths towards successful and stable futures for these women and their children. | Click here to donate to The Well of Mercy.

I started my family of 5 children early in life and my family has always been my top priority. I am pro-life, and I have always wondered how we could we tell women to keep their babies when we offered no support? And, what could we do to give those babies a good start in life, and help women make better choices?

With that in mind, I started The Well of Mercy 8 years ago. We are a community of women and children who have suffered abuse, or other problems. We provide currently 14 families with activities, educational and psychological support, food and very nice individual lodging. The women and children can remain with us up to 5 years. 

I received a Master's degree in Social Work from Wayne State University and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

There are many times that I have not been taken seriously by people; Naysayers don't see the possibilities I do.

I make people realize things are possible! I am very intuitive and willing to hold myself and others accountable. Sometimes people do want help and I will walk with them on their journey to success through challenges, but I will tell them if I think they are not ready for the challenge.

Aside from raising my 5 wonderful adult children, following through on my dream to create this community is my greatest accomplishment. I see miracles happening every day!

My goal is to open two more homes just like The Well of Mercy. I would also like to open a home for senior women, who do not have anyone to care for them. I envision the young women who were helped by The Well of Mercy, to be those that care for these senior women - it would be a beautiful way for all of this to come full-circle.

What has inspired me is my love for the Lord and having learned along the way through my own trials and tribulations.

I want to be remembered for saying yes to inspiration and having met the most wonderful people.

• Charity Challenge Award for The Well of Mercy, $100,000 - Art Van
• Award of Hope - Art Van
•  Woman Among Us - Lake Forest Women's Club
•  Unsung Heroine Award, 2016 - Peggy Montes

I love going to the theater, going out to eat and reading.