The Mercy Learning Center Of Bridgeport (MLC) is dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income women by providing essential literacy and life skills education within a nurturing and inclusive environment. Welcoming women of all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, sexual orientation, or national origin, MLC embraces a holistic approach to education. Founded in 1987 by two visionary educators, the center emerged from a desire to support mothers in local schools who aspired to empower their children’s academic journeys. What began as a modest one-on-one tutoring initiative has flourished into a comprehensive institution. Today, the Mercy Learning Center delivers full-time and part-time literacy and life skills programs, alongside vital educational childcare and support services, reaching nearly 900 women and over 150 children annually. Impressively, MLC has served over 10,000 women and children to date, marking a significant impact on the Bridgeport community.
The necessity for English language and adult basic education for women in Bridgeport is underscored by compelling statistics. A concerning 10% of women in the area have not completed the 9th grade, while 20% lack a high school diploma. Furthermore, Bridgeport’s diverse population includes a substantial 27.2% of foreign-born residents, with 46.1% of households speaking a language other than English at home. Economically, the median family income in Bridgeport ($46,296) is notably less than half of Fairfield County’s median ($101,721), highlighting the economic challenges faced by many women in the region.
Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport addresses these critical needs through a holistic, compassionate, and transformative approach. The education and support services offered at MLC create lasting change, positively impacting not only the women themselves but also their families, and extending to the lives of volunteers and supporters involved in this vital mission. Through literacy and life skills training, the Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport is a beacon of hope and empowerment, fostering brighter futures for women and their families in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
