Your words of support can mean the world

I am Karla Peña, Mercy Corps Director of Puerto Rico. Like people everywhere, COVID‑19 is impacting our lives and work.

As you have seen in your own communities, in this battle against COVID‑19 it is the essential workers — from grocery store employees to healthcare professionals — who are truly on the front lines. We can’t thank them enough for their courage and perseverance.

I am also thinking of my Mercy Corps colleagues around the world. At least 85% of our team members are from the countries in which we work. Often we are affected personally by natural disasters, conflict or instability in the communities where we serve.

Yet time and again, I see my colleagues lead with expertise, a sense of possibility and the ability to adapt to new challenges, including COVID-19 right now.

And I know just how much hearing your words of encouragement can mean. Discovering that someone thousands of miles away is thinking of us and standing beside us — it keeps us going.

Please join me today and send a message of gratitude to my fellow Mercy Corps field team members around the world.

Will you take a moment to say Thank You?

During these challenging times, your support reminds us of how interconnected we really are. Thank you.

Karla Peña
Director, Puerto Rico

See some inspiring work my team members and I are doing around the world:

In Puerto Rico with my teammate Pardis Barjesteh, comforting Stephanie who received cash and a water filtration system from Mercy Corps after hurricane Maria. In response to COVID-19, we are providing community centers with cash grants to launch public health campaigns.

In a Jordan refugee camp, Mercy Corps team member Saleh Alshalabi helps Mohammad, 13, learn how to strengthen his muscles and use his new prosthetic hand, which was created using a 3D printer in Mercy Corps’ inclusive education program for children with disabilities.

Mercy Corps Economic Recovery Program Officer Virginia Cooper (right), and Water Program Officer Tezel Lightbourne (left) live and work in The Bahamas. Their courageous service after Hurricane Dorian helped bring essentials like clean water, and long-term support like small business grants, to people whose lives were suddenly turned upside down.

Piva Bell, Indonesia Response Team Coordinator, says, "There are so many things that still keep me in this line of work, because if you witness people smile when you distribute aid you will want to do it over and over again and become proud of being part of Mercy Corps."

COVID‑19 Update: Mercy Corps teams are working to help the world’s most vulnerable people protect themselves against COVID‑19, meet immediate needs and prepare for the devastating impact of economic shock that will push people further into crisis. You can help today by making a gift to our COVID‑19 Resilience Fund.