SBNDC Spotlight: Mercy Robinson, Board Member
Mercy Robinson is a force to be reckoned with. Her work in the community has helped spark change and understanding.
The executive director of South Boston En Accion brings that determination to the South Boston NDC Board of Directors.
“I’m excited about everything,” Mercy said about being a board member for South Boston NDC.
“I feel like I'm still in the learning stage. I'm still intaking everything and learning everything.”
She’s trying to figure out where she can be of help and bring a different voice, different experiences to the table. She sees her role as creating a bridge.
“I am thrilled that Mercy has joined the SBNDC board,” said Donna Brown, executive director of South Boston NDC. “She is a talented advocate for low-income people and will bring her lived experience to the work of South Boston NDC to increase affordable housing opportunities in our community.”
Mercy, 32, grew up in South Boston within the borders of the housing developments and didn’t stray too far from there, so now, as an adult, she’s really getting to know the neighborhood and do what she can to make it a vibrant place for everyone. She’s a perfect fit for the South Boston NDC board.
“I’m happy to help in any way I can,” she said.
Mercy, who grew up in the South Boston En Accion organization, started volunteering with their Youth Bridge program during the pandemic, doing branding and social media. That led Mercy to helping the executive director with the operational side of things. When the ED had an opportunity to move on, Mercy was tabbed to be the replacement.
Her work at ABCD, as an infant/toddler teacher, and then doubling as a family advocate because of staffing issues, prepared her well. As executive director at SBEA, Mercy is working to reverse the trauma the BIPOC community has experienced because of the pandemic.
“The pandemic changed a lot,” said Mercy, a mom of three kids. “People have experienced a lot. And there's a lot of trauma. There's a lot of uncertainty. There was a mindset that was built from being inside the home where you don't need to go out and communicate with other people. So because people are not out, getting to know their neighbors, the community is deteriorating. There's not that sense of trust, love, pride.”
She is working to get back to that sense of community.
“I basically have to start from ground zero with the community,” said Mercy, who also serves on the board of the South Boston Association of Non Profits. “Getting them back out, getting them to interact and meet each other. Once they meet each other … those relationships are built, and trust and love follow, and it leads into a network within the community.”
Mercy knows that affordable housing is extremely important. When families are forced out of the city, the kids miss out on free activities and having amenities within walking or biking distance. “You lose that sense of independence.
As a board member, Mercy is ready to help Donna fight the affordable housing battles. “Everybody's looking for that lift and experience, and I can lend my voice to that.”