Today we’d like to introduce you to Douglas Dunn
Hi Douglas, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey began as a practicing attorney where I handled numerous child welfare cases, predominantly advocating for the best interests of children as a guardian ad litem. Over 27 years, I represented families through the complex world of child welfare and truancy cases, which laid the groundwork for my understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable families.
In 2016, I took on the role of director of development at Exodus Ministries, which was focused on supporting previously incarcerated mothers and their children. Within that experience, I discovered that many of the families I encountered were intertwined with the child welfare system—often grappling with the same issues of neglect and the absence of loving family structures. This compelled me to take action and address these needs more profoundly.
Feeling a strong call from God, I founded Mercy’s Shore, inspired by a sermon and a song that resonated deeply with me. The mission became clear: to provide a safe haven for previously incarcerated mothers and their children, creating an environment where they could reclaim their dignity and build a better future.
Our early efforts involved a lot of fundraising and navigating the necessary legalities to establish a nonprofit organization. Through it all, I leaned heavily on faith, and I knew we were on the right path as we slowly started to secure support from the community. Today, we are proud to have leased six fully furnished apartments, offering families their first real homes, a place where they can cook, relax, and feel safe.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While the journey has been incredibly rewarding, I wouldn’t say it’s been smooth. The challenges have been significant on multiple fronts. Fundraising has often felt like climbing a mountain. Early on, I was told that raising money for this kind of ministry would be difficult, but I didn’t fully grasp how challenging it could be until I was in the thick of it.
For instance, when we sought to engage potential donors, I faced disappointment from many who, despite their initial interest, did not feel led to support us. There were instances where I was hopeful that a significant donation was coming, only to hear “no” after they prayed about it. It was disheartening, but I learned that it was not my place to take it personally; rather, I had to trust in God’s plan.
Finding a property owner willing to lease to us was equally daunting. I would often hear “I need to discuss this with my manager” or “We’ll get back to you,” which often translated to rejection. It took persistence to finally find a landlord who believed in our mission.
Additionally, we initially envisioned acquiring a larger apartment complex for our program but quickly realized that raising $3 million was unrealistic given our starting point. It wasn’t until I humbled myself and sought a consultant’s help that we began to see progress, thanks to the unexpected generosity of his supporters.
Every step of the way, though difficult, brought with it valuable lessons and reaffirmed my faith in the mission. We’ve learned that God is faithful, guiding us through the uncertainty, providing when we least expect it, and reminding us that Mercy’s Shore exists to extend grace to those in need.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Having spent 27 years practicing law, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the challenges many families face, particularly those caught up in the child welfare system. This isn’t just professional knowledge for me; it’s personal. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that can tear families apart, and those experiences shape how I lead Mercy’s Shore today. Whether I’m in a courtroom advocating for a child’s best interests or working directly with families in our housing facilities, my goal is to support them every step of the way. I strive to help knock down the barriers that can make their journeys so much harder.
Ultimately, my commitment to advocating for families goes hand in hand with my faith in God, which guides me in this important work. I believe that we are called to serve and uplift those in need, and that’s where the true heart of Mercy’s Shore lies. My legal understanding of the systems at play is vital, but it is the compassion and empathy I find in my faith that truly fuels my passion for helping others.
Every day, I’m reminded that Mercy’s Shore is more than just a service provider; we’re a lifeline for families who are often feeling lost and alone. It’s a gift to witness the resilience of these mothers and their children as they embark on their journeys toward healing and hope. I’m honored to be a part of this vital mission, and I see the fingerprints of God in the transformations that take place within our walls. Each moment of change, each success story, reinforces my belief that we are making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve, and it inspires me to continue fighting for a brighter future for every family that walks through our door.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The key to our success lies in embodying essential traits such as humility, integrity, dependability, kindness, understanding, and selfless dedication to serving God’s kingdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mercysshore.org/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mercysshore
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/mercysshore
