History

In 1988, Iowa residents were confronted with data showing a high rate of infant mortality in Des Moines and Polk County. Many causes were cited: substance abuse, physical abuse, homelessness, lack of prenatal care, lack of insurance and all too often, simply a lack of hope.

In response to this situation, Mercy Medical Center – Des Moines and the Sisters of Mercy, founded “House of Mercy.” Sister Mary Brigid Condon led the charge, modeling it after the first “House of Mercy” founded in Dublin, Ireland by Sister Catherine McCauley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy.

Located on six acres of land in Des Moines’ inner city, a federally designated Enterprise Community, House of Mercy is dedicated to assisting pregnant, parenting, and non-parenting women in developing personal responsibility and independence through counseling, education, and primary medical care in collaboration with other providers.

Sister Mary Brigid Condon