Boston-based nonprofit · Serving for over 23 years

Healing beyond medicine. Restoring hope with love.

We walk beside Hispanic children and families facing severe burns, complex illnesses, and congenital disabilities — with compassionate, comprehensive care that honors their dignity.

Humanitarian, emotional, spiritual & financial support — so families can focus on healing.

Founder Martha Garzón sharing a joyful moment with a young girl in recovery
23+ years serving children
& families in recovery
23+
Years of dedicated service
5
Areas of family support
2
Languages, one community — EN · ES

“Every act of kindness creates a bridge toward healing.

At Merciful Hands, we build those bridges

A mother and a volunteer accompanying a young child during recovery in Boston
Serving families who travel to Boston seeking specialized medical care — far from home, but never alone.

Who we are

A community built on compassion, faith & dignity

Merciful Hands International is a Boston-based nonprofit founded by Martha Garzón, who for more than 23 years has dedicated her life to serving children and families from Latin America affected by severe burns, complex illnesses, and congenital disabilities.

Our work focuses on vulnerable families facing language limitations and cultural barriers — ensuring they receive compassionate, culturally sensitive care that honors their dignity and unique circumstances.

Through partnerships with hospitals, restaurants, local providers, and volunteers, every family receives essential assistance: transportation, nutritious meals, and emotional accompaniment while in Boston.

Martha Garzón, founder of Merciful Hands International
Martha Garzón
Founder & Director

Our purpose

Mission, vision & the values that guide us

Our Mission

To provide comprehensive support to Hispanic children and families who have suffered severe burns, delicate illnesses, or complex congenital disabilities — reducing the social, economic, and cultural barriers that limit access to a complete and dignified recovery.

We offer humanitarian, emotional, spiritual, and financial assistance, along with logistical support — transportation, meals, and accompaniment — allowing families to focus on healing.

Our Vision

A future in which all Hispanic families in Boston — and those who travel here seeking specialized medical care — find support, guidance, and hope during the most challenging moments of their lives.

We aspire to be a model of comprehensive, inclusive, and culturally sensitive care, where hospitals, community organizations, faith leaders, and volunteers ensure no child or family faces recovery alone.

Compassion

We serve with empathy, love, and understanding in every action.

Hope

We believe in healing, restoration, and a brighter future for every family.

Solidarity

We multiply the impact of care through collective effort and community unity.

Faith

We trust in God’s guidance and seek to be instruments of His love through service.

Dignity

We honor every child and family, ensuring respect and integrity in all we do.

Transparency

We manage every resource with honesty, responsibility, and accountability.

How we help

Care that reaches beyond the hospital

True healing happens through community, belonging, and emotional support. Every program is designed so families feel seen, understood, and supported — no one faces this journey alone.

Local Transportation & Logistics

Rides to community gatherings, essential errands, and support spaces — helping families stay connected and independent while navigating a new city in a different language.

Suitable Lodging for Recovery

Short-term lodging coordination for families in transition or extended treatment — arranged with trusted partners and local hosts so recovery happens in a safe, welcoming place.

Nutritious Food & Provisions

Nutritious meals, groceries, and essential supplies — with special care for each patient’s primary caregiver — delivered through restaurants, donors, and community partners.

Emotional Support & Companionship

Recreational activities, family gatherings, community events, and visits that bring relief, connection, and encouragement — safe, respectful spaces for healing and joy.

Financial & Travel Assistance

Fundraising and dedicated campaigns that cover international flights, transportation expenses, and emergencies — so families can return home safely and with dignity.

Looking Ahead

Dedicated lodging solutions for long recoveries, and structured emotional wellness programs built with volunteers, churches, artists, and mental health professionals.

Gallery

Moments of hope

Real families, real journeys. Glimpses of the gatherings, friendships, and everyday victories that make this mission real.

Our board

The hearts behind the mission

Martha Garzón

Martha Garzón

Founder & Director

Founded Manos de Misericordia 23 years ago, dedicating her life to children and families in vulnerable situations with faith, compassion, and commitment.

Camilo Merchán

Camilo Merchán

President

Colombian based in Boston with 20+ years in administration and business development, driving the organization’s sustainability and strategic growth.

Abner Cabrera

Abner Cabrera

Vice President

Dominican musician, engineer, and producer — a Berklee College of Music graduate expanding our impact through creativity, empathy, and purposeful action.

Isabel Merino Flores

Isabel Merino Flores

Treasurer

Over a decade of service to the Latino community, contributing leadership in resource, program, and personnel management.

Berenice Paulino

Berenice Paulino

Chief of Community Impact & Communication

Marketing professional and artist bringing creativity, cross-cultural understanding, and compassion to our identity and connection with families.

Upcoming events

Where compassion becomes action

Extend Mercy — Be a Loving Hand

An evening where compassion becomes action

Join us for a special evening and discover how, together, we can extend mercy and bring hope to children and families who need it most.

  • RSVP: (617) 947-5533
Call to RSVP

Allies of the mission

Our partners & sponsors

  • El Mundo Boston
  • Bani Transportation
  • Bani Express
  • Mujeres Edificando Destinos
  • Lazos de Amor
  • Lazos Al Futuro
  • Congregación León de Judá
  • Dra. Elsa Guzmán
  • Gloria's Beauty Center
  • Peka Restaurant
  • Fundación Ruth Paz
  • Mana Escondido Café
  • Mariposa Child-Care Center
  • Emanuelito's Place Child Care
  • Santia's Bakery
  • Nuevo Día Adult Day Health Center
  • La Hora Del Café
  • Maria Maria
  • Los Mágicos Barbershop & Beauty Supply
  • Simple Coaching
  • Callito Corporation
  • JCTECT Boston Inc
  • Julia Mejía
  • This Way To Create

Your company can also be part of this noble cause.

Become a partner

Get involved

Join us in transforming lives

Every child deserves the opportunity to heal with dignity, hope, and support. Whether you donate, sponsor, or volunteer, you become part of a life-changing journey.

A family sharing a meal together at a café in Boston
Give today

Donate

Your gift provides immediate relief to families in crisis — covering essentials so they can focus on healing instead of financial burdens.

  • Emergency travel assistance
  • Safe accommodations for families
  • Nutritional support during recovery
  • Daily essentials & medical-related expenses
Make a donation
A family with their barber at a neighborhood barbershop
Walk alongside

Sponsor

Create lasting impact through dedicated family sponsorship — long-term stability, encouragement, and compassionate support through recovery.

  • Family recovery sponsorships
  • Corporate & community partnerships
  • Event & program sponsorships
  • Ongoing monthly support initiatives
Become a sponsor
Families and supporters gathered at a community celebration
Serve with us

Volunteer

Volunteers are the heart of our community. Share your time and talents — your presence makes a real difference for children and families.

  • Community events & fundraising support
  • Administrative & organizational assistance
  • Creative, media & outreach support
  • Family care & hospitality services
Start volunteering

Stay in the loop

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