About us
About Our Founder
Joyce Mailvaganam, originally from Sri Lanka, left her homeland during the early stages of the civil war in the 1980s with her husband and young daughter. After living in Germany with her family, they settled in the UK in 1994 with the addition of their son to the family.
Joyce began her career as a nursery nurse in London, but her passion for serving others led her to become deeply involved in her local church, Emmanuel Christian Fellowship, where she has served as a Pastor for over 30 years.
Known for her dedication to counselling and community support, Joyce has worked tirelessly to assist marginalized groups and women affected by domestic violence. Her strong connection to Sri Lanka and desire to give back inspired her to establish Hands of Mercy, a registered charity in both Sri Lanka and the UK.
Through this initiative and your support from Germany, the UK, Canada, Australia and beyond, Joyce has helped more than 800 families by supporting orphans and widows, rebuilding places of worship, and strengthening local communities.
Our Mission & Vision
We're committed to empowering orphans and widows through compassion, opportunity, and lasting support. Here's what drives us forward.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide hope, support, and opportunities for orphans and widows, empowering them to lead lives of dignity and purpose. We are dedicated to ensuring that every orphan and widow has access to essential resources, education, and emotional care, helping them heal and grow.
By offering financial aid, vocational training, and community support, we strive to create a world where they are not defined by their struggles but are uplifted through compassion and mercy. We believe in their potential to thrive, and our goal is to help them build a brighter future, full of hope and opportunity.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a world where orphans and widows are empowered to live fulfilling, dignified lives, free from fear and uncertainty. We envision a future where every orphan finds a loving, supportive environment to grow, and every widow is provided with the resources and opportunities to rebuild and thrive.
Through education, emotional support, and community-driven initiatives, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and hardship, fostering resilience and hope. By nurturing their potential, we aspire to see orphans and widows not only survive but flourish, contributing to a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Our history
Our Journey So Far
Over the years, Hands of Mercy has grown from a small initiative into a life-changing mission. Here's a look at the milestones that have shaped our work.
Meeting Basic Needs
Began by meeting the most basic needs of vulnerable families: providing dry food, clean water, and shelter.
Building Permanent Homes
Transitioned from temporary shanties to building small, permanent homes for displaced families.
Educational Support
Expanded efforts to include educational support for children in need.
Rebuilding After the War
After the civil war ended, focused on rebuilding lives: offering mental and motivational support, helping families start small businesses, and providing resources such as farm animals, seeds, sewing machines, and materials for dressmaking.
Empowering Self-Employment
Empowered adults through self-employment opportunities in fishing, taxi services, tailoring, farming, and local grocery businesses. To date, over 800 families have been supported.
Expanding Education
Continued educational initiatives, supporting more than 100 children in accessing schooling.
Official Registration
Officially registered Hands of Mercy as a charity in both the UK and Sri Lanka, marking a new chapter in our mission to transform lives.