About Mercy Goods
A Fort Bend County nonprofit workshop giving young people paid work, real skills, and mentors who show up.
Our north star
We teach people how to make a living, not take a living.
That's been the idea since day one — a real business, real paychecks, and real skills, so young people build futures defined by purpose and independence.
"He saved us, not because of the good things we had done, but because of his mercy."
Support our mission
Mercy Goods creates employment, job training, and mentorship opportunities for youth and adults with barriers through paid, creative, hands-on work in a supportive community.
Invest in that future.
Your support funds real paychecks, real skills, and mentors who show up — work that changes what's possible for a young person.
Mercy Goods is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
We envision a community where youth and adults facing barriers receive the opportunity, support, and skills they need to build lasting independence.
Invest in that futureOur vision
A meaningful future through work, creativity, and belonging.
Watch our video
Learn more about Mercy Goods.
Our impact
What we do.
Employment
A real job, a real paycheck, and a first line on the resume.
- Students integrated as team members with real accountability.
- Safe, supportive workshop + retail environment for LCISD students.
- Retail showcases custom furniture and local artisans.
Job Training
Hands-on workforce development from raw material to finished product.
- Problem-solving and attention to detail through real builds.
- High standards that grow confidence and pride of craft.
- End-to-end ownership: site measure, estimate, source, deliver.
Mentorship
Consistent adult relationships that change what's possible.
- Each employee paired with a mentor — 1:1 time every two weeks.
- Goes beyond programs and paychecks into real friendship.
- Backed by nonprofits, churches, leaders, and local businesses.
Teen Mom Nights
Since 2019 — equipping pregnant and parenting teens in Lamar CISD.
- Bi-monthly skill nights with the LCISD ASAP Program.
- Participants craft jewelry, candles, and more — and take kits home.
- Creations sell at the Mercy Goods storefront, building income + agency.
This is what your gift makes possible — make the next story possible.
Donate→The transformation
What changes when someone gets a real shot.
Many young people in Fort Bend County have never had the chance to build a résumé, earn a paycheck, develop workplace skills, or hear a trusted mentor say "I believe in you."
What they gain here is real work experience, strong job skills, confidence, professional references, mentoring relationships — and the belief that they can build a future defined by purpose, independence, and meaningful work.
Our team
The people behind the work.
Zach Lambert
Executive Director
Leads Mercy Goods' mission of creating paid work, job training, and mentorship for people facing barriers.
Jacci Hotzel
Operations Director
Keeps the workshop and storefront running day to day — from production schedules to retail.
Bertha Montelongo
Craftsperson
Builds the custom furniture and home goods that students learn alongside, piece by piece.
Emily Scherer
Board President
Guides the board's work of stewarding resources so every gift goes further for the mission.
Carol Edwards
Board Member
Helps shape the direction and accountability behind Mercy Goods' growth.
Abram Haley
Board Member
Brings community leadership to the board's oversight of programs and partnerships.
Ken Tisdel
Board Member
Supports the long-term vision of ventures that fund the mission through revenue.
Michaela Carriere
Board Member
Champions the mentorship and Teen Mom Nights that sit at the heart of the work.