For 40 years, Good Counsel has been a refuge for pregnant mothers in crisis, offering them not just shelter, but a path to stability, independence, and hope. Since opening our doors in 1985, we have provided care, guidance, and a loving home to more than 8,000 mothers and their children, ensuring that no mother walks her journey alone.

To honor this milestone, we are sharing 40 stories—real stories of strength, resilience, and transformation. Each month, we will post four stories from the mothers, house managers, and caseworkers who have been part of Good Counsel’s mission, giving a glimpse into the lives forever changed by your support.

Follow along as we celebrate four decades of life-affirming work. You can read these stories on our blog at goodcounselhomes.org or by following us on Facebook @goodcounselhomes. Together, let’s continue to support mothers, save lives, and build a future filled with hope.

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Aster’s Story – New York

In July of 2017, Aster walked through the doors of a Good Counsel home with her one-month-old daughter, Autumn, in her arms. Just weeks earlier, she had been abandoned by her abusive husband—left with no money, no shelter, and no idea where to turn. The trauma she carried was heavy, but in that moment, all she hoped for was a safe place to rest, to protect her daughter, and to begin again.

At Good Counsel, Aster was welcomed not with judgment, but with open arms. One of the first things she remembers is being given a room of her own—a simple gift that meant the world after all she had endured. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. She felt seen. And slowly, she began to believe that healing was possible.

Determined to reclaim her life, Aster began attending weekly therapy and domestic violence counseling. She also enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to improve her communication skills and increase her job opportunities. With each passing week, her confidence grew.

After completing her ESL course and earning her certificate, Aster found work as a beautician in a local salon. Her warmth and professionalism quickly earned her a loyal client base, providing not only steady income but a sense of dignity and purpose. She wasn’t just surviving anymore—she was building something new.

Good Counsel stood by her side every step of the way. When she needed legal assistance, they connected her with an attorney who helped her secure spousal support. When her husband refused to release her vital identification documents, the staff stepped in and helped her obtain new copies, removing another barrier that had been holding her back.

With her new ID in hand, Aster began searching for more stable employment. She was hired at Burlington Coat Factory, adding a second stream of income that allowed her to begin saving seriously. Through the budgeting and life skills classes at Good Counsel and the close support of her Case Manager, she began preparing for her next chapter—independent living.

In early 2019, Aster and her now two-year-old daughter moved into a place of their own. Their new home was just minutes away from Good Counsel, a reminder that she wasn’t alone even as she stepped into independence.

Today, Aster remains connected to the Good Counsel community as an Exodus mom, continuing to grow in strength, confidence, and grace. She is living proof of what happens when faith, perseverance, and unconditional support come together.

She often says that without Good Counsel, she would have had no path forward. But because of the refuge she found there, Aster was able to rise, rebuild, and give Autumn the future she deserves.

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#GoodCounsel40Years #SupportingMothersSavingLives #40StoriesFor40Years

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