“From stripper to social worker: A Good Counsel Homes success story" by Karee Santos, published at Aleteia on June 27, 2016 tells the inspiring story of former Good Counsel resident, current volunteer, and forever champion, Ruth Lafortune, in the first of a their new ‘Supermodels’ series spotlighting individuals "who demonstrate qualities of profound faith, courage and witness.”

We were so pleased to see Ruth's beautiful image and read her inspirational story about how she successfully graduated from the Good Counsel program and moved on to a stable, successful, independent life with her baby. Even with major setbacks, she persevered.  If everyone could see what women like Ruth accomplish in spite of the dire circumstances that initially lead them to our door and come to know the mountainous struggles and challenges they face, it's awe inspiring.  Santos captures in Ruth's story exactly what we wish everyone would know about a Good Counsel mom.  Accompanying her story, is a beautiful photo gallery by photographer, and friend of Good Counsel, Jeffrey Bruno, with both stunning portraits and a look behind the scenes.

Ruth remembers Good Counsel staff member Miss Pauline affectionately. “She taught me how to cook and how to keep my mouth shut,” Ruth laughed. When Ruth’s second daughter, Soleil, was born in February 2011, Miss Pauline was with Ruth in the hospital.

When Ruth returned to the Spring Valley house after Soleil’s birth, the other residents acted “like sisters” to her. Everyone would wake up at 5 a.m., and as one mom took a shower the other moms would watch the babies. “We were extremely close” and “really looked out for each other,” Ruth said. The staff also provided free day care for the moms who worked.

Despite all the assistance provided by Good Counsel, “nobody babies you, nobody holds your hand,” said Ruth, and so she began to develop a sense of accountability and responsibility. “It’s my fault that I’m in this position” of an unemployed single mother for the second time, she realized, and “I need to get out of this position.”

Read the rest of Ruth's story over at Aleteia.  If you would like to help more women like Ruth, women currently in our care and countless women who undoubtedly will grace our door in the future, please visit the "How to Help" section on our website.

Our thanks to the folks at Aleteia, and especially Karee Santos and Jeffrery Bruno for this amazing piece. Be sure to sign up for Aleteia's email list to have more stories of love, faith, and inspiration sent to your inbox.

If you'd like to help more pregnant mothers who are in dire need to turn their lives around, then please consider becoming a monthly donor.

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