At Good Counsel, We Walk With Moms Every Step of the Way

Pregnancy is a time of great hope, but for too many women, it’s can be a time of crisis. That was certainly the case for Amanda, who found herself facing a high-risk pregnancy and complications in South Carolina. Alone, abandoned by the father of her child and without family support, Amanda’s circumstances seemed overwhelming.

“From a hospital bed because of a high-risk pregnancy, Amanda called 109 shelters until she found Good Counsel!” Her search ended when she called our maternity homes and found the safe, supportive place she desperately needed.

At Good Counsel, it doesn’t matter where you’re from, what the circumstances of your pregnancy are, whether you have other children, or if you’ve faced struggles like mental health or addiction. If you’re pregnant and in need, you are welcome at Good Counsel.

A Place for Healing and Growth

At Good Counsel, we offer more than just a bed. Our homes are a place of healing, education, and personal growth. Each mother who comes through our doors is encouraged to stay for up to a year or longer, where she receives the support needed to build a brighter future for herself and her child.

Amanda’s story is just one of many. Since 1985, we’ve helped more than 8,000 homeless women and children move from crisis situations to find stability and hope. What began with an encounter between Chris Bell and a young, homeless mother in New York City has grown into a network of maternity homes that serve women in need.

Empowering Moms for a Brighter Future

Our programs are designed to provide every mother with the tools she needs to succeed, both as a parent and as an independent woman. Here’s a look at just some of the ways Good Counsel supports our moms:

• Life Skills Programs: Our Life Skills programs help mothers gain financial independence. We teach budgeting, saving, and vocational training to prepare mothers for permanent housing and stable employment. Mothers are encouraged to save one-third of any income they earn, helping to pave the way for their financial future. Staff members also work with each resident to create a tailored job-search plan, offering resume advice, interview coaching, and guidance on proper professional attire.
• Parenting Support: Many of the mothers we serve come from difficult or dysfunctional backgrounds. Our parenting classes teach practical, positive skills to help mothers raise their children in a loving, nurturing environment. From prenatal care to infant care, we provide the knowledge and support needed to be the best mother possible.
• Nutrition Education: We help mothers understand healthy eating practices, from prenatal nutrition to feeding toddlers. Through hands-on lessons, moms also learn how to cook nutritious meals on a budget, giving them the skills they need to care for their children.
• Spiritual Guidance & Chastity: At Good Counsel, we believe in supporting each mother’s spiritual journey. We offer regular faith-based teachings, prayer, and opportunities to attend Mass. Each of our homes has its own chapel, creating a sacred space for moms to find peace and healing.
• Health Education & Post-Abortion Healing: Our health program helps mothers take care of their bodies during pregnancy and beyond. We provide life-affirming education on topics like HIV and AIDS, as well as guidance on the dangers of contraception. Additionally, our Lumina Program offers confidential counseling for women and men who have experienced the pain of abortion, helping them find healing and peace.

A Future Full of Hope

Amanda’s journey from crisis to hope is possible because of the support and care she received at Good Counsel. Here, she found more than just shelter; she found a place to heal, grow, and build a new life for her child.

At Good Counsel, we are committed to walking alongside every mother in need, helping her take the next good steps in her life and grow closer to God. Our goal is to provide a solid foundation so that each woman who comes to us can leave with the tools she needs to create a brighter, more independent future for herself and her family.

We operate our four maternity homes solely through the generous support of donors and specialized grants. Your ongoing support helps us continue this life-changing work, providing shelter, education, and a loving community for mothers in need. Together, we are building a culture of life, one step at a time. Consider making a recurring donation here to give hope to more moms like Amanda.

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