As a member of the Good Counsel team, I have the privilege of witnessing daily the transformative impact of our mission to support pregnant women facing challenging circumstances. With the Lenten season upon us, I'm reminded of the importance of embodying Christian values like tithing and almsgiving in our work.

At Good Counsel, we provide a safe haven for pregnant women, offering not only shelter but also guidance, resources, and hope. Our donors and volunteers play a crucial role in this mission, demonstrating the power of generosity and compassion.

Tithing and almsgiving are central tenets of our faith, urging us to support those in need. By pledging a recurring donation to Good Counsel, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of women and children, providing them with the support they need to thrive.

Beyond financial support, there are many ways to get involved with Good Counsel, from volunteering to spreading awareness on social media. We currently have job positions open from maintenance staff to social workers and administration. Our newsletter and social media channels offer opportunities to stay connected and informed about our work, including our podcast "Motherhood_AND" and our new Lenten reflection series featuring insights from staff and mothers we serve.

Prayerfully consider getting involved in one or more of these ways:
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1. Prayer: Keep the staff and residents of Good Counsel in your prayers. Have a mass said for our mission. Add to your prayer intentions the pregnant mothers out there right now seeking help that they find the support they need to choose LIFE. Also on Good Counsel's website we have a page for your prayer intentions. Daily, your intentions are remembered by staff and residents. Pray for us, we are praying for you! goodcounselhomes.org/prayer-intentions
   
2. Financial Support: Make a donation, or a recurring donation towards the needs of the home. goodcounselhomes.org/donate
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3. Volunteer: We have a variety of opportunities to get involved within our homes from cooking meals, to holding babies, to teaching skills classes to our moms. Visit the Volunteer page on our website for more ideas and to offer your talents and treasures to the mission. goodcounselhomes.org/how-to-help/volunteer
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4. Parish Speaking: One of our most effective ways of evangelizing is to speak at mass or services about the mission of Good Counsel. We are in need of speakers and schedulers. Training and a stipend is offered for both ministries. Visit the Parish Speaking page on our website to find out more. goodcounselhomes.org/how-to-help/parish-speaking
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5. Sending a Meal: Staff and mothers make home cooked meals almost every night which is a blessing in fellowship and skills learned, but you could give them the night off every once in a while. Coordinate with a house manager to prepare and deliver dinner to the home or send gift cards for takeout. You can reach out to Samantha Elbertson on Facebook @goodcounselhomes for more details.
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6. Advocacy Online and Offline: Follow Good Counsel on all social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Linked In and Youtube. Like, comment and SHARE our posts with your friends and family. Arm yourself with the hotline 1-800-723-8331 and help website help.goodcounselhomes.org so that if in your life you encounter someone in need you will have the tools to help and save a life!
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I am continually inspired by the generosity of our supporters and the resilience of the women we serve. Together, we can answer the Lenten call to almsgiving and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. From all of us at Good Counsel we wish you a blessed and holy Lenten season.

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