Each week, House Managers from our homes gather together on a teleconference to share what’s going on in their home, with their moms, and babies.  Some may have the misconception that Good Counsel is a shelter for homeless, pregnant woman, but it’s so, so much more.  It’s truly a home, providing love, support, encouragement, and resources so each woman gets what she needs to make a better life for herself and her family.  The circumstances that lead them to our door are sometimes hard to hear… and sometimes miraculous, getting to us just in time.

Just a little bit of what’s going on at Good Counsel homes this week…

On Staten Island there are 8 mothers in residence and 7 babies.  Baby Zane is their newest addition and he and mom are doing well.  Two moms have landed part-time jobs at a local restaurant.  One mom is in training for a security job and will be certified next week and begin work shortly thereafter.  Two other moms have just had some promising job interviews in the last few days – please pray that they get the job!

At our Daystar Home there are 6 mothers in residence.  They were blessed with two new arrivals recently.  One baby, Angel, has had to stay in the NICU as a precaution and we hope to have him home with mom very soon.  3 other mothers are attending programs to further their education or sharpen their skill set in order to take the next best step in finding secure and steady employment.

Good Counsel Mary’s Shelter Gulf Coast is hopping with 10 moms in residence, a gaggle of toddlers, and 2 infants – which means there are a bunch more on the way, praise God!  6 moms are working toward their GED at a nearby university.  The excitement and possibilities present on campus inspire them to keep improving and moving forward and perhaps they will be students there one day.  Mardi Gras is big in the South so plans are underway for much feasting before the fast.

The Bronx home is even busier with 13 moms and 17 children!  4 moms are actively working, 1 mom is beginning an internship.  They had a recent birth on the 18th, baby Kelly and she and mom, Heather are getting to know one another.  The Bronx home has been blessed with lots of visitors and donations in the last few weeks from baby showers thrown by grade schoolers to a ministry that visited for a fabulous hair and make-up night – details to follow!

South Jersey’s newest resident had spent the weeks before coming to Good Counsel alone, sleeping under a bridge.  Even though she was homeless, she still went to work and used the washroom there to freshen up before starting her day.  We are grateful she found us and now we can get to work patching up the broken road that brought her to our door.

Whew! I don’t know how it all gets done, but it does.  We couldn’t do it without your support and prayers.

We are offering a free Lenten Reflection series again this year in gratitude for all of your support, please click here to sign up for daily reflections and prayers.

Feel free to leave words of encouragement in the comments below and we’ll make sure our moms see them.