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.

Johanna’s Story – A Future She Fought For

Johanna entered Good Counsel’s Bronx home in June 2015, five months pregnant and parenting a lively one-year-old. Her days were already filled with the demands of motherhood, but she carried an even heavier burden—months of emotional turmoil and fear. She had been living under the weight of two abusive relationships: one with the father of her children, and the other with his mother.

Neither of them had plans for Johanna. She was told there would be no school, no work—only life as a homemaker. But Johanna had different dreams. She wanted more for herself and for her children. And when she finally found the courage to leave, she began charting a new path forward.

Her journey wasn’t easy. She moved from place to place—sleeping on friends’ couches, looking over her shoulder, constantly afraid of being found. But during that uncertain time, Johanna began to pursue an education. She completed a phlebotomy course, then a medical assistant program, followed by EKG/EEG technician training. Each certificate was a step closer to independence. She even earned a competitive externship. But stability still eluded her—until she found Good Counsel.

At Good Counsel, Johanna’s first goal was employment. Her resume was polished, and the interviews began rolling in. But as her pregnancy became more visible, many employers encouraged her to "check back after the baby."

She gave birth that October to a healthy baby boy. While bonding with both of her children, Johanna never lost momentum. She participated in parenting classes and engaged in domestic violence counseling to begin the healing process.

When she was ready, she took full advantage of the on-site day care and began her job search again—this time more prepared, more confident, and more supported. Though it took time, Johanna eventually secured a position and saved enough to move into a place of her own.

Johanna’s determination never wavered. What began as a desperate escape turned into a journey of empowerment and hope.

Today, she stands as a powerful example of what can happen when a woman is given the space to breathe, the tools to grow, and the belief that she is capable of writing a better story for herself—and for her children.

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