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.

Kayla’s Story – A Safe Place to Begin Again

Kayla was only 18 years old when she found herself facing one of life’s greatest challenges—pregnancy—and one of its hardest decisions: where to go. At the time, she was living out of state with her grandparent in a housing facility that didn’t allow children. If she stayed, her grandparent risked eviction. But leaving meant facing the unknown with nowhere to turn.

She began searching for shelters in New York, hoping to find a place that could offer her more than just a roof over her head. She reached out to social service agencies for help, but one after another turned her away without direction or warmth. Then she called Good Counsel.

That call changed everything.

Kayla later shared that the staff at Good Counsel stood out immediately—they were kind, warm, and genuinely caring. From the very beginning, she felt seen and supported, a stark contrast to the cold responses she’d received elsewhere.

Once settled into the home, Kayla found what she had been searching for: stability, compassion, and guidance. Good Counsel helped her navigate prenatal care in New York, connecting her with a clinic where she received excellent medical support. While she worked through applying for assistance, Good Counsel provided all of her basic needs—food, shelter, clothing, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing someone is looking out for you.

When her baby boy was born, the staff didn’t just celebrate with her—they showed up. They brought her a welcome basket when she returned from the hospital, a simple but powerful gesture that reminded her she wasn’t alone.

Kayla’s dream was to build a life of independence. She began planning for a future where she could support herself and her son, exploring job opportunities, even considering working more than one position to make ends meet. Raised in a family that valued hard work, she remained determined to pass that legacy on to her own child.

Today, Kayla has moved forward from the program and is actively pursuing those dreams. Her determination continues to guide her, but she’s the first to say she didn’t do it alone.

“Young women like me need a safe place,” she shared, “and I’m so thankful for the people who sacrifice to support us and our children.”

Kayla’s story is a quiet triumph—a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one person to answer the phone with compassion, and one community to walk beside a mother as she finds her strength.

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