Christmas at Good Counsel: A Season of Belonging, Hope, and New Beginnings

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The following reflections were shaped by the voices of those who live and work within the Good Counsel family every day. These questions were posed to our staff and to the mothers in our homes, and their responses—honest, heartfelt, and hopeful—were gathered and woven together below. What follows is not a single story, but a shared one: a glimpse into what Christmas means when safety, belonging, and love are restored.

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Q: What does Christmas mean at Good Counsel?
For many families, Christmas is a season of traditions—shared meals, gifts under the tree, familiar songs, and the comfort of being together. But for many of the mothers who come to Good Counsel, Christmas has often been marked by absence rather than abundance. Some have never experienced a peaceful holiday. Others have spent Christmas alone, homeless, or without gifts, a warm meal, or family to gather with.

At Good Counsel, Christmas becomes something new: a season of belonging.

Q: Why is Christmas especially meaningful for our moms and babies?
For some mothers, this may be the first Christmas they’ve ever celebrated in a safe home. For others, it’s the first time they’ve shared a meal without fear, watched their children open presents, or experienced joy without anxiety. Christmas at Good Counsel isn’t about extravagance—it’s about dignity, love, and restoration.

It’s about moms realizing they are not forgotten. And babies experiencing their first Christmas surrounded by care.

Q: How does the Good Counsel community make Christmas special?
The outpouring of love during Christmas is extraordinary. Donors, local businesses, parishes, schools, and organizations rally together to shower our homes with generosity. Gifts arrive for moms and babies. Pantries are stocked with food for festive meals. Decorations fill the homes with warmth and color.

There are Christmas parties with music, dancing, games, and laughter. Santa and Mrs. Claus stop by, delighting children and moms alike. Door-decorating contests and stocking crafts bring creativity and joy into the homes. Staff members take moms and babies to see Christmas lights and attend community events—simple moments that create lasting memories.

Q: How do our moms give back during the Christmas season?
Even as they receive love, our moms also learn the joy of giving. At our Riverside home, mothers and staff prepare toiletry bags for individuals experiencing homelessness in Camden. These bags are distributed as a tangible reminder that every person deserves care and dignity—especially at Christmas.

This spirit of giving helps our moms rediscover their own worth and capacity to love others.

Q: What happens after Christmas ends?
While Christmas is a beautiful and sacred season, the needs of our moms and babies don’t disappear when the decorations come down. Healing, education, counseling, housing, and long-term support continue every day of the year.

Q: How can you help—beyond the holiday season?
The most powerful way to support our moms and babies is through consistent, year-round care. By making a monthly pledge, you ensure that the love experienced at Christmas continues in January, February, and beyond.

Your ongoing support helps provide safety, stability, and hope—not just for a season, but for a lifetime.

Make a monthly pledge today and walk with our moms and babies all year long.

DONATE HERE NOW goodcounsel.donorsupport.co/page/social

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