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.

‍

Maria’s Story – Perseverance Through the Storm

"Perseverance, the secret of all triumphs." — Victor Hugo

When Maria arrived at Good Counsel just before Thanksgiving in 2016, she carried more than the weight of pregnancy. She was six months along, homeless, and quietly battling depression and anxiety. For over a year, she had been without work, and when she finally turned to her family for support—no one was there.

But at Good Counsel, she found a different kind of family.

Settling into our Riverside, New Jersey home, Maria slowly began to exhale. She was welcomed not only with warmth and safety, but with understanding. Though she wasn’t enrolled in the specialized Daystar program, she was still able to access the mental health support she needed—attending regular therapy both in the home and with outside providers. Little by little, she began to heal.

In March 2017, Maria gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Andre. Becoming a mother brought its own mix of challenges and joys, but she faced them with courage, supported every step of the way by our staff. As her confidence grew, so did her goals.

With encouragement from her case manager, Maria began applying for jobs. She was hired at a local childcare clinic and began saving, determined to give her son a better future. Over the next several months, she budgeted carefully, set goals, and made steady progress.

By the summer, she secured a stable housekeeping job at a nearby hotel—her eyes fixed firmly on independence. In September 2018, Maria reached her goal: she moved into her very own apartment with Andre. She had saved enough for the first month’s rent, the security deposit, and even a little extra for peace of mind.

With the help of Good Counsel and a community resource, she furnished her new home. Andre remained in our childcare program during the transition, ensuring consistency and care for him while Maria settled in.

Today, Maria continues to work in hospitality and has her sights set on a front desk position. Her story is one of quiet determination, small victories, and steady steps forward.

She is a shining example of what perseverance, paired with compassionate support, can achieve—even in the face of loneliness and uncertainty.

Maria reminds us that while no one can control where their story begins, with faith and effort, the next chapter can be one of triumph.

‍