Every mother who comes to Good Counsel has a story. Some arrive frightened and uncertain. Some are carrying wounds from years of hardship, trauma, addiction, poverty, or homelessness. Many have been told "no" so many times that they struggle to believe help is possible.

Yet time and again, we witness something remarkable: when a woman is given stability, support, accountability, and love, she begins to discover strengths she never knew she possessed.

Nadine's journey is one of courage, perseverance, and transformation. What began as a crisis pregnancy became an opportunity to break old cycles, pursue education, build a career, and create a future filled with hope for herself and her son. At our recent event, she shared her story in her own words.

Good evening. My name is Nadine, and thank you for having Jonathan and me here tonight. When I was asked to speak, I honestly did not know where to begin. When I hear the word “purpose,” I normally freeze. Growing up, I never really knew what my purpose in life was. I was always more of a “go with the flow” kind of girl, and somehow that seemed to get me by. But growing up wasn’t easy for me. I was adopted at 3 years old along with my brother, and throughout my life, I faced many challenges that led to long-term mental health struggles and eventually, addiction. Today, by the grace of God, I am 6 years and 5 months sober. When I found out that I was pregnant, for the first time in my life I truly felt like I had a purpose. When I saw that positive test, my mind was racing with a million thoughts. I didn’t know what to do, where to go, or even who to tell. But one thing I did know was that God was in control. My pregnancy was not easy. It came with many challenges. At 36 weeks pregnant, I had a huge decision to make — and looking back now, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I remember that I was feeling shaky and nervous when I called the Good Counsel hotline. Everywhere I called throughout South Carolina I was told that I was too far along to receive help with housing or that they were at full capacity. But Good Counsel told me something I will never forget:

“We never tell you no. We always have room.”
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That was the moment reality truly kicked in. I traveled from South Carolina to New York City with my heart beating out of my chest, praying I was making the right decision. And honestly, it turned out to be better than I ever could have imagined. When I gave birth, I was scared and unsure of what to expect. But then my best friend entered the world: my son, Jonathan Ezekiel. Jonathan gave me purpose. Jonathan gave me a reason. Jonathan gave me a place to belong. He gave me the ability to love the way God intended me to love and be loved. Those first few months were hard, but his little smile was all I needed to keep going.
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While living at Good Counsel, I accomplished things I never thought I was capable of. One of my biggest accomplishments was finally finishing something I started. On May 21st, I graduated from NEW — Nontraditional Employment for Women — where I trained for blue- and green-collar work so Jonathan and I can have financial stability and a future I’m proud of. Starting the program was difficult because I had never been away from Jonathan for that long. But the staff at Good Counsel loved and cared for him as much as I do, which made it easier knowing he was safe and surrounded by love. Jonathan brings joy everywhere he goes. His smile, his laugh, his little babbles — he truly lights up every room he enters.
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Good Counsel not only helped me survive- they helped me find purpose within myself. When I was ready to give up on myself, they never gave up on me. Instead, they picked me up, dusted the dirt off my knees, and encouraged me to keep going. For that, I can never thank the staff enough. Good Counsel welcomed me with open arms and so much love, and they also welcomed my baby boy with a love I will forever be grateful for. They made me feel like I finally belonged somewhere. They reminded me that God was always in control of my story. I just had to give Him the pen and have faith the size of a mustard seed.
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I want to say “thank you” to Good Counsel for opening your doors to Jonathan and me with endless love, support, and compassion. Thank you all for allowing me to speak tonight, and share my experiences with you. Finally, thank you for providing for women and children like me and Jonathan by supporting Good Counsel. May God richly bless you.

Nadine's story reminds us that Good Counsel is about much more than providing shelter. It is about creating the conditions for lasting transformation. It is about helping mothers move from crisis to confidence, from uncertainty to stability, and from merely surviving to truly thriving.

Today, Nadine is sober, employed, educated, and building a future for herself and Jonathan. Her success is not an accident. It is the result of her determination, God's grace, and a community of supporters who made it possible for Good Counsel to say, "Yes, we have room."

Every day, other mothers call our hotline facing circumstances similar to Nadine's. They need safe housing, practical support, childcare, job training, counseling, and the time necessary to rebuild their lives. Because of faithful supporters, Good Counsel can continue opening its doors and walking alongside them on that journey.

If Nadine's story has touched your heart, we invite you to consider becoming a monthly supporter of Good Counsel. Even a modest recurring gift helps provide the stability that allows mothers and children to find hope, pursue opportunity, and build a brighter future together.

Together, we can ensure that when the next mother calls looking for help, the answer remains the same: "We never tell you no. We always have room."

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Ensure every mom hears our message of hope, donate today.

goodcounselhomes.org/donate

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