“A work of God.”

This was how Conventual Franciscan Friars of the Renewal Father Benedict Groeschel referred to the work of Good Counsel Homes, Inc., which has as its mission to provide care to homeless women and their children.

Father Groeschel, a co-founder and chairman of Good Counsel Homes, Inc., was among the hundreds present for the official opening of Good Counsel Home-South Jersey, the ministry’s newest shelter in Riverside. The event, held June 26, began with Mass; Father Ian Trammell, then-director of the diocesan Office of Life and Justice Ministries and pastor of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, was principal celebrant.

Father Groeschel gave the homily, reflecting on Good Counsel Homes, Inc.’s 26-year history and how the agency has continuously served as a healthy, nurturing haven for mothers and their children who are in need of a safe, stable and supervised environment. He likened the witness of defending life to the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who gave his life at Auschwitz during World War II in place of another man who was condemned to death.

Following the Mass there was a reception and tour of the shelter, which is located on the grounds of St. Casimir Church, Riverside, giving visitors and supporters a chance to see the agency in action firsthand, and meet the nine mothers and their children, who are currently living there in residence.

Good Counsel Home-South Jersey operates round-the-clock and is staffed by JoAnn DiNoia, program director, four resident assistants and a case manager. The residence also provides full-time child care for the children.

DiNoia said the facility officially opened April 6 and welcomed its new residents two days later. Since its opening, the Good Counsel Home community has happily witnessed the arrival of three newborns, she added.

Once mothers take up residence, DiNoia said, the staff focuses on equipping them with the skills they need to care for their children and themselves and to live independently. All mothers are given assigned chores and, under the direction of the resident assistants, they will learn household maintenance skills such as budgeting and planning, preparing and cooking meals. The residents also participate in weekly workshops on parenting, education, nutrition, child growth and development, and all that goes along with trying to find a job – filling out applications, preparing a resume/cover letter and learning about interviewing skills and appropriate attire.

DiNoia said that prospective residents come to Good Counsel Home through referrals from local social service agencies as well as through the agency’s main helpline that is responsible for screening and placement of clients.

“There is definitely a feeling of home here,” said DiNoia. “Just like other homes, we eat together, watch movies together, attend life skills classes together and since the birth of the babies, there is an overwhelming feeling of peace in our home. It is wonderful to watch all the moms being so supportive of one another.”