By Mary Stadnyk | Associate Editor

“Tess” recalled the mix of emotions she experienced when she first learned that she was pregnant. As a single mother, she was scared and stressed because she was alone and uncertain about her future. She knew that she was “not ready to be a mother.” On the other hand, she was “happy” and full of love for the unborn baby that she was carrying.

Though Tess had been living with her godmother, she “had to leave and I did not know where I was going to go.” Internet research led Tess to find Good Counsel Homes-South Jersey, which is a haven located in Riverside and provides assistance to single, homeless pregnant women and their children.

“I knew I could have this baby and be a mother even though it would be hard; with God’s help I knew I could do it,” said Jess who is now the mother of a beautiful baby girl. “…It is a safe and secure place with a loving staff to help.”

As a way to show her appreciation for the love and care she received from Good Counsel Homes-South Jersey, Tess will be on hand to support all who participate in the May 31 walk-a-thon that’s planned to raise funds for the organization. Within the Diocese of Trenton, the walks will be held in Burlington County Memorial Park, 2300 Block Lenola Rd., Cinnaminson, and Laurel Acres Park, 100 Mount Laurel Rd., Mount Laurel. Locations outside the diocese include Cape May County: Wildwood Boardwalk at E. Burke Ave., Wildwood; Gloucester County: James G. Atkinson Memorial Park, 138 Bethel Mill Rd., Hurffville; and Camden County: Cooper River Park, North Park Dr., Pennsauken.

JoAnn DiNoia, who serves on the Good Counsel-South Jersey staff and works with development and fundraising, noted that Good Counsel Homes-South Jersey operates round-the-clock with a staff comprised of a full-time house manager, case manager, childcare supervisor and seven others including part-time maintenance. There is also a core of volunteers who assist with childcare needs and watching the babies while their mothers participate in the Life Skills program that’s offered in the evening.

DiNoia noted that the home is currently “blessed” to have in residence 10 mothers and nine babies, including three toddler girls.

“The newest baby boy, Julian, born April 28 – brings the number to 36 babies born in our home,” she said, then added that “three more babies are due at the end of June and they’re all boys!”

The background of the mothers vary from one mother who works and attend classes for pharmaceutical technology, another who attends culinary school in Philadelphia, another working as dental assistant in Philadelphia. Other mothers are enrolled in community colleges and one GCH “graduate” mom was recently admitted to Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing.

As a non-profit agency that is totally supported by donations, individuals and priests in both the Trenton and Camden Diocese have continued to support GCH through the agency’s “Baby Bottle Appeal” which is conducted in parishes, DiNoia said.

“Fund raising is our main source of income,” she said, then noted that the walk-a-thon is a major fundraiser as is the annual banquet that’s held each October.

“Our mothers have experienced great loss, difficult transitions, trauma or maltreatment causing them to form unhealthy attachments in addition to other significant issues,” DiNoia reflected as she offered encouragement for folks to come out to one of the walk-a-thons on May 31 – whether they choose to walk or serve as a source of support.

“To form strong and healthy attachments with their babies, our mothers must experience positive relationships with caring adults. That is what Good Counsel provides.”

Registration for the walk-a-thons will be held from 8:30-10 a.m. with the walks taking place from 9 a.m. to noon. To learn more information about the walk-a-thon or to obtain registration forms, contact DiNoia at 609-387-2928 or email: [email protected]. Private walk-a-thon donations may be set up at http://www.goodcounselhomes.org/walkforme.