Good Counsel Homes answer immediate need for expectant mothers in crisis
July 3, 2024 at 2:54 p.m.
Maternity shelters like Good Counsel Homes are seeing an increase in expectant mothers seeking assistance over the past two years.
“We’ve definitely seen increases in both occupancy and the number of births. At the end of 2023 we had 42 babies in our homes; the year before was 27, and in 2021 was 24,” said Jo-Ann Venezia, Good Counsel Homes CEO. “As of June, we have 24 births in 2024 already – which is amazing.”
Good Counsel Homes has been at work since 1985 with a mission to support life from conception and provide a pathway for families to thrive independently.
“We operate at or near-capacity, and even over sometimes,” said Michael Phelps, GCH parish engagement coordinator, of its Riverside home – the only one of its homes in New Jersey; the remaining three are in the Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island) and Rockland, New York.
Ten mothers can be sheltered at once at the Riverside location, and occasionally a few more, as other rooms in the home are repurposed. No expectant mother is turned away.
Beyond any connection to the Dobbs decision, Venezia feels that the increased numbers reflect growing need and greater awareness about their facility and services. “I think if people are looking for a safe place for themselves and their unborn child, they know GCH has that reputation: we do all in our power. Our mission is to provide help and support to mothers who understand the sanctity of life and want to keep their babies.”
A nationally recognized nonprofit, GCH assists not only homeless, expectant and new mothers, but also their children. GCH operates a 24/7 helpline – 800-723-8331 – to respond immediately to pregnant mothers in crisis, including those struggling with mental health or addiction.
“We’re seeing more and more women who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders or even psychosis – but we will not turn them away,” said Venezia, who has a background in nursing and psychiatry. GHC assists the mothers with finding prenatal care and counseling, even having a licensed psychotherapist on staff in Riverside who is available for appointments, all of them confidential.
In addition to shelter and supplies, GCH provides transportation for healthcare appointments and job interviews, childcare, assistance with ongoing education, GED completion and more.
As a rule, GCH does not accept government funding, allowing the homes to continue living out their Catholic identity and values. The GCH vision relies on the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Mary’s Missionaries.
“We try to expose our moms to the faith, but nobody has to be Catholic to receive help,” Phelps said.
As a liaison to parishes, he speaks at weekend Masses in different locations.
“I share what we do, what Good Counsel Homes are about, then there’s an appeal with a collection or envelopes that go home,” Phelps noted. “When I go, I bring a list of 25 items GCH always needs.”
Parishes’ responses to the visits and appeal vary. Some locations closer to the Riverside home have run baby showers on behalf of GCH.
“St. Luke Parish in Toms River has a corner reserved for ongoing collection of baby items. And St. John Neumann Parish in Mount Laurel held a concert recently and gave us the proceeds of the free will offering,” he pointed out.
“Both volunteers and staff are needed to help cover three shifts in GCH homes, as well as to speak in parishes. For more information, visit GoodCounselHomes.org, or contact Phelps, 609-221-5603, [email protected].
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Maternity shelters like Good Counsel Homes are seeing an increase in expectant mothers seeking assistance over the past two years.
“We’ve definitely seen increases in both occupancy and the number of births. At the end of 2023 we had 42 babies in our homes; the year before was 27, and in 2021 was 24,” said Jo-Ann Venezia, Good Counsel Homes CEO. “As of June, we have 24 births in 2024 already – which is amazing.”
Good Counsel Homes has been at work since 1985 with a mission to support life from conception and provide a pathway for families to thrive independently.
“We operate at or near-capacity, and even over sometimes,” said Michael Phelps, GCH parish engagement coordinator, of its Riverside home – the only one of its homes in New Jersey; the remaining three are in the Bronx, Richmond (Staten Island) and Rockland, New York.
Ten mothers can be sheltered at once at the Riverside location, and occasionally a few more, as other rooms in the home are repurposed. No expectant mother is turned away.
Beyond any connection to the Dobbs decision, Venezia feels that the increased numbers reflect growing need and greater awareness about their facility and services. “I think if people are looking for a safe place for themselves and their unborn child, they know GCH has that reputation: we do all in our power. Our mission is to provide help and support to mothers who understand the sanctity of life and want to keep their babies.”
A nationally recognized nonprofit, GCH assists not only homeless, expectant and new mothers, but also their children. GCH operates a 24/7 helpline – 800-723-8331 – to respond immediately to pregnant mothers in crisis, including those struggling with mental health or addiction.
“We’re seeing more and more women who have anxiety, depression, mood disorders or even psychosis – but we will not turn them away,” said Venezia, who has a background in nursing and psychiatry. GHC assists the mothers with finding prenatal care and counseling, even having a licensed psychotherapist on staff in Riverside who is available for appointments, all of them confidential.
In addition to shelter and supplies, GCH provides transportation for healthcare appointments and job interviews, childcare, assistance with ongoing education, GED completion and more.
As a rule, GCH does not accept government funding, allowing the homes to continue living out their Catholic identity and values. The GCH vision relies on the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel and Mary’s Missionaries.
“We try to expose our moms to the faith, but nobody has to be Catholic to receive help,” Phelps said.
As a liaison to parishes, he speaks at weekend Masses in different locations.
“I share what we do, what Good Counsel Homes are about, then there’s an appeal with a collection or envelopes that go home,” Phelps noted. “When I go, I bring a list of 25 items GCH always needs.”
Parishes’ responses to the visits and appeal vary. Some locations closer to the Riverside home have run baby showers on behalf of GCH.
“St. Luke Parish in Toms River has a corner reserved for ongoing collection of baby items. And St. John Neumann Parish in Mount Laurel held a concert recently and gave us the proceeds of the free will offering,” he pointed out.
“Both volunteers and staff are needed to help cover three shifts in GCH homes, as well as to speak in parishes. For more information, visit GoodCounselHomes.org, or contact Phelps, 609-221-5603, [email protected].