Friends of Good Counsel meet the new babies and their moms.

Friends and supporters of the Good Counsel Cardinal Cooke Home in Spring Valley came together for an end-of-summer barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 17. It was a chance to visit with old friends, make new ones, and to meet the moms, babies, and moms-to-be who were currently living at the home.

Good Counsel has been helping single mothers and their children since 1985. A Good Counsel mom may live in the home throughout her pregnancy, and then up to a year, sometimes more, after the birth of her baby. There she is able to learn parenting skills and is encouraged to work or attend school. All the mothers share household responsibilities like cooking, cleaning, and other chores.

Nanette Morrison, of the Spring Valley home, recognizes the contributions of the young volunteers.

The homes are staffed 24/7 by professionals and who help the mothers to create a safe, healthy, long-term environment for themselves and their babies. Life-skills, health and vocational/educational services, and spiritual care are important parts of the Good Counsel program.

But so much help is needed! If you can help the moms  of Good Counsel with such things as babysitting, grocery shopping, or driving to activities — or if you can provide GED or ESL training or assistance with resume programs — please click here.

The barbecue begins with a prayer of gratitude.

And like any home, there is always repair work and maintenance that has to be done. If you are handy or if you belong to a group might be able to take on a project, please click here to see a list of Good Counsel’s special needs.

And, of course, financial assistance is always needed and will be very much appreciated.

You will be making a big difference in the lives of some very brave young women who need your help so very much — and, of course,  in the lives of their children.

Knights of Columbus from Ridgewood NJ serve up the hamburgers and hot dogs.

Two of Good Counsel's youth volunteers receive awards for their dedication.

Good Counsel's youngest volunteer holds one of the beautiful babies.

Christopher Bell, Executive Director, speaks about the work and needs of Good Counsel.

A barbecue with all the fixins -- and brownies and cake too!

Bob and Marge Reilly, chairpersons of the Spring Valley Home Leadership Team.