Donor Stories

No Mother Walks Alone at Guiding Grace

We often hear the phrase “you’re not alone” echoed by those who have people to help them, but single mothers in tough situations do feel alone and may have little to no support. Guiding Grace steps in for mothers and their children when they need a helping hand. Moreover, the organization’s commitment to long-term support sets it apart. “We are not going to solve all the world’s problems, but we need to keep hope on the rails,” says Gina Tomes, founder of Guiding Grace. “There is no reason why these moms can’t accomplish that goal and receive the help they desire, long after their baby is born. They made the most courageous choice of all, which is life.”

Guiding Grace embodies the Catholic principle of respecting the dignity of human life. The organization provides comprehensive support, including case management, maternal care and pregnancy support, aftercare services for life, housing navigation, and material and financial assistance.

Real Support For Mothers

After 20 years of working in the maternity home space, Gina saw a critical need for extended services that went beyond temporary housing and only the most basic support. She envisioned Guiding Grace, a motherhood support network, to serve as a place where pregnant and parenting mothers could receive long-term support and the critical resources they need to succeed in the foreseeable future.

“I left the maternity home world because our waiting list was so deep,” Gina explains. “The moms that were bridging out of a maternity home or even addiction and recovery treatment – and they were coming from everywhere – desired and craved more long-term services.”

The impact of Guiding Grace’s work is evident in the stories of mothers like Emily, who found support through a similar program. Emily shares, “It just led me to be able to make decisions as being a caring mom rather than fighting against the world with myself.” Emily will soon start working as a housing manager for Guiding Grace. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of these programs. “We’re walking with the mothers who come to us for life, tackling those barriers,” Emily emphasizes. “We have an opportunity here to really help everybody.”

Guide Rails

Guiding Grace’s approach aligns closely with Catholic social teaching, addressing both corporal and spiritual works of mercy. As Gina notes, “We address things like feeding people, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked… but it’s also instructing those in need, counseling the doubtful, and consoling the sorrowful.” Guiding Grace’s range of programs is designed to support the diverse needs of pregnant and parenting mothers. These include:

Case Management: This personalized approach involves creating care plans specific to each mother’s unique situation. As Gina explains, “It’s two people working together on goals, on barriers, on life’s problems.”
Maternal Care: A rapid response program for women facing unexpected pregnancies, providing immediate support and resources.
Aftercare Program: This long-term support system ensures that mothers continue to receive services even after the most urgent needs have been met. It includes 27 different evidence-based programs and curriculums. As well as fellowship, and pathways that lead to continued sobriety, higher learning, increased income, and children’s services.
Financial Support: The organization helps offset the cost of living for mothers through material and financial incentives. This includes providing essentials like diapers, wipes, baby supplies, cleaning supplies, gas cards, grocery assistance, rent and utility assistance, and educational assistance.
Community Outreach: The organization conducts giving days and outreach programs monthly. They also have plans to expand across Nebraska and aiming to reach every county in the state.
Spiritual Support: While optional, faith-based components are offered and are often in high demand among participants. Guiding Grace, for example, offers retreats and on-going faith community activities.

Building Bridges

One of the unique aspects of Guiding Grace is its focus on long-term economic empowerment. Gina relates the importance of insightful financial education and support: “We have a plan to bridge women out of poverty. And understanding your financial history, tackling your financial barriers, and then having a plan going forward is key.”

The organization works with financial coaches and offers incentives to help mothers overcome economic challenges. From financial contributions to volunteer work and material donations, donations are always welcome. As Gina notes, even small contributions can make a significant difference: “If a working mom is parenting two kids, God forbid, her car breaks down, ten out of ten of our moms do not have the money to get that car fixed. And let’s face it, reliable transportation is necessary to be a healthy, productive parent.”

Guiding Grace’s approach is deeply rooted in Catholic values, but it’s designed to appeal to a broad range of supporters. As Gina puts it, “Our mission is something that a church can get behind, a corporation can get behind, a family can get behind, people can get behind, and say, ‘We’re walking with you.’”

The organization’s impact goes beyond just the mothers they serve. It extends to their children and even to the volunteers and staff who work with Guiding Grace. Gina envisions a future where Guiding Grace can expand its reach across Nebraska and potentially serve as a model for other communities.

She hopes to establish remote services and physical case management in various counties, particularly focusing on small towns where resources may be limited. “I think we could really get to them and help,” Gina says about reaching mothers in small towns. “There are moms feeling isolated there and without a lot of resources.” The abortion pill has rapidly spread and there are women who want to choose life, need help and are looking for a solution. We can help.

Experience That Matters

Gina emphasizes the importance of lived experience in the organization’s leadership. She envisions a future where Guiding Grace is “fully run by moms with lived experience” who have faced unexpected pregnancies and overcome barriers. Already, there’s a diverse range of experiences among those supporting mothers. They provide those in their care with someone who can relate.

For donors looking to make a meaningful impact, Guiding Grace offers a unique opportunity to support life-affirming work that extends far beyond a crisis moment. The organization’s comprehensive approach addresses immediate needs while fostering long-term stability and growth for mothers and their children.

As Gina puts it, “If we’re going to talk about it, I believe as a nation, and I think everybody, I think this resonates with both sides, the choice for life is a powerful one, and if moms are going to make that courageous choice, let’s go the distance with them.”

Donate Today

By supporting Guiding Grace, donors can help create a community where every mother and child is valued, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. This is a mission that truly embodies Catholic values and the call to serve the most vulnerable among us. Contact us to learn how we can help facilitate gifts to Guiding Grace and assist donors in setting up a fund to provide ongoing support.

With comprehensive, long-term support to mothers and children, Guiding Grace’s programs are uniquely Catholic in approach. And when combined with practical, evidence-based programs, it’s bringing positive change to the lives of vulnerable families across Nebraska.