GOOD COUNSEL INC

Financials

From the e-filed returns the IRS publishes as XML (latest three processing years; amended returns replace the original). PDF copies at the IRS.

Officers, directors and key employees

As listed on the 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025, highest compensation first.

Address and contacts

Address (IRS master file)

600 MEADOWLANDS PKWY STE 251, SECAUCUS, NJ 07094-1638

Principal officer (990 for 2025)

CHRISTOPHER BELL PRESIDENT

Signed the 990

JO-ANN VENEZIA, CEO

Phone

(845) 356-1180

Website

GOODCOUNSELHOMES.ORG

Return prepared by

RBT CPAS LLP

Mission

GOOD COUNSEL, INC. IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION ROOTED IN THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC MORALITY CONCERNING THE DIGNITY OF EVERY HUMAN PERSON. GOOD COUNSEL RECOGNIZES THE DIGNITY OF GOD-GIVEN LIFE FROM THE MOMENT OF CONCEPTION, FOSTERING A NURTURING, SAFE FAMILY ENVIRONMENT, ENCOURAGING SELF-RESPECT AND INDEPENDENCE FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS AND THEIR CHILDREN IN A DIVERSE COMMUNITY OF ALL FAITHS AND BELIEFS.

Program accomplishments

• HOUSING: IN 2025, GOOD COUNSEL PROVIDED HOUSING FOR 147 MOTHERS, A 12% INCREASE OVER 2024, REFLECTING THE GROWING NEED FOR SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE HOMES FOR PREGNANT WOMEN. DURING THE YEAR, 22 BABIES WERE BORN, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CHILDREN WELCOMED THROUGH GOOD COUNSEL HOMES TO 1,383 SINCE 1985. IN ADDITION, 93 CHILDREN WERE CARED FOR IN 2025, A 16% INCREASE FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. SECURING STABLE HOUSING DURING PREGNANCY IS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT FOR BOTH THE MOTHER AND HER UNBORN CHILD. WITHOUT A SAFE AND SECURE PLACE TO LIVE, A PREGNANT WOMAN FACES INCREASED RISKS-PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND MEDICALLY. STRESS FROM HOUSING INSTABILITY CAN LEAD TO COMPLICATIONS LIKE PREMATURE BIRTH, LOW BIRTH WEIGHT, AND POOR MATERNAL HEALTH. A STABLE HOME PROVIDES THE FOUNDATION FOR PROPER NUTRITION, REST, PRENATAL CARE, AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING-ALL ESSENTIAL FOR A HEALTHY PREGNANCY. IT ALSO GIVES AN EXPECTANT MOTHER PEACE OF MIND AND THE DIGNITY OF KNOWING SHE AND HER BABY ARE SAFE. WHEN HOUSING IS SECURE, SHE CAN FOCUS ON PREPARING FOR MOTHERHOOD RATHER THAN SURVIVING DAY TO DAY. GOOD COUNSEL BEGAN WITH A RADICAL BELIEF: NO PREGNANT WOMAN SHOULD HAVE TO WALK ALONE. REAL LOVE DOES SOMETHING. IT SHOWS UP. IT HELPS CARRY THE WEIGHT. SHEILA FROM PENNSYLVANIA KNOWS THIS FIRSTHAND. ABANDONED BY THE FATHER OF HER RECENTLY CONCEIVED BABY - WHILE CARING FOR HER THREE-YEAR-OLD AUTISTIC SON - SHE FOUND HERSELF FACING THE UNTHINKABLE. CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES TOLD HER THAT, WITHOUT STABLE HOUSING, THEY WOULD TAKE HER SON AWAY. ALONE AND DESPERATE, SHEILA REACHED OUT TO GOOD COUNSEL'S 24/7 HELPLINE. ONCE SHE SETTLED IN, SHEILA WAS ABLE TO FOCUS ON HER PREGNANCY - GO TO DOCTOR'S APPOINTMENTS, EAT HEALTHY MEALS, AND CONCENTRATE ON PARENTING HER 3-YEAR-OLD. SHE IS NOW THRIVING AND NOT JUST SURVIVING. HAVING SECURE HOUSING MADE A DIFFERENCE. EVERY WOMAN WHO COMES TO GOOD COUNSEL HAS A DIFFERENT STORY, AND THE TIMING OF HER ARRIVAL OFTEN REFLECTS THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES SHE IS FACING. SOME MOTHERS FIND US WHILE THEY ARE STILL EXPECTING, SEEKING A SAFE AND STABLE PLACE DURING PREGNANCY. OTHERS REACH OUT ONLY AFTER THEIR BABY HAS BEEN BORN, WHEN THE REALITY OF CARING FOR A NEWBORN WITHOUT SUPPORT BECOMES OVERWHELMING. MANY EXPECTANT MOTHERS COME TO GOOD COUNSEL DURING MOMENTS OF CRISIS. WITH TIME, SOME ARE ABLE TO RECONNECT WITH FAMILY MEMBERS OR SECURE HOUSING BEFORE THEIR CHILD ARRIVES. IN OTHER SITUATIONS, THE CALL COMES FROM A HOSPITAL SHORTLY AFTER DELIVERY, WHEN A MOTHER REALIZES SHE HAS NOWHERE SAFE TO BRING HER NEWBORN HOME. SOME MOTHERS MOVE FROM GOOD COUNSEL INTO THEIR OWN APARTMENT, ONLY TO REALIZE HOW OVERWHELMING LIFE WITH A NEWBORN CAN BE WHEN THEY ARE ON THEIR OWN. WITHOUT NEARBY FAMILY, EXPERIENCED GUIDANCE, OR EVERYDAY PRACTICAL HELP, THE EARLY DAYS OF MOTHERHOOD CAN QUICKLY BECOME DAUNTING. GOOD COUNSEL CONTINUES TO WALK ALONGSIDE THESE WOMEN, ENSURING THEY ARE NEVER TRULY ALONE. THROUGH ONGOING ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE, AND SUPPORT, WE HELP NEW MOTHERS GAIN THE CONFIDENCE AND STABILITY THEY NEED AS THEY BEGIN THIS NEW CHAPTER OF CARING FOR THEIR CHILD.
  Expenses $1,026,494 · revenue $7,025
• ADVOCACY: ADVOCACY PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN THE LIVES OF GOOD COUNSEL MOTHERS BECAUSE MANY ARRIVE FEELING ALONE, UNCERTAIN, AND UNSURE HOW TO WORK THROUGH THE COMPLICATED SYSTEMS THAT AFFECT THEIR LIVES. FROM FINDING STABLE HOUSING AND HEALTHCARE TO SECURING EMPLOYMENT OR UNDERSTANDING LEGAL MATTERS, THESE PROCESSES CAN BE OVERWHELMING - ESPECIALLY FOR A MOTHER ALREADY FACING A DIFFICULT SITUATION. ADVOCACY IS A VITAL PART OF OUR WORK EACH DAY. THROUGH EMAILS, LETTERS, SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND EVENTS, WE STRIVE TO EDUCATE AND INSPIRE THE BROADER COMMUNITY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF HOMELESS AND ABANDONED PREGNANT MOTHERS - AND TO TAKE MEANINGFUL ACTION. OVER THE PAST YEAR, WE ESTIMATE THAT OUR OUTREACH TOUCHED MORE THAN 100,000 INDIVIDUALS. AT GOOD COUNSEL, ADVOCACY MEANS WALKING ALONGSIDE EACH WOMAN AS SHE WORKS TO REBUILD HER LIFE. OUR TEAM HELPS MOTHERS UNDERSTAND THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THEM, CONNECT WITH ESSENTIAL SERVICES, AND NAVIGATE THE STEPS NEEDED TO CREATE STABILITY FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN. WHETHER ASSISTING WITH MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, HELPING COMPLETE BENEFIT APPLICATIONS, OR GUIDING THEM THROUGH CHALLENGING DECISIONS, ADVOCACY ENSURES THAT EVERY MOTHER HAS SOMEONE IN HER CORNER. WITH PATIENT GUIDANCE AND STEADY SUPPORT, MOTHERS GAIN THE CONFIDENCE AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO MOVE FORWARD. OVER TIME, THEY BEGIN TO RECOGNIZE THEIR OWN STRENGTH AND ABILITY TO ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES, LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR A MORE SECURE AND HOPEFUL FUTURE. ALLYSA CAME TO US FROM NEW JERSEY WHEN SHE WAS 18 WEEKS PREGNANT, CARRYING FAR MORE THAN THE WEIGHT OF HER PREGNANCY. SHE WAS STRUGGLING WITH DEPRESSION, PTSD, AND THE UNCERTAINTY OF HOMELESSNESS. WITH VERY LIMITED ENGLISH AND NO CLEAR SENSE OF WHAT THE NEXT DAY MIGHT HOLD, FEAR AND ISOLATION HAD BECOME PART OF HER DAILY LIFE. BUT WHEN ALLYSA ARRIVED AT GOOD COUNSEL, SOMETHING BEGAN TO CHANGE. IN A HOME FILLED WITH COMPASSION, PATIENCE, AND UNDERSTANDING, SHE SLOWLY STARTED TO REGAIN A SENSE OF SAFETY AND HOPE. EACH MOTHER WHO COMES TO GOOD COUNSEL MEETS WITH OUR CASE MANAGERS, WHO CAREFULLY ASSESS HER INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND DEVELOP A PLAN OF SUPPORT TAILORED SPECIFICALLY TO HER SITUATION. OUR LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR WORKS CLOSELY WITH THE MOTHERS, PROVIDING THE PROFESSIONAL CARE AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT MANY OF THEM URGENTLY NEED. THROUGH COUNSELING, GUIDANCE, AND THE STABILITY OF A SAFE HOME, MOTHERS LIKE ALLYSA BEGIN TO PROCESS THEIR TRAUMA, REBUILD THEIR CONFIDENCE, AND PREPARE FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN. AT GOOD COUNSEL, CARING FOR A MOTHER'S MENTAL HEALTH IS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF HELPING HER REBUILD HER LIFE. MANY OF THE WOMEN WHO COME TO US HAVE EXPERIENCED SERIOUS TRAUMA, INCLUDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, HOMELESSNESS, OR PROLONGED INSTABILITY. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THE IMPACT OF THESE EXPERIENCES ON MENTAL HEALTH CAN BE PROFOUND. ACCORDING TO THE CDC'S NATIONAL INTIMATE PARTNER AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE SURVEY, MORE THAN 80% OF WOMEN WHO EXPERIENCE INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE REPORT SIGNIFICANT SHORT- OR LONG-TERM EMOTIONAL IMPACTS, INCLUDING SYMPTOMS SUCH AS ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS. OTHER STUDIES HAVE FOUND THAT WOMEN WHO HAVE ENDURED INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE ARE ABOUT TWO TIMES MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY DISORDERS THAN WOMEN WHO HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED ABUSE. THESE REALITIES MAKE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT CRITICAL. FOR THIS REASON, GOOD COUNSEL PLACES A STRONG EMPHASIS ON EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CARE. THROUGH COUNSELING, COMPASSIONATE STAFF SUPPORT, AND A STABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT, MOTHERS ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAL FROM TRAUMA, REGAIN CONFIDENCE, AND BEGIN BUILDING A HEALTHIER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN.
  Expenses $2,379,600 · revenue $16,286
• OUTREACH: INTAKE STAFF RECEIVED 3,354 CALLS IN 2025 THROUGH THE 24/7 HOTLINE. GOOD COUNSEL'S 24-HOUR HOTLINE SERVES AS AN ESSENTIAL POINT OF CONTACT FOR WOMEN EXPERIENCING CRISIS PREGNANCIES OR HOMELESSNESS. AT ANY HOUR OF THE DAY OR NIGHT, MOTHERS CAN REACH A CARING VOICE READY TO LISTEN, OFFER REASSURANCE, AND HELP THEM TAKE THE NEXT STEP FORWARD. MANY OF THE WOMEN WHO CALL ARE OVERWHELMED, ISOLATED, AND UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHAT TO DO NEXT. THROUGH THE HOTLINE, THEY IMMEDIATELY CONNECT WITH SOMEONE WHO UNDERSTANDS THEIR SITUATION AND CAN GUIDE THEM TOWARD REAL SUPPORT. THIS MAY INCLUDE EMERGENCY HOUSING, CONNECTIONS TO MEDICAL CARE, COUNSELING, AND ACCESS TO THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE. OFTEN, MOTHERS REACH OUT TO GOOD COUNSEL WHEN THEY HAVE RUN OUT OF OPTIONS AND ARE FEELING FRIGHTENED AND ALONE. KENYA WAS ONE OF THOSE MOTHERS. THE SHELTER WHERE SHE HAD BEEN STAYING TOLD HER SHE COULD NO LONGER REMAIN THERE BECAUSE SHE WAS PREGNANT. WITH NOWHERE ELSE TO TURN, SHE CALLED GOOD COUNSEL. ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE FOR HER TO COME, BUT BEFORE SHE COULD ARRIVE, KENYA WENT INTO LABOR AT JUST 27 WEEKS. HER BABY BOY, KENZO, WEIGHED ONLY 2 POUNDS, 7 OUNCES, BUT THANKFULLY HE WAS HEALTHY OVERALL. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW WHETHER THE STRESS OF HER SITUATION CONTRIBUTED TO PREMATURE LABOR DURING WHAT HAD OTHERWISE BEEN A HEALTHY PREGNANCY. WHAT MATTERED MOST WAS THAT KENYA KNEW SHE AND HER BABY HAD A SAFE PLACE WAITING FOR THEM ONCE THEY WERE RELEASED FROM THE HOSPITAL. SHE NO LONGER HAD TO MAKE DESPERATE PHONE CALLS SEARCHING FOR SHELTER OR FEAR THAT HER BABY MIGHT BE TAKEN FROM HER SIMPLY BECAUSE SHE HAD NOWHERE TO LIVE. INSTEAD, SHE HAD A HOME - AND PEOPLE WHO WERE READY TO CARE FOR BOTH HER AND HER CHILD. BY ENSURING THAT HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE, GOOD COUNSEL MAKES CERTAIN THAT NO WOMAN HAS TO FACE A DIFFICULT MOMENT ALONE. FOR COUNTLESS MOTHERS, THAT FIRST CONVERSATION BECOMES THE TURNING POINT THAT LEADS THEM FROM FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY TOWARD STABILITY, HOPE, AND A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN. WE ALSO RECEIVED 1132 EMAILS REQUESTING ASSISTANCE, A 12% INCREASE WHEN COMPARED TO 2024. LAST YEAR, OUR CRISIS PREGNANCY WEBSITE WELCOMED MORE THAN 41,900 VISITS. THE SITE SERVES AS A NATIONAL RESOURCE, OFFERING INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE TO WOMEN SEEKING HELP DURING DIFFICULT MOMENTS. THROUGH THIS PLATFORM, WOMEN CAN CONNECT NOT ONLY WITH GOOD COUNSEL BUT ALSO WITH TRUSTED ORGANIZATIONS LOCATED CLOSER TO WHERE THEY LIVE, MAKING IT EASIER FOR THEM TO FIND THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES THEY NEED.
  Expenses $793,200 · revenue $5,429
• ALL OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 1.WHILE FAITH IS NEVER A REQUIREMENT FOR A MOTHER TO BE WELCOMED INTO GOOD COUNSEL, IT IS ALWAYS A JOYFUL MOMENT WHEN A MOTHER CHOOSES TO HAVE HER CHILD BAPTIZED. IN 2025, SIX BABIES AND TWO MOTHERS RECEIVED CATHOLIC BAPTISMS, AND NINE ADDITIONAL CHILDREN WERE WELCOMED THROUGH CHRISTIAN CHRISTENINGS IN OTHER FAITH TRADITIONS. THESE MOMENTS ARE MEANINGFUL CELEBRATIONS FOR THE FAMILIES AND FOR THE GOOD COUNSEL COMMUNITY, MARKING IMPORTANT MILESTONES IN THEIR SPIRITUAL LIVES. 2.THE NUMBER OF DONORS INCREASED BY 16% COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND A 21% INCREASE ON AVERAGE BETWEEN 2021-2024. THIS GROWTH SUGGESTS THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE BECOMING AWARE OF AND CONNECTING WITH OUR MISSION. OUR MESSAGE OF SUPPORTING MOTHERS AND BABIES IS REACHING A BROADER AUDIENCE, LEADING TO STRONGER ENGAGEMENT FROM THE COMMUNITY. AS MORE INDIVIDUALS CHOOSE TO SUPPORT OUR WORK, IT REFLECTS A GROWING LEVEL OF TRUST AND COMMITMENT TO THE IMPACT WE ARE MAKING. EXPANDING OUR DONOR BASE ALSO STRENGTHENS THE ORGANIZATION BY DIVERSIFYING SUPPORT, WHICH HELPS CREATE A MORE STABLE AND SUSTAINABLE FOUNDATION FOR FUNDRAISING IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
  Expenses $466,589 · revenue $3,193

What it must file and when

IRS records say it files Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N. Its accounting year ends in December, so each return is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after that.

IRS record

EIN

22-2831271

Tax-exempt status

501(c)(3): Charitable, religious, educational or scientific organization

Foundation status

Publicly supported organization (170(b)(1)(A)(vi))

Exempt since

1946

Accounting year ends

December

Files

Form 990 or 990-EZ

Category (NTEE)

Human services (P420)

Group exemption

0928: UNITED STATES CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

Assets (IRS master file)

$5,367,715

Income (IRS master file)

$6,591,460

Filing history

990-N: the IRS bulk file holds only the latest e-Postcard per organization; earlier years come from archived copies of that file since 2020 and can have gaps (the IRS e-Postcard search lists every one). 990, 990-EZ, 990-PF, 990-T: every e-filed return in the IRS e-file index since 2019; XML for the latest three processing years, amounts from the IRS Statistics of Income extracts before that. PDF copies and determination letters at the IRS (search EIN 22-2831271).

Questions about GOOD COUNSEL INC

What is the EIN of GOOD COUNSEL INC?

The employer identification number (EIN) of GOOD COUNSEL INC is 22-2831271.

Is GOOD COUNSEL INC tax-exempt?

Yes. The IRS lists it as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since 1946.

Which annual return does GOOD COUNSEL INC file?

Form 990 or 990-EZ. Based on its last return; a smaller organization may file the 990-N.

When is the next return of GOOD COUNSEL INC due?

The return for tax year 2026 (the year ending December 31, 2026) is due May 17, 2027. Form 8868 extends it by six months; the 990-N cannot be extended.

When did GOOD COUNSEL INC last file with the IRS?

The latest return in the IRS public files is the 990 for the year ended December 2025.

Who is the principal officer of GOOD COUNSEL INC?

The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 names CHRISTOPHER BELL PRESIDENT.

Who are the officers and directors of GOOD COUNSEL INC?

The 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 lists 19 people; 3 received compensation from the organization, the highest $139,676 (CHRISTOPHER BELL PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT).

How much revenue does GOOD COUNSEL INC have?

On its 990 for the year ended December 31, 2025 it reported revenue of $6,374,956, expenses of $6,232,205 and total assets of $5,367,715 at year end.

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