The GPOC Insider: Q1 2025 Newsletter
A Message from the Executive Director: Reflections & Vision for 2025
As we step into a new year, I am filled with deep gratitude for all that has been accomplished since I began serving as Executive Director. The dedication, sweat equity, and love poured into this ministry by so many is truly inspiring. It is a blessing to be part of a community so invested in our mission.
The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities for renewal—renewed faith, fresh starts, and a deeper commitment to seeking God's guidance. While we celebrate the progress we have made, we also recognize that there is still much work to be done to strengthen this organization and ensure its continued longevity. I ask for your prayers as we navigate through adjustments, trusting that they will enhance transparency, improve processes, and build a stronger foundation for the ministry.
I am especially grateful for our talented and motivated Board of Directors, whose leadership and dedication will help propel us forward. With God's hand upon us, we can confidently navigate the important decisions ahead, knowing that He is guiding our path.
As we continue through Lenten season, may we take this powerful time to fast, pray, and seek His wisdom. Let us surrender our plans to Him, trusting that He will provide the strength and direction we need to grow and thrive.
Thank you for your continued support, faith, and commitment to this ministry. May God bless our journey ahead.
With Faith and Purpose,
Victoria Gonzales
Executive Director
Michelle Polasek
Michelle Polasek
Michelle Polasek
President
Vanessa DeDear
Michelle Polasek
Michelle Polasek
Fundraising Committee Chair
Shannon Martin
Michelle Polasek
Shannon Martin
Facilities Chair
Jamie Flores
Cherie Brzozowski
Shannon Martin
Board Member
Haley Daniel
Cherie Brzozowski
Cherie Brzozowski
Board Member
Cherie Brzozowski
Cherie Brzozowski
Cherie Brzozowski
New Board Member
April Butler
Caitlin Carver
Caitlin Carver
New Board Member
Caitlin Carver
Caitlin Carver
Caitlin Carver
New Board Member
Alexa Nichols
Caitlin Carver
New Board Member
Board Members Not Pictured...
Terry Robinson- Vice President
Jane Cook- Secretary
Shalee John- Treasurer
Kolton Kilgore
Kim Weitz
Dale Hartman
Frank Tilley
What they do...
We are blessed with an incredible team of board members who lead with passion, wisdom, and a heart for serving moms and babies in need. Their dedication ensures that our mission thrives, providing support, resources, and hope to families in our community.
Each board member brings unique gifts and expertise, working together to guide our organization forward. They not only help with fundraising and networking on our behalf but also go above and beyond—some even lend a hand with maintenance and landscaping at the home, ensuring a warm and welcoming space for the families we serve.
Thank you, Board Members, for all you do!
Let's Taco 'Bout Babies Group Photo
Servant Leader Award Winner
The 2024 Servant Leader Award goes to Anthony Hermes, a standout volunteer whose selfless dedication and belief in our mission exemplify true servant leadership. Anthony consistently puts others before himself, making a profound impact on the mothers and babies we serve. We are grateful for his commitment and heart for The Gabriel Project of the Crossroads!
Servant Heart Members
We are proud to recognize the following volunteers for their outstanding dedication, having each contributed 200+ hours of service to our ministry. Their selfless commitment and hard work truly embody the spirit of a servant’s heart. As Mark 9:35 reminds us, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
- Anthony Hermes – 2024 Board of Directors President, Anthony lead our maintenance and landscaping teams at the maternity home, and also tackled various IT challenges to support our operations.
- Donna Harryman – Director of Donations & Essential Supplies, Donna organizes donations, assembles bags for mothers and babies, and manages inventory. She is a key leader in our Helping Hands Christmas initiative, ensuring all donations are inventoried and Baby's First Christmas baskets are thoughtfully arranged with her support team.
Shining Light Members
We are honored to recognize our Shining Light Award recipients, who have dedicated
100-199 hours of their time in service to our mission. Their commitment and generosity illuminate the path for mothers and babies in need, bringing hope, compassion, and life-affirming support to our community. Thank you for letting your light shine so brightly!
- Linda Palmer - Mother Baby Outreach Director and Victoria County Mentor Angel
- Amy Sears - Bethlehem Maternity Home Babysitter and helper
- Amalia Guerrero - Colorado County Mentor Angel
- Therese Janacek - Colorado County Mentor Angel
New Central Office Employee
We are excited to welcome Bridget De Los Santos as the new Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director of The Gabriel Project of the Crossroads. Bridget began her part-time role in January, and what a blessing she has been! In addition to her administrative duties, she has stepped up to lead the charge in our Mother-Baby Outreach Ministry, bringing dedication and passion to the mission. Intelligent, kind, and administratively skilled, Bridget is truly an answered prayer, and we are grateful to have her on our team!
Spotlight Volunteers
Cindy Benoit
A true angel in every sense, Cindy Benoit, a Mentor Angel to Victoria County, has been a guiding light for the moms we serve. She has supported five moms this quarter, offering them encouragement, compassion, and a listening ear. Her kind and giving heart makes a lasting impact, not only on the moms she mentors but on all of us who have the joy of working alongside her.
Always willing to lend a hand, Cindy has also helped with diaper distribution and even tries to recruit others to join our mission! Her generosity and dedication are a blessing to our organization, and we are so grateful for her servant’s heart.
Thank you, Cindy, for all you do!
Michelle Babb
She’s back—and we couldn’t be more grateful! After a break, Michelle Babb has rejoined our team, and her impact has been nothing short of amazing. As our Event Director, she has been a true lifesaver, bringing her talent and passion to every event. From organizing and decorating our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to leading her team in creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere for our Let’s Taco ‘Bout Babies fundraiser, Michelle has dedicated countless hours to making our events unforgettable.
Thank you, Michelle, for your hard work, creativity, and heart for our mission. We are so blessed to have you back!
Honoring Our Departing Board Members & Volunteers
With deep gratitude, we recognize the dedication and service of our board members—Anthony Hermes (3 years) and Bonnie Hermes (3 years), Chuck Hasdorf (3 years), and Magali Silva (1 year and 6 months)—for their leadership and vision. Their efforts have strengthened our mission and touched countless lives.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our departing volunteers—Gail Hill (21 years), Fred Williams (12 years), and Linda Palmer (2 years)—who have given their time and talents to support moms and babies in need. Their kindness and commitment have made a lasting impact.
As we bid them farewell from their roles, we pray for blessings upon their next journeys.
Ministry Quarterly Updates
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Hotline Volunteers took in 81 phone calls to moms in need with compassionate care.
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Earn While You Learn educational videos were viewed by 15 participants;
203 videos were viewed to help earn essential items.
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Our Mother Baby Outreach ministry served 37 moms with small children, and 6 babies were born in this quarter.
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14 One Time Needs were met in our Mother Baby Outreach program. Also, 19 moms were served by our Mentor Angels this quarter.
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The Bethlehem Maternity home has had 7 mothers, 11 babies and children enter the home this quarter.
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We have had 4 mothers enrolled with VCC for the GED program or higher education while in the maternity home this quarter.
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Since January we have provided 32 hours of case management. Residents in the home have completed a combined 49 life skills classes. Our staff continues to focus on a Trauma Informed Care approach while offering a safe and loving environment.
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We’re gearing up for our Bi-Annual Rummage Sale April 12th, and we need your help to make it a huge success! Please donate gently used clothing, furniture, home goods, baby items, or other treasures.
Call 361.541.5695 x2
Lori Muniz
A Night to Remember: Let's Taco 'Bout Babies
Annual Bingo & Auction Fundraiser
Our biggest fundraiser of the year was a tremendous success! Thanks to the dedication and leadership of our Fundraising Committee—Chair Vanessa DeDear, Executive Director Victoria Gonzales, and members Diana Galvan, Toni Schaar, and Robbie Lauger—we met all of our goals and made a lasting impact for moms and babies in need.
We are especially grateful for the incredible support of our board members, volunteers, and donors, whose generosity made this event possible. A special thank you to Michelle Babb and her team for creating a fun and festive atmosphere, and to Ventura’s for providing a delicious meal. We are also deeply appreciative of Father Kirby for the Cathedral Center facilities.
To our table sponsors, ticket holders, and auction donors—we couldn’t have done it without you! May God bless each of you for your kindness and support.
Thank you for making this night unforgettable!
