Gabriel Project of the Crossroads Newsletter May 2024

Anyone who recognizes the sanctity of life understands it begins at conception. Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade on June 24, 2022, the need for supporting expectant mothers has grown exponentially.
 

The Gabriel Project of the Crossroads, established in 2002, dedicates itself to accompanying women and their families through crisis pregnancies and the initial months of parenthood.

In April 2021, we launched Bethlehem Maternity Home to aid homeless women facing crisis pregnancies, along with their young children. Providing families with not just shelter, but a secure, nurturing environment where they can acquire essential life skills to navigate parenthood independently.
 

But how do we nurture the sanctity of life after birth? Our approach is holistic—we pray, encourage, educate, and above all, we exemplify Christian values. We empower mothers to succeed spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially, fostering their growth into autonomous, contributing members of society who cherish life at all stages. 

At the heart of our ministry lies our diverse, dedicated volunteers who generously share their time, talents, and resources. Some volunteers have been with us for decades, while others contribute for shorter periods. Volunteer roles vary widely from direct interaction with mothers and infants to vital support roles like administrative tasks, lawn care, and managing donations.
 

Did you know that you can volunteer remotely, from the comfort of your home? We have opportunities that require as little as a couple of hours a month, to make a significant impact.
 

Reflecting on the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we've learned the importance of innovation. We've discovered the potential of non-traditional approaches and remote work. The bravery of frontline workers during the pandemic underscored the ongoing need for dedicated individuals in all areas of service. Volunteers for The Gabriel Project of the Crossroads are the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes, advancing the cause of life's sanctity – serving mothers experiencing a crisis pregnancy.
 

As we move forward, we are redefining the volunteer experience at the Gabriel Project and the Bethlehem Maternity Home. We invite you to join us in this journey of compassion, service, and advocacy—for every life, from conception and beyond. Peace and blessings, Linda Palmer

We are thrilled to announce that Lori Muniz has joined The Gabriel Project of the Crossroads as the new Director of the Bethlehem Maternity Home!
 

Lori brings a wealth of experience in caregiving and a passion for empowering women in crisis. One aspect that makes Lori exceptionally great at her job is that she is willing to put her heart on the line, as she strives to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our expectant mothers while on their journey towards emotional, spiritual, and financial stability. 

Lori explains “Initially, women who enter the Bethlehem Maternity Home are NOT excited about the situation, after all they ARE experiencing a major crisis; a major life change is in order and uncertainty surrounds them. The BMH provides a safety net, a place for mothers experiencing a crisis pregnancy to land. The BMH provides a safety net for mothers experiencing a crisis pregnancy. It offers them a place to land, where they receive enough love to begin to love themselves and accept the gifts and blessings offered by the BMH."
 

As Director of BMH, Lori manages the home and ministry program. Some responsibilities include managing the daily schedules of residents and staff, managing daily transports to doctors, work, school and daycares. Lori also does lots of case work: assistance with job hunts, state benefits, legal assistance and providing the ear of an advocate while always giving positive feedback to build up the spirt of our mothers. Lori loves each resident whole heartily and extends respect and grace to everyone.

Lori is a native Victorian, she met her husband Michael in the 6th grade at Crain Middle School. Lori learned to become self-reliant at an early age, as she moved to Austin with her Father to finish out 8th -12thgrade. Fresh out of high school, Lori secured her a place by working for a cardiologist in Austin, where was her job to digitalize medical records before returning to Victoria, Texas.
 

In 2006, by the Grace of God and My Space - Lori reconnected with Michael, while he was serving on his 2nd deployment to Iraq while in the Marine Corps. When he returned home, they dated for 2 months and married. This year, Lori and Michael celebrate 18 years together and have two wonderful children; Mikey 16 and Khloe 15 years old.
 

Lori started her kids in Pre-K at Nazareth Academy and worked at NA as a teachers aid while the kids were in school. But then decided to homeschool instead. She wanted to be the main influencer of her children and remove as many bad influences as possible while providing a broader, more personalized educational experience. Both kids were homeschooled from 1st to 9th grade and are now rocking honors and advanced classes in public school!

Lori and her husband have always been active in the community. Michael served as Scout Master for OLV Troop 364 and is now starting a new chapter with Troop 915 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, their home parish; where he is also employed as Operations Director. Lori also dedicated three years to the Boy Scouts as Merit Badge Counselor and Summer Day Camp Director, while simultaneously serving as the Chairperson for the Junior Catholic Daughters, sponsored by the Court Daughters of the Holy Family 2665 which included 5 perishes. 

In her leisure time, Lori loves spending time with her family, including her cousins, aunts and uncles. She’s an outdoorsy person who enjoys fishing, watching her chickens and spending time with her horse and pony.
 

As Director, Lori has started initiating changes by establishing new house rules and procedures. She has revised our intake form and created an inviting office environment where residents know the door is always open for conversation or consultation. 

Lori works hard to build trust with our mothers by extending unconditional love and grace. She represents herself professionally, commands respect and holds our residents accountable for their actions and behavior which is visibly helping transform them into better human beings. She is strict, yet always has words of praise to uplift our moms. 

Lori shares, “I love my job; there are hard times and good times. I love these women and their children. I enjoy being an advocate for those in need, and they know I have their back! The most rewarding part of this job is seeing clients succeed and witnessing their spiritual growth and transformation. It’s invigorating knowing that I can directly impact their lives, and I will give everything I’ve got to change their trajectory.

It’s also wonderful to be part of many firsts for our women; for many, staying at BMH is the first time they feel safe, the first time they can trust, or the first time they’ve experienced healthcare for themselves and their babies.” All these firsts spur growth.

As for Future Visions - Lori is actively working to identify and address shortcomings of our program; such as the need for daycare services while mothers attend college and the need for affordable transitional housing, ideally with controlled rent and a chance to build credit while becoming financially independent in a healthy, clean environment.

Lori began her journey with BMH in January of 2023, working as night monitor while homeschooling her kids during the day. And as always, God’s timing kicked in - suddenly the kids wanted to go to school in Goliad and a day position opened up at BMH. 

Lori is a perfect fit for our program! Her own independence as a woman, mother and wife strengthens her insight and impact on the lives of our mothers. Lori embodies strong Christian values and serves as a true shepherd, radiating God's will, love, and kindness to everyone. We are proud to have Lori serve as our Director of Bethlehem Maternity Home! Please join us in welcoming Lori Muniz to Our Team!