Gina’s Story
Washington Examiner: At Bethlehem House, We Believe Loving Families Will Change the World
It’s early in the morning at Bethlehem House, and our campus is already bustling with activity as children get ready for school, mothers prep for a busy workday, and some of the grandparents that live on the grounds step out for a morning walk. I smile as different people wave good morning — our community is like a large extended family.
It’s a community we’ve spent decades building. Nearly 20 years ago, a group of friends and I were heartbroken to see so many broken families in our community and the women who suffered as a result. We knew that the “quick fix” of abortion was not the answer for pregnant women struggling with poverty, addiction, and homelessness — but what hope did they or their children have?
We came up with an action-oriented solution to address the root causes of their suffering: the Bethlehem House. The Bethlehem House is a maternity home that helps women who choose life to break their addictions, achieve educational degrees and career goals, and become financially independent. Most importantly, our solution allows them to keep their children and be a part of a family.
Fox News Livin’ The Bream Podcast: You’re Never Alone: The Remarkable Story of Bethlehem House
Gina Tomes joins Fox News’ Shannon Bream to discuss her work with Bethlehem House, a maternity home in Nebraska offering pregnant mothers housing, hope, and, most importantly, a community of support.
Spicer & Co: Nonprofit Maternity Home Protects the Unborn
Gina Tomes joins Newsmax to discuss her work with Bethlehem House, a maternity home in Nebraska offering pregnant mothers housing, hope, and, most importantly, a community of support.
Townhall: Picking Up the Pieces: How I Help Women Rebuild Their Lives
After earning a Human Services degree, I returned to Bethlehem House to help with its new Aftercare program, and to do case management for the residents. Many of the incoming women came from backgrounds resembling my own, and I realized that my suffering and transformation had powerfully equipped me to empathize with them, and to help them radically rebuild their lives.
Suddenly it all made sense. I knew God was using my past for great things and asking me to show the path forward to the countless broken women who came after me. And ever since, I’ve fought to be the best possible version of myself to fulfill this calling, and to show every resident what she is capable of. Nearly all the women here have been shocked to learn that I was once just like them. I myself can barely believe that I am now 17-years sober, an accomplished professional working two jobs, and a homeowner with dreams and goals that I am actively pursuing.
The secret ingredient? Recognizing that though the journey is tough, there are people who will love and support you along the way. The first step is quite simply to believe in yourself. That’s what I tell each new woman entering our home and beginning her journey. I will believe in you until you believe in yourself – I will love you until you love yourself.
And the greatest joy of all is watching them slowly discover how immeasurably they are loved.
