Who We Are

Guardian Angel Family helps women and families in crisis find the means to stay in their homes, feed their children, and find their path to independence. This framework subscribes to the ideals of pride, dignity, self respect and understanding, providing a safe haven for teenage girls, grandparents and women. Our give-away policy at our thrift store offers families without means necessary items (diapers, crib, car seat, stroller) at no cost. We want to be an oasis for these fragile families where their emotional as well as concrete needs would be met.

Guardian Angel Family was born out of a dream for women and children experiencing crisis. Their lives have been turned upside down not only by financial losses and potential evictions, but also by the loss of essential needs like food, medical care, shelter, and clothing. Our vision at Guardian Angel is to provide a therapeutic community where these families would have access to a supportive professional staff that can help guide them in the direction of restoration. We have always felt the importance of presenting the needs of struggling families who live in our community, our own backyard, to the helping hearts and hands of their fellow neighbors. We need to be a community that extends ourselves and our resources. Aristotle said, "It takes a village to raise a child." Guardian Angel Family Crisis Center feels that it takes humanity to uplift humanity for the greater good in all of us.

History

Guardian Angel Family was founded in 2004 by Barbara Costello with a vision and a hope in reaching others who felt alone in their struggles. While working as an Educational Consultant for Department of Health/Early Intervention with families experiencing crisis, and hardship, listening was at the essence of their need during their emotionally challenging times when they literally cried out for help. The time given for guidance in the direction of available resources accessible to them gave them a sense of not only hope and purpose but more so, encouragement and a desire to persevere through the process of healing that they, each in their own way, were undergoing.

The Name

The name Guardian Angel came out of hearing and believing. When assisting families with their varying degrees of needs and stressors, they began calling me their Guardian Angel for respite, relief, and help in times of trouble and hope in their pain. Knowing all of our strength comes from God and that with His Grace and Guidance, we could pass on that Light of His Love to others.

The Store

In December of '08 Guardian Angel Child became a resale boutique selling new and gently used children's clothing. The community supported us with their donations, shopping and volunteer efforts. Additionally, other local agencies collaborated with us in our efforts to reach out to women in need.

In June of '09, God prepared us for a huge step of Faith, as we moved into a larger location expanding to women, children and home goodies. Our family became an amazing support in their understanding and encouragement and their time spent volunteering. The store has a professional staff to meet the needs of families struggling. We operate under the premise of a pay it forward system, whereby you bring in a bag and receive a percentage off your purchase price.

What Next...

We are thankful for the women we are able to guide and support. At this time, we see a great need for temporary housing as a transitional base until families who are evicted can find permanent housing in their community. DSS has supported us in our efforts to insure the stability and preservation of families.