For four decades, the Liberty Godparent Home, a maternity facility associated with Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, provided shelter to numerous young women facing unplanned pregnancies. Recently, former residents have begun to share their experiences at the home, casting a light on both the support and the pressures they encountered during their stay.
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Zoe Shaw, one such woman, arrived at the home in the early 1990s as a pregnant teenager. Now 51, Shaw vividly recalls the overwhelming emotions of being sent to the home by her mother, who was a donor to the facility. Shaw’s memories reveal a complex legacy of shame and regret, stemming primarily from the decision to place her baby daughter for adoption shortly after birth. “I had so much shame,” she reflected, noting that this loss haunted her for nearly two decades.
The Liberty Godparent Home, established in 1982 by Dr. Jerry Falwell, was pitched as a sanctuary for girls in crisis. Over the years, it served as a refuge for nearly 500 young women, many of whom were teenagers. While some former residents cite the support they received during a challenging time, others report feeling isolated and pressured into placing their children for adoption, in line with the facility’s religious ethos that prioritised child-rearing within a Christian marriage.
Stories of coercion surface in the recollections of former residents. Abbi Johnson, who spent time at the home in 2008, described feeling trapped and disillusioned. Despite her determination to raise her son, she felt her choices were severely restricted. “I felt like a caged animal,” she said, and was deeply hurt when her son’s adoptive parents cut off contact, contrary to the agreement that had been made.
Elizabeth Willett shared a similar narrative, having been dropped off at the home by her parents in 2002. She determined from the outset that she would not be giving up her baby, despite facing persistent pressure from staff. “You are about to ruin this child’s life,” was a message she faced repeatedly. Willett left the home on her 18th birthday, ultimately raising her son Isaac, who is now 23.
Former director Janelle Basham, who herself was once a resident, acknowledges the shortcomings of the institution during her stay in 1993. While she credits the home for helping her place her daughter with a loving family, she expressed her sorrow over the many mistakes made in its earlier years. “Did the Godparent Home during that era do everything right? I don’t think so … and it breaks my heart,” Basham lamented.
As of 2022, the Godparent Home is no longer accepting residents and has shifted its focus towards providing support for older pregnant women in the community. Some former residents have voiced their disappointment at the lapsing of the home’s state license, which raises questions about its operational standards. In a recent statement, officials defended the home’s legacy, asserting that they treated all who sought assistance with compassion and integrity.
The facility has also come under scrutiny from external agencies. The U.S. Department of Education has indicated that some students of the university were obliged to stay at the home as a condition of their continued enrolment, leading to discussions about the ethical implications of such practices. T.J. Raphael, the creator of the investigative podcast “Liberty Lost,” commented on the traumatic experiences shared by the women he interviewed, emphasising their resilience and the hope they emanate despite their challenging circumstances.
Shaw’s own journey of healing became evident when she reunited with her daughter, Sara Valentine, in 2010 after nearly two decades apart. Upon discovering her birth mother through determined investigation, Valentine emphasised how crucial this connection has been for her identity and sense of self. Now, as a substitute teacher and a mother of four, she has created a family of her own, continuing the legacy of love and support that had been initially severed.
Shaw’s reunion with her daughter has been both transformative and redemptive. She reflects on the joy of being part of her daughter’s life, free from the weight of shame that once consumed her. Recently, her memoir, “Stronger in the Difficult Places,” has become a platform for her to share her story, illustrating the complexities of motherhood, loss, and ultimately, reconciliation.
These experiences from the Liberty Godparent Home reveal a nuanced reality where the intentions of support collided with individual circumstances and expectations. As more women share their stories, the conversation surrounding such maternity homes continues to evolve, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in supporting young mothers.