In the heart of Lynchburg, Virginia, the Liberty Godparent Home has long served as a refuge for expectant mothers in crisis, offering support and guidance to those grappling with difficult circumstances. Among those who found solace at the facility in the early 2000s is Wendy Cabell, who credits the home with not only saving her life but also providing her child with a loving adoptive family.
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When she arrived at the Liberty Godparent Home at the age of 22, Cabell was five months pregnant with her second child. At that time, she was battling substance addiction and struggling to care for her firstborn son, Bryson. With limited resources and confronted by her past troubles, she sought refuge at the centre, a longstanding establishment created in 1982 by Dr. Jerry Falwell, a prominent religious figure and founder of Liberty University.
Reflecting on her experience, Cabell shared, “I would not be here today if it was not for them.” She emphasised the transformational role the home played in her journey towards sobriety and self-discovery. Benefits extended beyond personal growth as she also chose adoptive parents for her newborn son, Hayden, establishing what she describes as an open adoption.
While Cabell’s story highlights the positive impact of the Liberty Godparent Home, other former residents have voiced contrasting experiences. In a recent feature by *PEOPLE* magazine, women like Abbi Johnson and Dr. Zoe Shaw expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming they felt coerced into placing their children for adoption with families that adhered to the conservative Christian values espoused by Falwell and his supporters.
The home’s officials have asserted that they strive to treat every individual with compassion and integrity, defending their legacy as a support facility for vulnerable mothers. However, the disparity in experiences shared by former residents prompts questions about the environment and expectations set within the centre.
As of 2022, the Godparent Home’s state-issued licence had expired, and it no longer operates as a maternity residence. Instead, it has shifted its focus towards supporting older pregnant women in the local community. The facility is one of nearly 500 such maternity homes throughout the United States, which come in varied forms, often influenced by the anti-abortion movement and distinct ideologies regarding assistance for pregnant women in crisis.
Julie Raphael, who explored the home through the acclaimed podcast *Liberty Lost*, revealed the often traumatic experiences shared by former residents. She noted that many women recounted their time at the Liberty Godparent Home as deeply distressing, leaving long-lasting scars.
Despite the challenges faced by some, Cabell’s journey has been one of healing. After being accepted into the home, she engaged in classes on parenting and adoption, connected with her faith, and developed a renewed sense of responsibility. She took on tasks around the facility, forming mentorship bonds with other young mothers.
Three days after giving birth to Hayden, she made the difficult decision to place him up for adoption. Reflecting on this choice, Cabell recalled the absence of pressure from staff, stating, “It was tough… but looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.”
Another former resident, Janelle Basham, also shared a positive experience from her time at the Godparent Home in the 1990s, where she opted for an initially closed adoption for her daughter, Katherine. Encouraged by supportive staff, Basham has maintained an active role in Katherine’s life since she was eight years old.
Transitioning from resident to advocate, Basham eventually became the executive director of the Godparent Home, a position she held for six years. She has expressed concern over the changes the facility underwent since her own time there, advocating for the need to ensure that mothers are treated with respect and dignity.
Following her departure from the Godparent Home, Cabell found love once again and started a family with her current husband. Their three sons, including Bryson, Nehemiah, and Mason, maintain a close relationship with Hayden, who has grown into a 23-year-old college student. Cabell cherishes the open lines of communication they share, with Hayden affectionately referring to her as his “belly mom.”
As the Liberty Godparent Home continues to adapt and navigate its future, the contrasting narratives of former residents underscore the complexities of such institutions. For those like Wendy Cabell, the home represented a turning point; for others, a place of challenging experiences. The dialogue surrounding the facility’s legacy remains vital as it evolves to meet the needs of its community.