Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glory’s Garden and what is its mission?

Glory’s Garden is a faith-based nonprofit organization based in Monroe, Louisiana, dedicated to supporting families with babies in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) and PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit). The foundation was created in honor of Glory Ann Strickland, whose life and legacy inspire hope, love, and practical support for families navigating medical crises.

Our mission is to provide financial assistance, emotional encouragement, and spiritual support to families facing the unexpected challenges of intensive care hospitalization. We serve families locally in partnership with hospitals such as St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe and Children’s Hospital in New Orleans, with a long-term vision of expanding regionally.

Glory’s Garden exists so no family walks the NICU or PICU journey alone.

NICU family support organization in Monroe Louisiana started by this family celebrating new years eve 2024 at Childrens hospital new orleans

  • Families in need can be referred to Glory’s Garden through our website at www.glorysgarden.org.

    Referrals may come from:

    • Hospital social workers

    • Nurses or medical staff

    • Church leaders

    • Community members

    • Family members

    • The parents themselves

    Once a referral is submitted, our team reviews the situation to determine eligibility and level of assistance. We prioritize families currently hospitalized in NICU or PICU settings, but we also assist recently discharged families who are transitioning home.

    If you are unsure whether a family qualifies, submit the referral anyway. It’s better to ask than to assume.

  • Glory’s Garden provides practical and compassionate support during some of the most emotionally and financially overwhelming seasons of a parent’s life.

    Our support may include:

    • Meal assistance while parents remain bedside

    • Gas cards for travel to and from the hospital

    • Hotel lodging for out-of-town hospital transfers

    • Utility or bill assistance during extended hospital stays

    • Emotional and spiritual encouragement

    • Grief support for families who experience loss

    • Bridge support during the transition home

    We focus especially on families in NICU and PICU units, where long hospital stays often create unexpected financial pressure.

    Our goal is simple: remove at least one burden so parents can focus on their child.

  • Donations can be made directly through our website at www.glorysgarden.org or through our Glory 5K Run/Walk registration and donation platform.

    We accept:

    As a registered faith-based nonprofit operating under 508(c)(1)(A), we can provide documentation as needed for tax purposes.

    Every donation goes toward supporting families in crisis. Even small gifts make meaningful impact.

  • Several organizations across the United States support NICU and PICU families, including national and local charities.

    Examples include:

    • March of Dimes

    • Ronald McDonald House Charities

    • Local hospital foundations

    • Faith-based community organizations

    In Northeast Louisiana, Glory’s Garden is currently one of the only organizations specifically dedicated to direct financial and emotional support for NICU families in our region.

    We also collaborate with hospital social workers and community leaders to ensure families receive holistic care.

  • Having a baby in intensive care can be traumatic. Emotional support is critical.

    Families can seek support through:

    • Hospital counseling services

    • NICU parent support groups

    • Faith communities and pastoral care

    • Licensed therapists specializing in medical trauma

    • Online NICU parent communities

    • Grief counseling organizations

    Glory’s Garden also connects families with spiritual encouragement and community-based support systems.

    Parents often feel isolated during NICU stays. Community restores strength.

  • Extended NICU or PICU stays can lead to:

    • Lost wages

    • Travel expenses

    • Lodging costs

    • Medical bills

    • Childcare expenses for siblings

    Families may seek assistance through:

    • Hospital social services departments

    • Medicaid or state programs

    • Charity care programs

    • Local nonprofit organizations

    • Church benevolence funds

    • Glory’s Garden

    If a family is overwhelmed, the first step should be speaking with a hospital social worker. They often have knowledge of regional assistance programs.

    Glory’s Garden exists to fill the gap when those resources are not enough.

  • If you know a family with a baby in intensive care, here are meaningful ways to help:

    • Provide gas or grocery gift cards

    • Deliver meals

    • Offer childcare for siblings

    • Send handwritten encouragement

    • Pray for them

    • Donate to a NICU support nonprofit

    • Organize a small fundraiser

    • Simply sit with them without trying to “fix” the situation

    Sometimes the greatest support is consistent presence.

    And if you want to support multiple families at once, partner with Glory’s Garden.