May 5, 2010

Mother helped by Gabriel Project gives back to the ministry

By Julie Filby

Jacqueline Basehar thought long and hard before selecting the name Gabriel Michael for her son.

“I named him after the archangel Gabriel, as well as Michael,” she said. “I figured he was going to need all the blessing and protection he could get since I was a single teen mom.”

Basehar was a 17-year-old junior in high school in 1999, living with her father in Parker, when she discovered she was pregnant. Feeling overwhelmed and uncertain, she found support in her family, in a Douglas County program for teenage mothers, and in her faith community through her parish and the Gabriel Project.

After sharing the news with a youth minister “Laura” at her parish, Ave Maria in Parker (of the Diocese of Colorado Springs), Laura served as a liaison between Basehar and the Gabriel Project.

“Laura went to the Gabriel Project and picked up baby stuff for me, lots of clothes and blankets. The ministry was so generous,” she said. “Without the Gabriel Project I wouldn’t have been able to provide my son with the necessities he needed.”

Basehar left traditional high school and attended Eagle Academy alternative high school at night and worked part-time during the day. On July 10, 2000, she gave birth to Gabriel. The following January she earned a high school degree.
“I knew I had to get my act together—every decision I made affected my child,” she said. “I had a lot of support, but it was really hard.”

Approximately three years later, Basehar reconnected with Gabriel’s father, Derek. In 2007, the two were married. The couple now has three children: Gabriel, 9; Martin, 4; and Eathen, 7 months.

Nearly 10 years after her experience with the Gabriel Project, Basehar feels compelled to give back to the ministry. She also gives back to Ave Maria Parish by teaching weekly religious education classes.

“I’m finally at a point in my life that I can return the generosity that was once given to me,” she said. “There are so many women out there that are in the shoes I once filled. My way of saying ‘thanks’ is to give back.”

The Basehars recently made a large donation of baby items to the Gabriel Project. When dropping off the items, volunteers were thrilled to meet Gabriel, one of the first children assisted by the ministry as it was initially starting up in the Denver Archdiocese. They asked Basehar if she would share her story with the Denver Catholic Register.

“I was nervous about sharing my story, but I’m glad I did,” she said. “In the present and in the future, I will always recommend the Gabriel Project.”

To donate or find out more about the Gabriel Project, call 303-715-3205, e-mail  or visit  (Office, Respect Life). Donations may be dropped off at the Respect Life Office at 1300 S. Steele St. in Denver, or at the Gabriel House at 1341 S. Oneida St. in Denver (Wednesdays, Friday or Saturdays, call for hours).