Statements
Mission
Our mission statement "Begin Anew empowers individuals to overcome obstacles caused by poverty by providing education, mentoring, and resources," encapsulates our belief that poverty is complex and requires a comprehensive approach. The knowledge that poverty is multi-generational is the impetus behind our vision statement: "teaching one generation to change the next." Begin Anew approaches program delivery through the framework of core values: We believe everyone deserves a chance to begin anew and walk a journey to a brighter future. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (ESV). We address economic poverty through education opportunities, social poverty through mentoring and building community, and spiritual poverty by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Begin Anew serves the increasing number of adults whose lack of education puts them in a vulnerable and often neglected population. In 2022, 63 Begin Anew students earned the title of "Graduate." Whether they obtained High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas, increased English Language Learning (ELL), or learned new Computer and Job Skills, these adult students succeeded. We also celebrate that 65% of the 330 students we served, continue to make forward progress or graduated. In addition, we help students meet basic needs by referring them to essential community resources.
Background
Established in 1997 as Christian Women's Job Corp of Middle Tennessee (CWJC), Begin Anew brings over 25 years of experience working with adult learners to change the trajectory of lives for individuals and their families.
In 1996, Creely Wilson, Director of Nashville Baptist Association WMU Leadership Team, learned of the newly developed and piloted ministry model, Christian Women's Job Corps (CWJC). The model was developed to minister to women in need and equip them to rise up out of poverty. Creely shared her vision with Candy Phillips, the Associate Director of the Nashville Baptist Association's WMU Leadership Team. They both recognized the potential to help women in Nashville. With their support, the partnership of the Southern Baptist Women's Missionary Union, and the Nashville Baptist Association, the WMU Leadership Team voted to establish CWJC - Nashville.
In October of 1997, the first ten women enrolled in CWJC-Nashville. During the first five years, the ministry based at Lockeland Baptist Church served women in need in the Nashville area under the non-profit status of the Nashville Baptist Association. During this time, the ministry received the prestigious Samaritan Award by World Magazine which recognizes effective compassion for the most vulnerable in America and the CWJC Site Award by National WMU.
In February 2003, CWJC-Nashville became an independent non-profit organization. In 2006 the name changed to CWJC of Middle Tennessee, and in 2016, the organization's name changed again to Begin Anew of Middle Tennessee.
Adult education programming is offered in downtown Nashville (since 1997), Madison (2007), and Williamson County (since 2007). In 2010 and 2011, Men's programs were added to the Franklin and Madison sites, and a site was established for both men and women in the Woodbine area in 2016. All programs, including childcare, are provided at no cost to enrolled students.
Begin Anew provides equal opportunity for all students, employees, and volunteers without discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Begin Anew is open to persons of all cultures and faith.
Impact
In 2022, Begin Anew served 330 adults by providing three educational tracks, mentoring, small Community Groups, and referrals to needed resources, such as counseling, rent assistance, employment help, etc. Additionally, 68 children, of enrolled adult students, participated in Children's Programming, which included homework assistance, adventurous Bible story reading, arts/crafts, and a nurturing environment enabling their parents to attend class. Begin Anew graduated 63 adults from HSE (High School Equivalency), ELL(English Language Learners), and/or Job/Computer Skills with the majority of the remaining adult students continuing to make forward progress.
Begin Anew utilizes a volunteer approach to program delivery. In 2022, over 300 volunteers donated 5,166 hours of time. The value of their time for tutoring, mentoring, instructing, working on special events and other projects, and serving as childcare workers amounted to over $134,000 in value of time given.
For 2023, our goals include:
* Provide English Language Learning (ELL) Levels 1, 2, and 3, High School Equivalency (HSE), and Job/Computer Skills to a minimum of 300 men/women
* Provide free children's programs to a minimum of 65 children (available to enrolled adult students only)
* Recruit an adequate number of volunteers to perform the educational, relationship, and children programming services necessary to help students achieve desired success
* Partner with other organizations for resource referrals to meet student needs
Needs
Volunteers provide a critical service to Begin Anew by contributing their time and expertise in the following ways:
*Mentors/encouragers commit to meeting with a student once a week for a one-year period providing the student with a listening and supportive relationship
*English Language Learners (ELL) and High School Equivalency (HSE) teachers lead classes for students in their respective areas of expertise
*Tutors work with students one-on-one or in small groups on a specific subject matter
*Clerical/administrative volunteers aid with organizational and/or clerical duties as needed
*Prayer partners who provide prayer support for one or two adult students on a weekly basis for a 6-month period
*Fundraising volunteers work on our special event committees or for peer-to-peer fundraising
Start the volunteer process by filling out an application on the website, calling 615-244-3669, or emailing volunteer@beginanew.org.
You might also consider becoming a financial partner to support programs and individuals served or supply in-kind donations such as individually wrapped children's snacks and office supplies
CEO Statement
Numerous barriers exist for adult students. Addressing these barriers is how Begin Anew operates uniquely in the Middle TN community.
*Class times and hours - The majority of our students are at 200% of the poverty level or below and working multiple jobs. Programs are offered during evening hours in order for students to be able to work and attend classes.
*Transportation - Our sites are accessible from bus routes. Vouchers are provided for individuals unable to purchase tickets.
*Program affordability - Fees are not charged for any programs or services.
*Children's Programming - Free Children's Programing is provided enabling many adult students to participate in classes.
*Meals - Meals are provided at some sites before classes begin which creates community, supports those unable to afford healthy meals, and strengthens a foundation for learning.
*Motivation - Begin Anew operates an intensely relational learning model by matching adult learners with encouragers/mentors providing a listening environment and helping students reach their ultimate goal.
*Community - Begin Anew believes in the power of social and peer-to-peer support. Community Groups foster interaction and allow our students the opportunity to express themselves and share life situations while learning in a faith-based context.
*Resources - A critical mission component for Begin Anew is resource referral which addresses basic needs. Many comprehensive challenges surface during their journey at Begin Anew, such as counseling services, rent assistance, nutrition program, employment, and unemployment services.
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Education - Adult Education |
| Secondary Category: | Human Services - Human Services |
| Tertiary Category: | Religion- Related - Christianity |
Areas Served
Throughout Middle Tennessee, we serve adult students, primarily 18 years of age or older, at any of our campuses with three located in Davidson County (Downtown Nashville, Woodbine, and Madison) and one campus located in Williamson County (Franklin)
| TN - Davidson |
| TN - Williamson |
