Hello my name is Latoya Primm I have been going to BeingAnew for some years and all I can say is the teachers and tutorials do take pride in helping the students achieve there goals I first found out about this program though a friend who Graduated in 2019 I do believe. I have Mastered all my Hi-set testing and I'm down to my final last one . I can't wait so I can be proud of myself and achieve my goal.plus walk the stage in my cap in gown thank you #1
As a volunteer Math tutor at Begin Anew, I have had the pleasure of working with Adult students taking the HiSET exam. I have witnessed firsthand how impactful the organization has been in providing subject materials as well as facilitating and scheduling exams. Throughout the semester, The Program Coordinator partners directly with both the student and the tutor to ensure the student is on track to succeed at their respective goal. It is truly gratifying to be part of an organization that is committed to empowering individuals to achieve upward mobility in Middle Tenessee
Begin Anew gives men and women a second chance by helping them with their education, their job skills and their personal journey. I have been a volunteer, a Bible Study teacher and a donor for almost 20 years. The teaching, the mentoring and the leadership has always been sound and consistent. I have seen many lives changed by Begin Anew. When one student achieves their goals, their whole family is touched. The graduates not only improve their life, but they become role models for their children, their spouses and their brothers and sisters.
Begin Anew is amazing they care they are committed to helping the students succeed. I love that we can go at our own pace instead of feeling left behind on learning. The volunteers are absolutely hands down phenomenal they show up teach and encourage every week. Tanya is the best she reached out she cares and is very supportive understanding and she encourages the students as well!
Being an online volunteer is the best!! Getting to partner with a student to reach their goals even while I travel for work offers me the best of both worlds. Begin Anew is an amazing community to give back and yet receive so much. Grateful for this organization!!
I love being able to practice at my own pace and enter acting with others my daughter love going mrs.tanya the best always helpful and caring
I have loved being a volunteer tutor with Begin Anew. The staff are welcoming and responsive, the students are engaged and committed. It feels great to see a student progress towards their goals!
As a new board member for Begin Anew, you quickly realize this is a mission driven organization with leaders, team members, and volunteers who genuinely want to serve students. There is a significant difference between a mission statement written on a website vs one that is living and breathing. Begin Anew is real, driven by compassion and faith. We strive to connect students from all backgrounds to the resources and mentoring they are seeking. When this connection is made it is powerful! I am privileged to be part of Begin Anew and can't wait to see what the future holds for this organization.
Carey Hill
Loved the mission of Begin Anew when I learned about them through my church. When I started to volunteer at the Franklin campus a year ago, I was blown away by the diversity of students from so many different nations: packfic rim countries, South American Countries, the Middle East, Ukraine, Central American countries, Mexico, Nepal, India, and more! I love the opportunity as a voiunteer to work with students as a small group, but also individually, helping them to learn and be in a better position to get better jobs. My favorite part is sharing my faith with them, helping them learn about the hope that is available in any and all of their circumstances, when they put their faith and trust in Christ.
Begin Anew has been an open door that God uses to bless me. Complete the English as a Second Language program in December after one year of study. I'm currently in High School Equivalence. Excellence, professionalism, quality education and a lot of kindness is what I have found in this program in the Woodbine’s location, Christopher and the whole team of volunteers is really incredible. My daughter loves the Daycare teachers, they are very loving and patient. God bless all those who make this program possible. They’re very special!
Yesica, a June 2022 English Language Learning Graduate, and December 2023 High School Equivalency Graduate shared, “Receiving my diploma changed my life and opened doors to opportunities I once thought were unreachable, like the possibility of studying to be a Nurse Assistant or Real Estate Agent, or why not, feel capable enough to be promoted at my job. I will always talk about my experience, how proud I feel of everyone deciding to get better and be better, and how, here at Begin Anew, we make things happen in God’s name…. Don’t give up on your dreams…”
I think the volunteers at Begin Anew are amazing. They invest their time to help students understand and then push them to achieve their skills so they can pass the HiSET test. My experience with the Begin Anew volunteers has helped me master all the HiSET tests I have taken. I only have one left, which is math. I am so close to walking the stage and getting my diploma with the help of great tutors who want to see everyone fulfill their dreams. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to help. Begin Anew has the best volunteers. - LaToya, Begin Anew Student
Being a part of the Mission Team that first heard of Begin Anew's program, we felt this is what we need here in Middle Tennessee to help individuals overcome their poverty issues. Now, twenty-seven years later to see and hear testimonies of graduates and volunteers, our community is a better place. Watching this develop I have admired and appreciated volunteers of various talents, time and abilities who continue to contribute to Begin Anew. There is a place for all to have a part in helping adult students anxious to do better for themselves. This holist approach allows them to make choices that change their circumstance and their lives at no cost to them.
I had the opportunity to both sit on the Board and volunteer with Begin Anew. It is an incredible organization that is truly helping in our community. I tell everyone about how amazing they are! I am proud to be a part of Begin Anew!
As a former High School Equivalency student at the Nashville Campus, my journey with Begin Anew has been nothing short of transformative. With aspirations to pursue Business Administration upon completion of the program, I am now on track to realize that dream, thanks to the unwavering support and guidance of the dedicated teachers, mentors, and staff at Begin Anew. Their impact on the lives of students like myself is truly remarkable, and I stand as living proof of the difference they make. Currently enrolled in Business Administration and Management, I am witnessing my aspirations turn into reality, fueled by the invaluable lessons and encouragement I received through Begin Anew. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone at Begin Anew for their tireless dedication and commitment to empowering individuals to achieve their goals. May God's infinite mercy continue to shower blessings upon you and your organization abundantly. Thank you immensely for all that you do!
I’ve worked with many nonprofits over the years both in leadership and on the ground, and this is by far one of my favorites! Every volunteer, employee, and member of organizational leader that I’ve met is dedicated to the mission of Begin Anew and serves each student with care, dignity, and enthusiasm, celebrating their accomplishments in education and in life. It’s my pleasure to support Begin Anew!
Begin Anew is wonderful nonprofit, providing resources and connections within Middle Tennessee. Over my three and a half years as a tutor for the organization, I have gained so much from the women I serve; I’m constantly inspired by their resilience and determination in improving their lives. Begin Anew has also enabled me to do what I love to do—teaching—while also helping me hone my ability to adapt and improve lessons to meet participant needs. I highly recommend this organization for those looking for HiSET resources or wishing to volunteer and donate.
I absolutely adore tutoring for Begin Anew of Middle Tennessee. Seeing how excited everyone is to learn is such a wonderful feeling. I'm so grateful I get to be a part of this beautiful community.
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Begin Anew gave me the opportunity as a student to volunteer doing something I love! I have loved working with this organization and each of the students who participate.
I have been volunteering with Begin Anew for over two and a half years in the Woodbine campus as an English Level 1 teacher. The staff and board are really supportive of the students and volunteers. Every week I find myself looking forward to spending time with my class, it’s very fulfilling to see my students grow, become more confident and conquer their fears of speaking English.
I hope that I continue partnering with Begin Anew for many years to come.
I have been with Begin Anew for over 4 years I believe. I have been a student for so long and they never failed me. There are times I feel myself discouraged when it comes to life. I find there are things always trying to tear me down but Begin Anew picks me right back up and let's me know I'm not alone. They are a most encouraging school and have the very best, when it comes to learning. The Bible study has the most comfortable atmosphere and you can just feel so much love that is offered when you attend. The teachers are most helpful and loving. They strive to make sure they can help you through any educational blocks you encounter, through abundant patience. The hardest part is making that first step and Begin Anew is here to make sure you are on your way to success.
I have volunteered at Begin Anew working with students in Bible study at the Madison campus since August 2011. I have enjoyed seeing students grow in their knowledge of God’s word. Watching how the strong faith of students gives them strength to overcome huge obstacles in their life has been a blessing to me. Also, the way the students encourage each other is amazing! They truly care for each other and rejoice over each victory and help a fellow student over a bump in the road and rise to a challenge after a failing test score. I love this ministry and I have witnessed many successful graduates celebrating with their parents, children and friends because they can see a brighter future ahead.
I am a High School Equivalency student at the Nashville Campus with plans to enroll in seminary school after graduating Begin Anew. Thank you Begin Anew (teachers, mentors, and staff) for doing something significant in the lives of the students you serve. I am a part of this effect. May God in his infinite mercy continue to bless you and your organization abundantly. Thank you so much for all you do!
I am a student at Begin Anew in Franklin. They have helped me so much. First, they help me with my English. Then, they help me pass my exams to earn my high school diploma. The people here are so nice and they care so much about us. I hope to get into college soon. I am still working on my English, too.
Thank you, Begin Anew! You have blessed me and my family so much.
I have been involved with Begin Anew for around 15 years. I have served in many different capacities and am still learning. I LOVE that this incredible impact on human lives is accomplished through the generous hearts of volunteers who share of themselves to make the lives of others better. Little acts, one by one, come together to make BIG change. The power of love. The power of a person to step out and know another, love another, and build community with them. Real transformation happens in front of your very eyes and it's such a beautiful thing. And the joy that is returned to you seems even stronger than what you've given. I am so honored to be surrounded by such incredible people. Those who love their neighbor, even when their neighbor doesn't look exactly like them.
Begin Anew -Who doesn’t like a fresh start? the very essence of this organization is helping adult students to close the gap in language and educational barriers that limit their ability to make a better life for themselves and their families. I am a new volunteer this year. I felt God calling me to assist where I can after retiring from a 40 year career in business. My hearts desire is to be able to share job skills and offer assistance to the organization. I am serving on the Spring Fundraising event committee and have met and reconnected with wonderful and loving people who live out the mission of Begin Anew; ministering to the whole person of their students.
Education is the key to life-changing transformation. Begin Anew provides that education while supporting the entire person. The stories of those helped by Begin Anew are inspiring and I’m happy to be a financial supporter of this amazing organization. I know that my dollars are being used wisely to do important work.
Begin Anew carries out the work to lift up those whose only barrier to success is a hiccup in their education journey. Begin Anew provides a trusted solution to opening career opportunities to those in our community who could become a statistic academics, industry leaders, and social Justice warriors warn us are casualties when education is inaccessible to those most in need. Education is the key to making someone’s life the best it can possibly be. Begin Anew creates lifelong opportunities for everyone they serve
Begin Anew helps individuals improve their english skills and much more. Education is important to me because it opens doors for the underserved and everyone deserves an education. I am proud to share that while living at Fountains, I met two amazing women who are taking classes at Begin Anew. They can now read, write, and speak English in new, old, and appropriate settings. These women enter my apartment weekly with smiles and pleasant greetings. Thank you Begin Anew for transforming their lives. I am proud to be a donor.
I've been connected with Begin Anew for approximately a year now and serve on the board and finance committee. I've witnessed firsthand the impacting multiple generations because my father was the first in his family to obtain a college degree via the GI Bill after serving during the Korean War. My father went on to teach engineering briefly at the University of Tennessee and obtained his Masters Degree from the University of Michigan while my mom was pregnant with me. I've followed in my father's footsteps although in reverse order by teaching at the college level at the end of my career two years full-time at Belmont and adjunct at Lipscomb University and MTSU. I see the power of education changing lives and families. Begin Anew focuses on the most important individuals being those at the margins of our education system. I believe a significant flaw in our K-12 and post-secondary education system in the US is that we tend to focus on what the student CAN'T do instead of encouraging them in what they CAN do. I believe Begin Anew follows a positive approach of encouragement and also provides some wrap around services to support parents as they pursue their education. I'm humbled and honored to serve as a Begin Anew team member at the board level.
I remember when Christian Women's Job Corp began in the Nashville area around 25 years ago. It was a much-needed ministry for women who were struggling to take care of their families. The program's motto was "A hand up, not a hand-out," and it helped women study for their GED, learn job skills, and learn more about Jesus through Bible study. Free childcare was offered. Eventually, CWJC opened its program to include men. A few years ago, the name was changed to Begin Anew which helps signify the new beginnings women and men can experience in their lives. I have been a volunteer several times in the past and now serve on the Executive Board of the organization as the Woman's Missionary Union representative. I have seen first-hand how families have been touched by the ministry of Begin Anew! Sharon Lunsford Tyler
I have been working with Begin Anew for about 2 year now, first as a board intern and now as a full-time board member. They make such an incredible and significant impact in the lives of their students and their families. Each of the students has overcome great obstacles and continues to pursue their education for the betterment of their life and it is truly inspiring to be a part of.
Begin Anew has a local focus of attacking the poverty cycle at its origin. By providing education, Begin Anew is strengthening future families and the TN workforce on a daily basis.
I have been a volunteer at Begin Anew for 5 years and have been serving on its Board for a year. This organization continues to amaze me at how well it is managed as well as the broad based outreach of support for the students. This outreach ranges from educational through the vast array of programs, to the spiritual with Bible studies and prayer partners, to the practical - such as finding people who offer free tax advice bilingual to the students. This program is truly a blessing to the greater Nashville community!
I believe Begin Anew's success in helping students obtain their High School Equivalency can be attributed to the extras they provide for the students, such as tutors, mentors to encourage them in their journey, weekly Bible study and child care. I have heard students talk about how much they enjoy Bible Study, and without child care, some would not be able to attend classes. We all need encouragement, so mentors can play a very important role in a student's journey. I personally know someone who has graduated from the English Language Learners classes, which are so needed. Begin Anew is a wonderful program that helps many people!
Begin Anew is a wonderful organization that is committed to serving this community through education. The tireless workers and volunteers do so much and the students are simply amazing. I am proud to be associated with Begin Anew.
Begin Anew is an amazing organization - driving positive change in the lives of every student served. The long term impact of the focus on education and spiritual growth will be felt for generations to come.
Watching how this organization is growing and impacting so many lives throughout Middle Tennessee fills my heart with so much joy!
- Joy that the cycle of poverty is being broken.
- Joy that people are following their dreams.
- Joy that the next generation is being impacted for the better.
- And joy that educational and spiritual community is being built.
I love being a part of this agency. I have volunteered as a board member (6 years), member of the annual fundraising committee (16 years) and as a mentor to a student (3 years). Watching these adult learned achieve their HiSet (GED) degree or to learn English to improve themselves is so rewarding. At graduation, these adults beam with confidence.
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Through its adult education programs, this agency does change the lives of its students and impacts their families. During this past year (2020), I saw the commitment and passion of the management team, teachers, volunteers, and mentors overcome many challenges and pivot so that students could continue their studies via virtual learning classes. Students continued their studies and many were able to complete their HiSet and ELL level programs. Going forward, students will now have the option to participate in-class, as well as virtually. I believe the learning programs along with the agency's holistic approach encourages & supports each student.
I have heard stories first hand from children in the free childcare programs tell how their moms & dads got better paying jobs after obtaining their HiSet certificate and others tell how that after learning to speak English, moms, grandmoms, and dads could now help with their children's homework, participate in the community and obtain better paying jobs. I see students and families express their gratitude for this opportunity to learn. Yes, the next generations are changed.
At the end of 2020, I completed serving on the board for the past 6 years. In addition, I have volunteered on the annual fundraising event committee since 2005 - a major source of the agency's financial resources. As a donor and volunteer, I know how families are impacted with adult education and being given a second chance.
My husband and I have been involved with Begin Anew in some form or fashion for years. What a blessing to see lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, as volunteers and staff love, educate, and equip others.
I’m so very honored to be a Begin Anew volunteer. Scripture tells us that we are commanded to love one another and that there’s no greater love than this. Begin Anew changes lives! It’s an incredible thing to witness every week, watching students study hard and make their dreams come true.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
When I first learned about Begin Anew, I was drawn to their purpose of helping people empower themselves to a brighter future regardless of life circumstances through adult education and mentoring. Begin anew makes a difference in not only our students lives but for generations to come. Some of our students will be the first in their families to achieve their goals with education and job skills to set themselves up for success. How wonderful is to see first hand it is never too late to make a better future for yourself regardless of your stage in life? It so rewarding as a Board Member to learn about our students' accomplishments and the incredible staff and volunteers' dedication to our student's goals.
If you are wanting to make an immediate difference in someone's life, consider donating or volunteering to Begin Anew.
I have been involved with Begin Anew for 4 years as a volunteer. It is amazing to see the wonderful work this organization does close up. From teaching English to those who are seeking their GED, the various programs touch and impact so many lives and hearts in an amazing way. If you really want to be part of an organization that truly impacts so many people please join us as a volunteer or donor, we would love to have you as part of the family!
Tony Sizemore
I started volunteering with Begin Anew around two years ago when I was recruited by a friend to help with the creative assets for their annual fundraiser. Since my first event where I learned so much about this wonderful group and the students across middle Tennessee, I have continued working with them on two additional fundraisers. Begin Anew helps so many families with education, childcare, professional skills, employment, and so much more. It can break your heart to hear about some of the situations people have come through, but to see the success stories and legacies being built by these incredible people who are going through the programs is both awe-inspiring and a blessing. I am so grateful for the work Begin Anew does, and I am so honored to work alongside them!
WMU Foundation has been a donor to Begin Anew for many years. We are thrilled with their incredible impact on the lives of others. We believe every dollar we grant to Begin Anew changes a life...by the power of God. We will be partners with them for eternity.
I love the mission and vision of this great organization! Begin Anew has impacted the lives of countless individuals and families for over 20 years. From job skills training to English as a Second Language, the staff and volunteers give participants an opportunity start a new chapter in life.
Begin Anew meets its students on their journey to accomplish great things in life. My involvement as a board member affords me the opportunity to witness the amazing work of Begin Anew's staff and volunteers. I've seen lives changed and families transformed with the resources made possible by supporters. Why would someone not want to be a part of helping give someone a second chance? I'm super thankful to be a small part of an organization that does just that thing.
Begin Anew helps individuals by providing education, mentoring, and resources to change the circumstances from poverty and despair to a pathway of success. This organization is available to everyone including childcare during classes. All who attend are offered a Bible study to learn of the unconditional love and saving knowledge of Christ. It is so encouraging to hear the stories of students who are able to obtain a high school and some college degree and how it changes their life. Begin Anew also offers English classes and computer skills. So many return after completing the program to volunteer and give back to the program. I can’t say enough about this faith based organization!
I've been involved in some capacity with Begin Anew since 2005 (mentor, volunteer and board member) and I cannot say enough good things about how this organization is managed and how much care are provided to the students, the children of students and the families of students. This organization dedicates itself to equipping students with an education, life skills, job skills, language skills and emotional and spiritual support. I see efforts to be fiscally responsible and conservative in spending and believe that any donations I make are being used wisely.
I started my journey with Begin Anew a few years ago as a volunteer with my husband, as an immigrant and ESL speaker I am passionate about the mission and the work they do within the immigrant community and those underserved in the Greater Nashville area.
I have volunteered with this organization for some 15 years and continue to be amazed at how hearts and lives are changed. Students not only gain diplomas but they also gain confidence and hope for their future. Because the transformations are so life-changing and the leadership has been so focused, volunteers like myself become to think of the program as an extension of our family. It is invigorating to see lives changed. In addition,I feel good about my donations knowing this non-profit has been smart with the use of funding, making every dollar go further.