Saralu
Saralu's journey with Begin Anew started 25 years ago when founder Creely Wilson asked her if she had ever considered leading a Bible study for women who had never been in one. Despite initially feeling unqualified, she attended a Begin Anew fundraiser where she felt called to volunteer as a student mentor.
Over the next ten years, she mentored a diverse group of women, witnessing their transformative journeys through tailored Bible studies. As the ministry expanded, Saralu began to face challenges with some newcomers who knew nothing about Jesus. These students often would come for classes but leave once Bible study began. Saralu leaned on God’s understanding, and new leadership to develop ways to reach this new group of women.
Through an earlier meeting time and food, the team developed community among the new students, sharing culture and camaraderie with each other. These times led to discussions about creation and the beauty of each season. Saralu and her team found this as an opportunity to introduce the students to the Creator of the seasons. This opened the door for bible studies where they began in Genesis describing the story of creation. You can read the full story here.
Hear inspiring stories of our volunteers making a profound impact for good.
This video is part of Stories of Hope from Begin Anew, a series of interviews with students, volunteers and leaders where they each share the ways Begin Anew has impacted their lives and the lives of others.
Julian’s Story of Hope
Julian, High School Equivalency (HSE) math teacher, volunteer at Madison Campus, shares his passion for teaching adult students.
Begin Anew recognizes Nelda Brown and her lifetime of service.
Nelda Brown
A tribute to Nelda in honor of her continuous support of Begin Anew’s mission and vision since 1997. She was a member of the original group of volunteers who saw a need to serve individuals who were overlooked and underserved. Thank you, Nelda, for your servant’s heart and the lives you have created positive change for over the years!
This video is part of Stories of Hope from Begin Anew, a series of interviews with students, volunteers and leaders where they each share the ways Begin Anew has impacted their lives and the lives of others.
Martia’s Story of Hope
Martia, English Language Learning (level 2 - intermediate) (ELL) and Bible Study volunteer at Woodbine Campus shares the impact of volunteering and why she continues to come back.
This video is part of Stories of Hope from Begin Anew, a series of interviews with students, volunteers and leaders where they each share the ways Begin Anew has impacted their lives and the lives of others.
Tara’s Story of Hope
Tara, English Language Learning (Level 1 – basic) (ELL) volunteer, at Franklin Campus, shares her why for volunteering.
Pablo, Woodbine Campus Volunteer
Pablo - Why I Volunteer!
During my first 28 years I grew up, was educated and started my professional career in Guatemala. For work reasons, I moved to Panama. After a decade of living and forming a family in Panama, we came to Nashville in 2019 (again for work reasons).
Growing up in Guatemala I got a chance to see firsthand the struggles and needs that some families face. That is why I understand why some people make the hard decision to leave everything behind and migrate to a new country: starting from zero, no family or friends, and without knowledge of the English language.
That is why about a year and a half ago, when a co-worker told me about the Begin Anew program, I jumped at the opportunity to be able to give back to my fellow Central Americans and teach them a lifelong tool that will help them thrive as they start their new life in the US. To read more click Why I Volunteer
The Moss Family
The Moss Family
Begin Anew is a ministry opportunity where the Moss family is very passionate about the mission. It all started when Eric Ward tapped Joey Moss on the shoulder and said let me tell you about Begin Anew. Joey soon joined the Board of Directors and served as the Board Chair for two terms. Annually, he buys two tables during the Spring Fundraiser and invites family and friends to attend. This is just the beginning of the story for the Moss family.
Unbeknownst to her sons, Mrs. Patti Lu Moss, Joey and Hunter’s mother, and a retired nurse, decided to attend a Begin Anew volunteer training. She also recruited a friend, Pat Steward, to join her in this new adventure back in 2015. As they say, the rest is history as they continue to drive 45 minutes to tutor and mentor students at our Franklin Campus today. Hunter shared this has been a life-changing experience for students, his mother, and their family. Mrs. Patti Lu’s passion for encouraging others also moved her to help students secure other much needed resources for their families. To quote Hunter Moss “students became extended family”. To read more, click Moss Family Story.
Nelda Brown’s Story 25 Years Later
Nelda Brown
Nelda continues to believe in and support Begin Anew’s (formerly Christian Women’s Job Corps) mission and vision. She was a member of the original group of volunteers who saw a need to serve women who were overlooked and underserved. She humbly shares that she initially got involved because of her relationship with Begin Anew co-founders Candy Phillips and Creely Wilson. Within five years of the founding date (1997), Nelda agreed to serve as Board Chairman from the fall of 2002 through the summer of 2003.
She also stepped up to serve on the annual fundraiser committee in 2005 and in 2013 and 2014, she was asked to serve as the Committee Chair.
Nelda reminisced over the many discussions among Women’s Mission Union (WMU) members about the need to help women living in poverty and how to best address this need. While plans to launch Begin Anew were in motion, the WMU sent team members to Chicago to meet with other nonprofits to help determine how to best create life-changing impact for women living in poverty. Nelda's Full Story
Mary Frances Turner
Mary Frances Turner
She is a dedicated volunteer who got involved with Begin Anew (formerly Christian Women’s Job Corp) from the very beginning - 1997! She worked closely with Creely Wilson and Candy Phillips cofounders of Begin Anew. Mary Frances was a facilitator for the Women’s Missionary Union and encouraged a group of women to actively support female students struggling to overcome obstacles caused by poverty.
Together, they helped adult students secure additional community resources while they were working on achieving their GED and enhancing their computer/job skills. It all started with decorating a bulletin board and then helping mothers provide for their children’s basic needs. But this is only the beginning of Mary Frances’ dedication to Begin Anew’s Mission. For Mary Frances full story click Mary Frances Volunteer Journey.
