Local Non-Profit Eases Transition Of Once Troubled Women Into Society
By: Gina Benitez
Updated: June 8, 2012
"And this is my room!"
It's more than just a new home. It's a new shot at life.
Susan Watkins, a member at New Beginnings says, "I had tried several times to stay clean and stay sober and be better and there was really nothing that was working. Nothing was changing inside of me."
Just a few months ago, Watkins was about to be released from jail, with nowhere to turn. Then, her life skills teacher told her she was coming to New Beginnings.
"I didn't like her at first. Because some of the things she was saying were the truth and I really didn't want to hear it. I didn't want to look at it at first," Watkins adds.
But the Lord made her change her mind. The Lord is also who Missy Denard credits for helping her create the organization.
Denard says, "They, most of them, have no hope. And so, I wanted to give them hope that they know they can do better when they get out."
Denard had been doing jail ministry for over 10 years when she realized she wanted to take her mission a step further.
"They learn daily, how to walk through situations and how to handle it in a different way," adds Denard.
New Beginnings not only houses the women, but incorporates bible studies, morning devotionals and will soon provide counseling to members.
Watkins says, "Now I'm able to open up and trust other women, and to talk about where my past is, and to find out where I made my mistakes that maybe, I shouldn't have made and that I can do things different. That today, I can start completely over and do things right."
And sees no limitations when it comes to her future.
"I've learned so much from just, the women who've been here, before me, and the ones who continue to come in needing help and I just want to be a part of that. I don't know what that looks like or how long, but I want to do my part," says Watkins.
New Beginnings is possible only through the help of the community and run entirely on donations. To find out how you can help, click here.
It's more than just a new home. It's a new shot at life.
Susan Watkins, a member at New Beginnings says, "I had tried several times to stay clean and stay sober and be better and there was really nothing that was working. Nothing was changing inside of me."
Just a few months ago, Watkins was about to be released from jail, with nowhere to turn. Then, her life skills teacher told her she was coming to New Beginnings.
"I didn't like her at first. Because some of the things she was saying were the truth and I really didn't want to hear it. I didn't want to look at it at first," Watkins adds.
But the Lord made her change her mind. The Lord is also who Missy Denard credits for helping her create the organization.
Denard says, "They, most of them, have no hope. And so, I wanted to give them hope that they know they can do better when they get out."
Denard had been doing jail ministry for over 10 years when she realized she wanted to take her mission a step further.
"They learn daily, how to walk through situations and how to handle it in a different way," adds Denard.
New Beginnings not only houses the women, but incorporates bible studies, morning devotionals and will soon provide counseling to members.
Watkins says, "Now I'm able to open up and trust other women, and to talk about where my past is, and to find out where I made my mistakes that maybe, I shouldn't have made and that I can do things different. That today, I can start completely over and do things right."
And sees no limitations when it comes to her future.
"I've learned so much from just, the women who've been here, before me, and the ones who continue to come in needing help and I just want to be a part of that. I don't know what that looks like or how long, but I want to do my part," says Watkins.
New Beginnings is possible only through the help of the community and run entirely on donations. To find out how you can help, click here.
