2024 Annual Spring Fundraiser

Yesica
English Language Learning and High School Equivalence Graduate

Thank you for joining us for a fun evening filled with celebrating the many ‘Courageous Choices’ that the adult students we serve make every day. Your investment of time, talents, and treasures is life-changing for generations. Following are great examples of your investment at work changing lives.

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…”

Zinah, a 2018 Begin Anew Graduate, moved to the U.S. under cover of night for her and her family’s safety. Her husband was a translator and culture advisor for the U.S. Government. When they arrived, she did not speak English and had no family or friends. Through enrolling in Begin Anew’s program, she learned English, and earned her High School Equivalency diploma. Zinah emphasized that Begin Anew provided more than an education such as teaching her the culture, helping her study to secure her driver’s license, and practicing interview skills before job interviews. She became a Special Needs Teacher’s assistant with Franklin Special School District and today, owns her own hair salon specializing in serving children with special needs.

Derrick just passed his HiSET test and is an upcoming June 2023 Graduate. He reflected, “Begin Anew is more than just an educational institution for me—it's a sanctuary of hope and warmth. Beyond providing a platform for academic advancement, it serves as a beacon of encouragement for many individuals striving for a better future. The atmosphere is always filled with smiles and open arms, creating a beautiful environment where my son feels at home while I attend classes.”

We also extend a special thank you to Holly Thompson for emceeing our event again this year, Dick Torrans for playing piano, Brentwood Baptist for hosting our event, our generous sponsors, and many donors. We enjoyed hearing Nicole C. Mullen’s testimony and beautiful voice. Together, we are empowering individuals to overcome obstacles caused by poverty by providing education, mentoring, and resources.

To date, we have raised over $215,000. This event supports the students we serve by covering approximately thirty percent of our annual budget. Please join us in creating life-changing impact for the adult students we serve, their families, and our community.