Leading the way for transformative change in Middle Tennessee.
Begin Anew Leadership History
Heather Norvell
Executive Director
2018–2024
During Heather’s previous work at Brentwood Baptist, she had the opportunity to meet and interview Creely Wilson. Though she didn’t realize it at the time, Heather was destined to lead the organization Creely founded. In November 2018, Begin Anew’s Board of Directors asked Heather Norvell to step into the role of Executive Director.
Her first year with Begin Anew was marked by a series of unprecedented challenges. The organization’s headquarters was struck by a tornado, which meant relocating. On the heels of the tornado, the COVID-19 pandemic brought massive change and disruption for staff and students alike. Heather successfully led the team through this profound transition. Services were quickly shifted from in-person learning to virtual. Heather was also able to secure funding to purchase student loaner computers and software, making distance learning possible for those with severely limited resources. Even amidst all these challenges, Begin Anew celebrated 298 enrolled students, 61 graduates and 209 volunteers.
Today, Heather continues to move Begin Anew forward by leveraging the power of collaborative partnerships. From 2020-2022, she took on additional leadership roles working with both the Nashville Adult Literacy Council and The Nashville Public Library as part of the backbone of the Goal Collective. She continues serving on the board today. The collective mission of the partnership is to triple the number of Nashville adults achieving their educational goals by 2025.
Begin Anew students also earn recognition. The WMU bestowed the Sybil Bentley Dove Award and Faye Dove Scholarship to adults enrolled in our programs. In May 2022, our life-changing mission was featured as the cover story in International Missions Mosaic Magazine.
In June 2000, Rebekah (Becky) K. Sumrall was called by the Board to become the Executive Director of Begin Anew. Several months earlier, Becky had clearly heard God calling her to return to faith-based community ministry work serving individuals and families trapped in the cycle of poverty. The timing was perfect.
Over the following 18 years, Becky led the organization through significant expansion. This period saw increases across the board – staff, volunteers, adult classes and individuals served. Two national awards recognized the work of Begin Anew – World Magazine’s Samaritan Award recognizing effective compassion for America’s most vulnerable, and the CWJC Site Award by National WMU. Becky also received the Delanna Obrien Women's Leadership Development Award from National UMU in 2017.
In February 2003, CWJC-Nashville was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization. Three years later, the name was officially changed to CWJC of Middle TN. In 2008, the program expanded its outreach to begin serving men as well. 2016 saw another name change to reflect the ministry’s evolving mission. And Begin Anew of Middle Tennessee was created.
Becky Sumrall
Executive Director
2000–2018
In 1996, Creely Wilson, Director of the Nashville Baptist Association WMU Leadership Team, attended a conference that changed her life. There, she learned of the newly developed and piloted ministry model Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC). This model was developed specifically to minister to women in need, and to equip them with tools and skills designed to help them rise up out of poverty. Creely explains, “As I listened to the presentation I prayed, ‘God, we need this ministry in Nashville, Tennessee.’ The Lord replied to me, ‘Yes, Creely, and I want you to begin the ministry.’"
Creely shared her vision with Candy Phillips, Associate Director of the Nashville Baptist Association’s WMU Leadership Team. They both recognized the potential of CWJC to transform the lives of women struggling to overcome obstacles caused by poverty. With Creely and Candy's strong support and encouragement, the WMU Leadership Team voted to establish a CWJC site in Nashville. In October of 1997, the first group of 10 women enrolled in CWJC-Nashville.
Over the next five years, this ministry was based at The Church at Lockeland Springs (formerly Lockeland Baptist Church). During this time, the program served Nashville-area women in need under the non-profit status of the Nashville Baptist Association.
Creely Wilson
Founder
1997–2000
