Through your generosity students are
emboldened to IMAGINE, empowered to BELIEVE, and equipped to ACHIEVE.
Imagine. Believe. Achieve.
Madison Fall Fundraiser 2026
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power who is at work within us." Ephesians 3:20
We enjoyed a wonderful evening hearing from graduates, current students, and volunteers about the difference that you are making at our Madison Campus. Our feature’s speaker Dwight shared about his experience and how Begin Anew was the start of his new life.
“When you invest in education, you’re not just investing in a certificate. You’re investing in a person’s confidence. You’re investing in their future. You’re investing in the possibility of everything that person can become. And I know that because I’m standing here tonight. Begin Anew didn’t finish my story. Begin Anew helped me begin a new chapter. And I’m still writing that chapter today.”
Dwight has gone on to open his own publishing company, write a book about not giving up on your dreams, and get his barber’s license. Dwight’s trajectory in life changed because of the opportunities you helped to provide. Give a gift today to continue to help students like Dwight through our Madison Campus.
Event Speakers
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grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended Maplewood High School. During his senior year, an altercation that started when he was away from campus led to his suspension when the instigators ran to his car upon his return. Twenty-five years later, Dwight completed his High School Equivalency diploma at Begin Anew's Madison Campus. He has written a book on not giving up in pursuit of your goals and runs a publishing company. Dwight is currently preparing for his practical exam to earn his Master Barber license. He enjoys being at church "whenever the doors are open!"
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Karla’s first year as a volunteer brought challenges, including helping several Haitian students who spoke French. “They speak French and I was struggling to help them with conjugations. I wondered, ‘How do I explain it?’” but instead of giving up, she started learning French herself, using simple comparisons to make English clearer. Her students were amazed: “Mrs. Karla, we didn’t know you spoke French!”
Karla is a dedicated individual with a loving heart for her students because she’s been in their shoes. “I came to the United States way back when I didn’t know any English. I know how it feels when you cannot communicate, when you want to talk to someone—even something as simple as going grocery shopping can feel frustrating.”
Hear more about Karla’s amazing story and her passion for the students that she serves.
Event Guests
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Daniel’s love for the piano began at the age of 8, when he started taking private piano lessons. For the next seven years, he trained diligently in sight reading, mastering the art of interpreting music directly from sheet music. However, when the need arose for him to play at his home church during his teenage years, Daniel quickly found himself venturing into the world of playing by ear. It was here that he discovered a deeper connection to music, developing the skill to listen, interpret, and create music without relying on written notes.
As Daniel’s journey progressed, he honed his ability to play hymns and church music by ear, blending his classical training with intuitive musicality. Over the years, he has become a sought-after musician and instructor, passionate about teaching others how to unlock their potential by learning to play music by ear. His courses are designed to equip students with practical skills that go beyond the notes, focusing on the heart and feel of the music.
YouTube: Daniel Sparkman - YouTube
Instagram: Daniel Sparkman (@danielsparkman) • Instagram photos and videos
Spotify: Daniel Sparkman | Spotify
Thank you to Daniel Sparkman for his wonderful piano performance! We also want to thank Madison Church of Christ for their partnership and for hosting our Fundraiser as well as our Madison Campus every week.
Karla Drolick is a fundamental part of both Madison Church of Christ and Begin Anew. We are grateful for her sharing at our Madison Fall Fundraiser, “I am grateful that I had people who encouraged me along my own journey, and I am honored to have the opportunity to encourage others now. I may have started as someone learning English, but today I have the privilege of helping other people find their confidence and their voice in English.”
If you want to be a part of someone’s journey you can sign up to become a volunteer here.
