Spring Fundraiser 2025 - Designing Life’s Blueprint
Diana’s Story
Diana, a 2013 Begin Anew graduate, reflects on how Begin Anew was instrumental in changing her professional, personal and spiritual life—guiding her on the path to where she is today.
“I am so grateful I graduated from Begin Anew. This ministry has been the biggest blessing to me and my daughters.” -Diana
Shelley Walters - The Joy of Serving: My Journey with Begin Anew
Have you ever had a moment when everything clicked, and you just knew—without a doubt—that you were exactly where you were meant to be? Shelley shared with us what that moment looked like for her.
“Teaching has been a lifelong passion of mine. For nearly 20 years, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work as a college English professor, guiding her students through the challenging waters of thesis statements, comma splices, and the occasional last-minute essay panic.
After years of teaching, I stepped down to help my husband start a business. At the time, that sounded like a fantastic idea—until about five minutes in, when I felt the ache of a classroom-shaped hole in my heart.
So, I did what I always do when life throws me a curveball and I have no clue what’s next—I prayed. “Lord, help me find a way to serve students while still being there for my family. Also, if this could involve NOT grading essays, that’d be great.”
Click her to download her full story
Dewayne’s Journey with Begin Anew:
Dewayne was born and raised in Nashville, TN by his loving mother and grandma, who’s truly missed today. Growing up from the age of 6, he can remember, “I used to come home from church and do church. Never knew what I was doing, but I was acting like I was preaching. My grandma used to tell my brother and people who were around, ‘Leave him alone; he’s preaching’.”
Dewayne told us about how the Lord has given him a gift of “touching hearts, giving a message, and facing fears of rejection.” Throught his life from ages 18-21, Dewayne was in jail but not far from God. The saying he refers to is, “You better find the Lord before he finds you.” He followed up by saying, “I thank Jesus Christ for letting me find my father in the midst of my trials and tribulations.”
We asked Dewayne how he found Begin Anew and what it meant to him:
“Finding this program gave me chills, help, love, and a vision… I started Begin Anew several years ago. Life events got in the way of me returning immediately after COVID. When I finally decided to return, I didn’t have much faith, but I knew I needed to work toward earning my HSE to have a better life. Ms. Andrea reached out to me (with a different perspective) and the tables turned into a testimony.”
Dewayne is excited to finish the program and use what he has learned in his career. He loves math and is excited to utilize his new-found math skills in his future career after graduating!
“After graduating from Begin Anew, what is next for me is the Lord ordering my steps. After I walk onto the stage, I am going straight into my job degree in construction. I will achieve everything I face and what God throws at me. I can’t wait to say ‘Thank you God’.”
“‘Habakkuk 2:3 if the Vision may seem slow wait on it.’ Every day, I will move like victory is set upon my heart through Christ in the name of Jesus.”
Make an impact today
Your gift of $2,500 ($210 per month) allows a student to work toward achieving their diploma
Your gift of $1,200 ($100 per month) provides 8 students with materials for the High School Equivalency Exam
Your gift of $500 ($42.00 per month) provides students access to the digital curriculum
Your gift of $300 ($25 per month) provides 2 months of snacks for children of enrolled students
