Our Mission
New Beginnings, a 501(c)(3) not for profit, was founded in June 2007 by concerned community leaders who saw far too few services available in Central Florida for those losing their jobs and homes.
Our mission is to empower people to overcome the pain of poverty and the alienation of homelessness. New Beginnings offers comprehensive assistance to those who want to change.
- We offer vouchers at our Clermont thrift store to people in need, and our stores also create on-the-job training for clients in our program.
About Our Founder Steve Smith
Following a 40 year executive role in the banking and insurance industry, Steve and other community leaders launched New Beginnings in 2007. He serves as Treasurer for the Board of the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition, and the Lake County Housing Board. He was appointed to the Council of Homelessness by Governor Scott. He stepped down from leadership of New Beginnings in 2017 and has since begun another non-profit focused on affordable housing.
He and his wife, Linda have 4 adult children and 11 grandchildren.
Our Sponsors & Community Supporters
Milestones:
2007
- June 2007: New Beginnings launched with 12 volunteers to help the homeless in Clermont
2008
- January 2008: Opened a home for 6 homeless men with training classes
2009
- 2009: Face of Homeless changed focus to mom and kids
- September 2009: Acquired 16 bed home for moms and kids
- October 2009: Opened thrift store in Minneola
2010
- January 2010: Started mentoring program for all residents
- March 2010: Launched Helping Hands Outreach with 4 churches
2011
- created six community events to increase awareness–a pizza tasting event, Art for a Cause, the first fashion show, the golf tournament and a Christmas Gala
2012
- August 2012: Opened Thrift Store in 4 Corners area & expanded Helping Hands Outreach into 4 Corners Area
2013
- August 2013: Opened Learning and Development Center
- July 2013: Acquired home for former homeless families
- November 2013: Acquired 10 bed home for single men
- December 2013: Opened another home for former homeless families
2014
- August 2014: Opened thrift store in Winter Garden
- December 2014: Acquired 4-plex apartment for former homeless
- December 2014: Acquired 10 acres to build 96 affordable apartments
2015
- March 2015: Opened new Thrift Store in Clermont
2016
- January 2016: acquired apartment for 6 working clients
- July 2016: Florida Housing awarded New Beginnings $19 million for affordable housing to be built
- September 2016: Opened drop in centers in Winter Garden and Kissimmee
- November 2016: Expanded Helping Hands Outreach into Winter Garden
2017
- May 2017: celebrating 10 years of ministry at the Mulberry Inn.
- Welcomed Licensed Mental Health Counselor to staff.
- Welcomed a new Executive Director to carry on the legacy of our founders.
2018
- Opened Woodwinds Apartments- 96 unit workforce housing apartments. Providing wrap around services with two case managers on site.
- 72% of New Beginnings residents graduated, securing full-time employment, establishing savings, a sound household budget and secured permanent housing.
- Established the Kids Club program serving and celebrating children through New Beginnings.
- Provided Christmas assistance for 90 children.
2019
- 80% of New Beginnings residential clients graduated securing full-time employment, established savings account and a household budget.
- Established Social Services hours at West Orange Neighborhood Center in Winter Garden.
- Established Emergency Mobile Food Pantry in Four Corners.
- Provided Christmas Assistance for 65 families and at least one gift for 94 Children through the Kids Club program.