ABOUT US
Our mission is to educate…motivate…advocate. We empower individuals to live their best lives.
We envision communities where individuals regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability or circumstance feel free and safe to communicate, exchange ideas and obtain the educational, health and economic support needed to thrive.
What We Offer:
**EDUCATION**
Alternative Options
Research shows that the one-size fits approach to education leaves many at-risk students and disadvantaged youth without reasonable options for securing a high school diploma.
In January 2025 we will launch our accredited blended learning program which offers a comprehensive list of required, electives and Career Technology Education (CTE) courses that are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education to provide youth and young adults who have fallen through the cracks of the traditional school system with the opportunity to complete the requirements needed to obtain a Maryland state high school diploma and industry certification. Our blended learning program will also offer guidance, support and resources to ensure a smooth transition after program completion to college, apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
HIV Awareness and Support
According to the Maryland Annual HIV Epidemiological Profile, Baltimore city had the highest rate of HIV diagnoses in 2022. Since receiving non-profit status in 2022, Begin Anew has reached out to over 2,500 individuals to provide education, awareness and resources to eliminate the stigma associated with HIV that exist in minority and LGBTQ+ communities.
World AIDS Day- Community Town Hall and Luncheon
Community members and nonprofit leaders came together for an in-depth conversation and lunch at McCormick & Schmick’s to obtain information pertaining to the newly updated “Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE)” plan.
National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and Panel Discussion at Morgan State University
World AIDS Day Community Celebration, December 1, 2023
Theme: “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Embracing the Future”
World AIDS Day Community Celebration held at Johns Hopkins University, Scott-Bates Commons Building. It was a night filled with love, support and hope as community members came together to remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS, take steps towards a future free from AIDS and to honor those who have dedicated their lives to eradicate HIV/AIDS.
Minority Organ Donation
There are more than 100,000 individuals on the national transplant waiting list with over 60% from minority communities.
In 2024, Begin Anew reached out to hundreds of individuals to provide education and information to increase awareness and to eliminate the stigma and fear associated with organ donation and transplantation that exist within minority communities.
Unkle Earl’s life took a sudden and dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia (BOOP). Given just a few months to live, his only hope for survival was a double lung transplant. On May 12, 2015, he received a life-saving transplant that gave him a second chance. Unkle Earl’s logo symbolizes a superhero who battles illness and disease with perseverance, hope, faith, strength, and determination.
Unkle Earl shares his story of survival with WMAR News for National Minority Donor Awareness Month – Watch Now
**WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT**
According to the April 9, 2024, Maryland Reporter “…many Marylanders lack the basic education and skills necessary to succeed in the workforce”.
Our workforce development program provides individuals with the training and skills needed to obtain adequate employment and to become self-sufficient. We provide assistance in creating an effective resume, mock interviews and how to dress for success. We also provide financial and entrepreneur workshops to assist with money management, life skills and the basic skills needed to own and operate a successful business.
National Youth HIV & AIDS Awareness Day Education and Career Fair
The purpose of NYHAAD was to educate the public about the impact of HIV and AIDS on youth and young adults along with offering on-site interviews and employment opportunities.
**BEHAVIOR HEALTH**
Begin Anew was the recipient of the 2023 Elevation Award from Baltimore Corps for our Johnny Overdose Initiative which utilizes inventive ways to reduce the stigma associated with overdose in our communities through education and preventive tools.
In 2023, Baltimore city saw 1,043 drug and alcohol related deaths, 921 of which were fentanyl related (Baltimore City Health Department). The stigma surrounding substance abuse and mental health in minority and LGBTQ+ communities often prevent individuals and families from seeking help. Begin Anew provides non-clinical holistic behavioral health support and mental health resources to eliminate substance abuse, infectious diseases and to promote better health and wellness.