ABOUT US
Our Mission is to Educate…Motivate…Advocate!!
It’s Never Too Late For A New Beginning!!
Begin Anew is dedicated to utilizing the power of both traditional and innovative education along with preventive tools to enhance public health.
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A central aspect of our mission is the fight against communicable diseases, specifically HIV and issues related to substance abuse. Our educational initiatives emphasize both prevention and intervention, equipping individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to address these challenges.
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In addition to our educational efforts, we are committed to building partnerships and bridging relationships within and between individuals, families and communities. By fostering stronger connections, we enhance the overall support systems that are vital for lasting health and well-being.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE WORK THAT WE’RE DOING!!
HUMAN IMUNODEFIENCIENCY VIRUS (HIV)/SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs)
Begin Anew has reached out to thousands of individuals to provide education, workshops, virtual and in-person town hall meetings, harm reduction tools and resources to prevent and eradicate HIV and STIs.
Each year, Begin Anew produces Baltimore’s largest World AIDS Day community commemoration, bringing together hundreds of participants. This event is designed to honor those who have lost their lives and are affected by HIV/AIDS. Attendees participate in panel discussions and activities focused on health education, enjoy a free banquet style meal, experience cultural performances, and benefit from on-site healthcare navigation services. Through these efforts, the event goes beyond remembrance, directly connecting individuals to HIV testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access, housing support, and legal services. By recognizing the strength and perseverance within vulnerable communities, the event provides a platform for individuals to share their experiences, foster solidarity, and drive positive change.
HARM REDUCTION AND OVERDOSE PREVENTION
Begin Anew was the recipient of the 2023 Elevation Award from Baltimore Corps for our Johnny Overdose Initiative (JOI). Having lost two brothers to opiate addiction Dr. Holt understands the trauma and lack of support that families experience when losing loved ones due to substance abuse. The JOI is dedicated to Dr. Holt’s, youngest brother Johnathan who sustained a work-related injury, was prescribed opiates, became addicted, resulting in his untimely death as a result of a fentanyl overdose. The goal of JOI is to save lives by eliminating the stigma associated with substance abuse through innovative education, overdose preventive tools, family and community engagement, mental health support and resources.
ENHANCING ORGAN DONATION AND TRANSPLATION
There are more than 100,000 individuals on the national transplant waiting list with over 60% from minority communities.
In 2024, Begin Anew and Unkle Earl reached out to hundreds of individuals at the Transplant Games of America in Birmingham, Alabama to provide education to eliminate the stigma and fear associated with organ donation and transplantation.
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, faith 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 employment in order to become self-sufficient and obtain economic stability. We provide assistance in creating an effective resume, mock interviews, how to dress for success and transitional support and resources to assist with maintaining independence. We also provide workshops to assist with basic life skills.
BRIDGING COMMUNITIES
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS TO BRIDGE COMMUNITIES
Through education, outreach, support and resources Begin Anew seeks to improve public health and wellness. We are dedicated to bridging communities by recognizing the importance of collaboration. Our efforts focus on forming supportive partnerships that will assist us in working effectively and efficiently to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families and communities.