​Did you know that according to recent research in metro-Milwaukee, about 72% of families in poverty were headed by single mothers in 2009? Research also shows that generationally-poor children are more likely to continue in a cycle of poverty, which results in an increased likelihood of dropping out of school and an inability to obtain employment with self-sustaining wages. These numbers are scary.
 
In addition, a recent article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted the fact that babies born to African-Americans in Milwaukee are dying at a rate that exceeds three times that of babies born to Caucasians. The reason for the disparity is unknown, however the article indicates that premature birth is the cause of about 60% of infant deaths and that chronic stress has been shown to be a key cause of premature births. Chronic stress in the lives of Milwaukee African Americans comes from such sources as poverty, uncertain supplies of food and housing, unemployment and violence.

​The model of New Beginnings was created to combat these scary statistics! New Beginnings actively works to reduce the stress in the lives of its mothers by providing them with secure housing while they take advantage of the provided opportunities to increase their education and vocational skills. 

​By focusing on educational tracks that lead to a professional career with a median salary of around $50,000, New Beginnings prepares mothers for a self-sufficient life. Additionally, once mothers are equipped with a self-sustaining career, the stressors of affording secure housing, purchasing food and supplies, and unemployment are substantially alleviated. By coupling faith-based programming with educational advancement and preparation, New Beginnings prepares mothers for a self-sufficient life rooted in Christ. 

By supporting the ministry of New Beginnings, you put a dent in the statistics. Every mother that succeeds at New Beginnings breaks the cycle of poverty for herself, her child, and future generations. There is power in ONE person. Together we provide strength in numbers. The statistics are scary, but together we can work to break the cycle! To donate or get involved, please visit www.homeformothers.com.  

For example, I remember the day a few months ago when I read the email that said I had received the Promotional Writing and Editing internship position I’d interviewed for at New Beginnings. Coincidentally, the entry for that day in the student devotional I used daily was entitled “New Beginnings”. While I did know that I would have a great time being the intern at New Beginnings, at the time I didn’t know just how great my experience would be, and how it would be a “new beginning” for me as far as my career ambitions and personal relationships were concerned.

​While I have learned what I expected to-more about professional writing and communication, as well as how a fundraiser is organized-I’ve also learned some other great things. In the past three weeks alone, I’ve observed and participated in group activities so I could write about them later. Doing so has allowed me to spend time getting to know the residents and their adorable babies, in addition to spending time in God’s Word. As a result, my idea of what a work environment should look like has been transformed in a positive way, and I often find myself paying closer attention to my personal relationships to make sure they grow and flourish. Even though I don’t know what God has in store for me throughout the rest of my internship, I do know that it will be beyond amazing. I can’t wait to see what my future looks like with God in it! Can you? 

Elizabeth Scheibl is the Promotional Writing and Editing Intern at New Beginnings. A student at Wisconsin Lutheran College, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in History. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and practicing martial arts.

God is always there, always ready to listen to you.  There is nothing you can’t tell Him.  Of course, He knows everything already, but He still wants us to pray to him. Though God desires to talk to us and spend time with us through prayer, it is also for our benefit, because we need a relationship with God.  The point is, talk to God, because that is prayer.  Sometimes when I can’t seem to get my thoughts together enough to pray, I write down what I am feeling, what I am saying to God.  Don’t forget to listen too, to be quiet before God. You don’t have to be constantly telling Him something, or asking Him for something.  “Be still and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10.  Be aware of God’s power and our security in Him.  He is omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), and omnipotent (all powerful).  Because God is who He is, we can trust Him and surrender to His plan.  

​Some people think that a church is the only place to pray, and God is happy when you talk to Him there.  But that is not the only place God will listen to your prayers.  Jesus prayed alone in quiet places (Luke5:16), He prayed with others (Luke 9:28), He prayed at the home of his disciples and followers. He prayed in nature, in the garden and in the desert, on a mountain (Luke 6:12).  He prayed at all times, He prayed in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. He prayed regularly, Luke 5:16 says, Jesus often prayed. Jesus prayed for himself, as we see in John 17 and Jesus prayed for others (John 17:9).

Not all our prayers will be answered the way we expect.  Someone once told me, there is no unanswered prayer, God either answers yes, no, or wait.  Wait and no can be a challenge!  Once again we look to Jesus, to see how He handled it. In Matthew 26:36-44 we see that He prayed and said to God “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (NIV).

​It can be very easy to get caught up in the commotion of life.  There are a million different things going on around us and through our minds each and every day.  So where does this leave us?  For many, it can be easy to get distracted and pulled away from the true reason we are all here. 

God has always been apart of my life.  My parents baptized me and brought me up in the Word from birth.  As I have grown up, I have learned that this is not the case for most.  In fact, as Lutherans, we are the minority in many cases.  I have always wanted to live in such a way that my faith shows through.  I love that New Beginnings has given me this opportunity.  I have never really had the privilege of working with mothers in this capacity.  Learning their stories and hearing about their hopes and dreams has been an amazing experience.  I have been able to not only share my own faith but also see them grow in their own. 

​I will be graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2018 with a degree in both Human Social Services and Psychology.  I will then be going on to graduate school to get my masters in social work.  The opportunity that New Beginnings has given me not only has prepared me for that line of work, but also has solidified for me the fact that I want to work with children.  I am very thankful for my position here and know that I will leave here with so much more than I ever could have thought.

Sometimes I wonder how I came this far and how I manage with both my kids. To tell you the truth, sometimes it gets hard but I’ve learned that nothing is impossible, especially when it comes from God. With Him, everything is possible! When I had my second baby, I didn’t know how I was going to do this but honestly it just came naturally for me to manage both of my kids. Coming to New Beginnings really changed everything and made me look at my situation so differently. Truthfully, it helped my faith grow more and more. It is just amazing how God did all this. Wow, God is really good! I thank Him for bringing me here. I have learned and I am still learning more and more day by day. I am not going to give up because New Beginnings hasn’t given up on me even when they should have. 

I really do love the women at New Beginnings. They truly show what love and family are all about. They care, they’re very supportive, and they teach you more about God so your faith can grow more with Christ. When you need a shoulder or someone to talk to, they are here and they will cry with you. Amazing! These women care and the love and compassion they have shows that they definitely love their jobs, our kids, and us.