Newby-ginnings Receives $5,000 Grant from Homes for Heroes Foundation

The Homes for Heroes Foundation awarded Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. with a $5,000 grant to support their Veterans Relief Fund to assist Veterans and their families. Homes for Heroes, Inc. and the Homes for Heroes Foundation are honored to support Newby-beginnigs in their mission to assist active military, Veterans and Gold Star families in need.

The Newby-ginnings Mission

Why was Newby-beginnings Established?

Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. was founded in honor of SPC Nicholas Newby, who was killed in action in Iraq on July 7, 2011.

Following the loss of her son, Nick’s mother, Theresa Hart, had a thought to form a nonprofit one day during a car ride with her mother, who suggested the name “Newby-ginnings”. It was the perfect blend of Nick’s name and the promise of new beginnings. With community support, the organization was launched to help Veterans, active duty service members, and families of the fallen.

“We lost my Nick on July 7th of 2011. I was actually working for the state of Idaho at the time as a registered nurse. And, I ended up leaving my job. I was having a really hard time coping. I stayed home for about a year and a half. During that time, a lot of Nick’s friends, battle buddies, and guys that were actually in the convoy with them that day were struggling. They were struggling with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, financial problems, relationship problems.

It is a very long story, but I thought, that’s what we can do. We can start a program that helps these young men and women that are struggling after deployment. So I started Newby-ginnings, and I received my articles of incorporation on October 15th of 2013” – Theresa Hart, Founder and Executive Director of Newby-ginnings

Born out of the loss of her son, Newby-ginnings became a place of healing, hope, and purpose to those who have served, and it honors the service and the name of a fallen loved one.

What Does Newby-ginnings Do to Help Heroes?

Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. provides basic necessities and household comforts free of charge to Veterans, active duty service members, and Gold Star families. There’s no red tape, no income requirements, and no proof of need. From clothing and kitchenware to furniture and hygiene items, support is given with dignity and gratitude, not paperwork.

They also offer peer support, resource referrals, and a comfortable and inviting space for those coping with PTSD, TBI, health challenges, or difficulty navigating the VA system.

Over the past decade, they’ve served over 6,800 individuals and welcome an average 150 visitors to their facility each day during open hours, adding 10 new Veterans per week.

Fueled nearly entirely by community donations and fundraisers, Newby-ginnings continues to turn personal loss into lasting impact. They are providing comfort, connection, and a new beginning to those who have served.

How will this Grant be Used to Support Heroes?

The Homes for Heroes Foundation is honored to support Newby-ginnings with its mission to help serving active duty members of the Armed Forces, Veterans, and Gold Star families by awarding the organization with a $5,000 grant.

Watch the grant presentation video:

Drew McConnell, Newby-ginnings Program Manager, was asked how the organization plans to use the $5,000 grant to support the Veterans and military families they assist, and he had this to say:

“We have what’s called the Veterans Relief Fund where every dollar goes straight to helping our veterans and their families.

We’re not talking about giving out a gift card. We’re helping Veterans and their families keep their lights on in their homes. In North Idaho, it gets a little chilly. And in the wintertime, when a Veterans family is struggling, they can come here and we’ll make sure that they will stay warm in the wintertime. So these funds will go directly to assist with these families, for uses like that.”

Homes for Heroes local mortgage specialist Kathy Colkitt, who nominated Newby-ginnings to receive the $5,000 Homes for Heroes Foundation grant, was asked why nominating this organization was important to her.

Kathy responded by saying, “Theresa and I had a beautiful conversation from the get go. Hearing her story held on to me. I lost a daughter, so we had a connection. My daughter was not in the military, but a lost child is a game changer for any parent.

Theresa shared what they do here, and I wanted to be of service. I’m just honored to help support such an amazing place where everything is free to a Veteran or military family member when they present their card. They’re very inclusive, not exclusive. It covers food and clothing, furniture and housewares, handicap devices and even gift giving ideas during the holidays.

There’s a huge need, and she has turned a tragedy into such a beautiful thing. And I’m honored. Honored to be a partner and to always help out.”

Joseph Vohahlo, a local Veteran who fell on tough times trying to acclimate to civilian life post-deployment realized he needed some assistance. He was directed toward Newby-ginnings. Here is what he shared about his experiences with the organization and the services available:

“When I came home, I was put into ‘Inactive Reserve’. A Sergeant of mine told me to reach out to Newby-ginnings because I was struggling. It was like walking into open arms. There was an immediate connection with this facility for me.

Honestly, it kind of saved me and my family at the time because I was helping to care for multiple family members. I mean, a wage of $15 an hour was not enough to support a family of 5 or 6 working 110 plus hours a week during Covid.

Not even three weeks ago, I was $300 shy of finally getting a new apartment due to hidden fees, instead of living out of my van. Thanks to Newby-ginnings, I now have a new home. Two bedrooms for me and my son, and my step-daughter can come visit any time she wants. It’s just a Godsend.”

How You can Support the Newby-ginnings’ Mission

You can help support Newby-ginnings’ mission by visiting their website and taking a look at all of the events and volunteer opportunities they have available. To further support their efforts, please consider making a donation to help fund the support they provide to the Veterans in the North Idaho area.

Foundation Grants: Part of Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving

Grants from the Homes for Heroes Foundation are made possible by the Homes for Heroes Circle of Giving and its network of real estate and mortgage professionals. Homes for Heroes, Inc. is committed to providing savings to community heroes; including firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, military (active duty, reserves and veterans), healthcare professionals and teachers.

To expand its Circle of Giving, Homes for Heroes, Inc., donates a portion of its earnings to the Homes for Heroes Foundation. So, every time a hero buys or sells a home using the Homes for Heroes program, they are helping other heroes across the country who are facing a housing crisis or are in need of urgent financial assistance.

If you are interested in learning more about how Homes for Heroes can guide you through the home buying, selling or refinancing process AND save you an average of $3,000 after closing on a home, simply sign up to be connected with our local specialists. They will follow up with you to answer all of your questions.

If you’re interested in learning about our wider impact, simply visit the Homes for Heroes Foundation for more information about recent grants to hero organizations, how much it has awarded, and how it all works.

If you’re interested in supporting and donating to the Homes for Heroes Foundation to assist heroes in need, please visit the donation page to submit your contribution via PayPal. We thank you for your interest and support.