Beyond New Beginnings

Supporting and Nurturing Young Moms and Their Children

Our Mission

Beyond New Beginnings (BNB) Program supports and nurtures young moms and their children as they gain independence in safe, stable homes while being actively involved in the New Beginnings High School Program, post-secondary education and/or employment by empowering them to become healthy, engaged, members of a community.

Our Story

More than 40 years ago the New Beginnings High School Program for pregnant and parenting teens started in Chaska. The goal was to support young moms as they pursue their high school diplomas by providing both parent education and quality child care. The New Beginnings high school program continues to be successful, but there has always been a need for stable housing.

BEYOND New Beginnings is a supportive housing program for young moms and children. At a Rotary meeting in April 2019, Russ St. John learned of this need and responded with his heart. Sue Schmidt, the lead teacher at New Beginnings and Jill Engeswick, a retired NB educator, joined forces with Russ and began the process of forming a nonprofit organization called Beyond New Beginnings.

In the midst of building a coalition of local support, recruiting awesome Board members and submitting our legal documents, we were approached by the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA). CDA had acquired an apartment building in downtown Chaska with four two-bedroom apartments and a common space that we could use for our program. CDA would own the building, request housing vouchers (so the moms would pay 30% of their income), handle the leases, management and maintenance. This offer was too good to pass up!

The whole building was updated by CDA. The first families arrived in Dec. 2020. As of May 2021, we were at full capacity serving four families. The weekly Empowerment classes and mentor support have been ongoing since Nov. 2020. We have some amazing volunteers who prepare Monday night meals and also help with child care. We are committed to supporting each family for one to two years with their own, unique plan for success and independence. We celebrate with them as they reach important goals.

BNB Objectives

Develop safe homes for young moms and their children both during high school and after graduation – promoting success in the next steps of their lives, whether pursuing employment or continuing their education.

Provide access to high-quality childcare where their children can thrive.

Prepare moms and advocate for them as they find employment and/or pursue post-secondary education.

Create a community environment where life skills are honed, and peers support each other through life’s ups and downs.

Empower young moms to think critically, make decisions, foster connections and build their networks to be able to support their family once they complete the BNB program.