Recent News
Making a Difference in the Chaska Community.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Today, we celebrate Molly Koivumaki! In her day job, Molly is the executive director of Beyond New Beginnings, which is a local nonprofit that supports and nurtures young moms and their children as they gain independence in safe, stable homes.
Molly also is a board member of the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA), a member of the Friends of the Chaska Library, and a member of the League of Women Voters of Eastern Carver County. She also previously served on the Chaska Human Rights Commission.
Molly is amazed at the generosity and care that the people in Chaska have shown the families at Beyond New Beginnings. She also feels fortunate to work on affordable housing projects and economic development opportunities in Chaska and Carver County in her role as a Carver County CDA board member.
Here’s what the person who nominated Molly had to say:
“Molly continues to demonstrate caring and dedication to our community. She is committed to serving and growing the Beyond New Beginnings program to support single moms.”
Thanks, Molly, for all you do for our community!
During Women’s History Month, the Chaska Human Rights Commission is celebrating women in our community.
Local program helping young moms & their children gain independence
Children don’t need perfection, just parents who are trying their best. In Communities that KARE, a Chaska-based program is helping young moms reach their goals.
Local Mom Joins Staff of Housing Program
Beyond New Beginnings is pleased to announce that Janae Vogel of Jordan has been hired as our Family Coach. She brings compassion and energy to supporting the families through the ups and downs of learning to live independently.
- Why are you interested in working with the families at BNB?
I was a teen mom myself and I know the struggles these moms are facing and feel. It is very overwhelming and there are few positive stories. It is hard to find women that have been in the same situation that are able to give advice and support. It has been a goal of mine to be able to come and help girls in the same situation someday.
- What are some ways you will be able to provide support for them?
I have an opportunity to tell a positive story for these girls. Having faced the same challenges. I can be an example for them and help direct them in setting and achieving their goals.
Jill Engeswick nominated for “Who Inspires You”
Jill’s credo is “[being] committed to creating a community where all people have safe and secure housing and hope for a better future.” And she means it. The proof is in her commitment through action. One such effort is a nonprofit she founded called Beyond New Beginnings, which 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. The program now houses four mothers and their children and is showing early success. One mom completed her associate’s degree and moved to her own home; two moms recently graduated from high school. Jill runs the operation and also serves as board secretary. She was an educator for the SouthWest Metro school district for 30 years, working with at-risk high school students. The community is in a much better place because of Jill’s care for others and how she inspires through service.
Beyond New Beginnings Welcomes Molly Koivumaki
Beyond New Beginnings announced today that it has hired its first Executive Director, Molly Koivumaki.
Molly Koivumaki worked in affordable housing and social services for the City of Eden Prairie until her retirement in 2018. A position she says, “taught me that housing stability is the absolute foundation necessary for families to thrive.”
Girl Scout Troop 13876 disbands, donates remaining funds to Beyond New Beginnings
Girl Scout Troop 13876 began 18 years ago with 22 kindergarten “Daisies.” This June the remaining six Girl Scouts disbanded the troop after all of them graduated from high school.
(Photo credits – Mark Olson)
BALANCE SHIFTING FROM LIFECYCLE HOUSING
Commentary by Bob Roepke
BEYOND NEW BEGINNINGS
There is an effort led by a group of committed community members, working in partnership with the Community Development Agency, to find housing for single young moms.
BEYOND NEW BEGINNINGS ANNOUNCES GRANTING OF IRS 501(c)(3) STATUS
Allows Donors To Deduct Contributions Made In Support Of The Beyond New Beginnings Mission
New Housing Initiative for Young Mothers
Jill Engeswick (right in picture) and Sue Schmidt talk about the need of housing for young moms in the Chaska area. The full article was published in the Belle Plaine Herald newspaper.
Picture credits to Belle Plaine Herald
New nonprofit provides secure, affordable housing for young families
A great article in the Chanhassen Villager about how Beyond New Beginnings began and the inspiration behind the program.
P.O. Box 203
Chaska, MN 55318