About StartAnew
At StartAnew, we stand alongside underserved and marginalized Black and Brown women and girls, providing the vital support and resources they need to strive for a brighter future. We serve as a catalyst for restoration within the Twin Cities and surrounding areas, helping those impacted—directly or indirectly—by the justice system to become the architects of their own success. As we work to reunite families and resurrect hope, our mission is rooted in the belief that empowerment creates a ripple effect. By helping women and girls reclaim their paths today, we are building a national legacy of mentorship and generational empowerment that ensures our community can truly start anew.
Our Story
Our Mission
“StartAnew empowers Black and Brown women and girls directly or indirectly impacted by the justice system—and our broader community—by providing essential resources, life skills, and direct support to foster dignity, resilience, and access to a brighter future.”
“I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better. “
Maya Angelou
Our Vision
“A future where every Black and Brown woman and girl impacted by the justice system is empowered to break the cycles of trauma, reclaim her dignity, and lead a life of self-defined success and community leadership.”
What We Offer
It's O K 2 B U
It’s OK 2 B U
Coming Soon: A place to:
-
Find your Power,
-
Embrace Your Beauty,
-
Celebrate Your Uniqueness.
Location: TBD
Date: TBD
A Program that utilizes different approaches for unique women.
StartAnew empowers Black and Brown women and girls impacted by the justice system, including survivors of incarceration, domestic violence, and foster care. Through our foundational It’s OK 2 B U program and our new 12-week trauma-healing initiative, we provide culturally specific support across the Twin Cities metro. By offering specialized healing circles like Sovereign Sisters and Rooted and Rising, we help survivors establish wellness plans and build peer networks that foster long-term independence and resilience.
Building Bonds Through Delicious Food
The aroma of home-cooked meals and the joy of shared plates fill our weekly group gatherings. Whether it’s a lovingly prepared family recipe or a special meal brought in just for us, each bite is savored alongside conversation, laughter, and the warmth of community. This shared dining experience nourishes more than just our bodies; it uplifts our spirits and empowers every woman at the table. Pull up a chair – lasting friendships are on the menu.
Mentoring
Our comprehensive mentoring curriculum is designed to transform lives by equipping participants with the skills and confidence to uplift others in their communities. As you embark on this journey of personal growth, you will not only discover your own potential but also learn how to inspire and guide those around you. By completing our program, you will gain the tools needed to become a mentor, fostering a cycle of empowerment and support that amplifies your impact. Join us in creating a vibrant network of change-makers who are dedicated to paying it forward and building stronger, more resilient communities for all.
Embrace Your Total Wellness Journey
Discover the keys to maintaining a balanced and healthy life in every aspect. We provide WRAP 1 and CPRS services tailored for our groups. Together, we explore nutritious eating habits and other essential practices that nurture both our minds and bodies.
Empower Your Financial Journey
Understanding how to budget effectively and make informed purchasing decisions is a vital step toward achieving your dreams. At Start Anew, we provide you with the essential tools and knowledge to navigate your financial landscape with confidence. Learn the best practices for buying what you want without sacrificing your financial stability, and discover valuable credit tips that can enhance your purchasing power and improve your financial health. Join our community to explore these opportunities, empowering you to take charge of your financial journey and create the life you desire.
Testimonials
What People are Saying
“StartAnew! Wow, where do I begin?”
I met the founder of Start Anew, at a workshop, on a university campus. I didn’t know what to expect, due to, it being my very first time, educating myself about the prison system and the intricacies of what the “system” is all about.
After the presentation was done, it was time for the breakout sessions, where we could meet the panelists and learn from them. That’s where I met Ms. Cecelia, and our sisterhood began there. Over the next few months, I’d come to learn and know, that I didn’t know very much about the prison industry.
After coming under the “tutelage” of Ms. Cecelia, by joining her, alongside a group of women, who meet on a weekly basis, to discuss how we can better improve ourselves, our short comings, readjusting to this “new way” of existing, because now there’s a label attached to our names. Admittedly it was a transition to say the least, but with our weekly meetings and interactions with one another, it has truly made adapting a lot easier. Having a sisterhood, so to speak where you can come and let your hair down, laugh, as well as learn how to adapt to your new way of living in society.
Start Anew, has assisted us with our deposits for new housing. Assisted with providing information on housing, starting a new job, advancing on our current jobs, learning about health and nutrition, and having an overall sisterhood, has offered a fresh breath of air, where at times it felt stagnate and immovable.
I thank Almighty God, for our meeting that day on the college campus. Not there as a university student, yet not knowing that Ms. Cecelia and Start Anew would be a new start for me and my future. I am humbly grateful to Almighty God, for Ms. Cecelia and the ladies at Start Anew.
Sandra Abu-Bakr
Mon, Thurs, Fri
10:00am - 5:30pm
Tues
10:00am – 8:30pm
Wed
10:00am - 8:30pm
Saturday & Sunday
Closed
Reach Out To Us
Don't be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!