EF 2612 New Beginnings - A Home for New Mothers: From Conception through its Early Years

Abstract

Jeffrey Bonack traces the development of New Beginnings — A Home for Mothers, a WELS ministry offering spiritual and practical support to single mothers and their children. Conceived by Pastor Robert Fleischmann in response to criticism that pro-life ministries lacked postnatal support, the program was launched in Denver in 1993 after years of planning, legal groundwork, and fundraising. Bonack details the roles of key figures, including house parents Craig and Judy Schwartz, and counselor Lisa Buch, highlighting the Home’s emphasis on spiritual growth, vocational training, parenting skills, and financial responsibility. The essay explores early challenges such as low enrollment and short resident stays, and celebrates the program’s impact on dozens of lives. Bonack concludes with a hopeful look toward expansion, affirming New Beginnings as a model of Lutheran doctrine in action—meeting physical needs while sharing the Gospel. Abstract generated with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).