"Dear New Beginning. Please accept this letter as my personal testimony as to how wonderful, compassionate and effective New Beginning is. As you know, my son was lost in the dredges of heroin addiction. He went from facility to facility without getting any meaningful help only to relapse after treatment was completed. He was finally hospitalized after a heroin overdose nearly killed him. Through a referral from Mountainside Hospital he found his way to New Beginning. It was at New Beginning that he received the help that led him through the 12 Steps and to lasting sobriety. Many times in his life I thought I was going to plan his funeral. Now we are planning our life together."

Many thanks,
Gary Rombough, M.D.

"Our sons were always very close. They were so close, in fact, that when they got addicted to drugs, they did so together. No one can imagine the pain and sadness that a family goes through as a result of addiction until they actually experience it. In October 2006, our oldest son went to New Beginning Ministry and our other son went to another place for recovery. When they got home, Michael seemed to have a fresh start, 'A New Beginning' but Dan continued to struggle. In May of 2007, Dan went to New Beginning Ministry and just like Michael, he loved being there and was grateful for all of things he learned. Thanks to you and your wonderful program, when Dan returned home, he was given another chance at a better life too, a 'New Beginning!' Thank you so very much. Please keep up the great work for all of the people who need you..."
Mary K. (2008)

"To the Captain & Crew of H.M.S. New Beginning,

I can't thank you enough for enlightening me and giving me back my life. Before my 90 day stay in your ministry I really didn't care if I lived or died - that has all changed now. I now wake up thankful for things I took for granted: my wife, family, being free and by the gace of God you people and my sobriety. I truly learned so much about life and how good it can be without drugs and alcohol.

I want to thank you Kevin for all you did for me and I thank your mom for putting God in my life. God has given me a reprieve and I will never forget that. I don't know at what point it happened but I no longer want to drink - you ruined my drinking career - I wish I had money to donate to New Beginning. All I can do is pray for New Beginning to be there a long time.

I have written many of the people I was there with. Each one of them helped me in different ways. I pray we can all meet again at your summer picnic. I will be driving on or about May 3rd and I so want to come back for a visit and a few meetings. I must admit that I did not enjoy 90 days away from my family, cats, ocean, etc., but I am so glad I stayed the suggested 90 days. I believe I needed it.

Please feel free to share this letter to any new comer. New Beginning was just that for me and I wanted what you had."

Forever Thankful,
Captain Jim M. (2008)

"I would like to thank the staff at New Beginning for the best experience of my life. New Beginning has saved my life. Kevin's lectures were the best I have ever heard and his love for the program has put me on the right path. I would strongly recommend sending anyone stuggling with the disease of addiction for a 90-day stay or longer. Thank you New Beginning from the bottom of my heart."
Kevin S. (2009)

"I came to New Beginning knowing despair the likes of which I'd never experience. I could not stop drinking despite the horrific consequences - legal and the torment I was inflicting on my family. At New Beginning I learned that alcohol and drugs were not the problem; that I suffer from a spiritual malady - a spiritual dis-ease. My time here afforded me the opportunity to lay a foundation of spiritual practices that, a day at a time, will enable me to finally live the life I was given to live. Thank you. "
Stephen D. (2008)

"I cannot express how grateful I am to be staying at New Beginning, pain free, with great happiness and the complete absence of fear.  Thank you."
Ryan C

"Hello Everyone. Hope all is well. Just a little note to inform you I am very pleased to reflect with your web page with my new beginning.

As of November 18th, 2008 I have 7 years sober and sincerely believe that if it were not for your help I would never have made it this far. Even though I don't keep in touch I have NEVER forgotten where my life had started. Although life is a constant struggle thanks to your foundation in me I have never given up the faith and gone back to using. I hope you know that you really do make a difference and I am very grateful."

"You are a gift and a blessing in my life.  Thank you for everything that you have done for me."
Brian D

"Thank you for helping me back to life, for giving me a chance and a helping hand."
Desiree

"Today marks one year for Jeffrey; it was the day he gave up drugs.  You opened up your door and your heart to him.  He would not be celebrating this achievement had it not been for your generosity, hard work and support.  I am more grateful than words could ever express."
Lisa

"I can't tell you how grateful I am to have come to New Beginning.  You truly are an inspiration to me.  You and everyone at NBM have taught me things that I could not have learned anywhere else.  I know that this place has done fabulous things for the people here.  I have faith that NBM will keep working miracles for people.  Thank you for everything you have done."
Allison C

"Thank you so much for coming to Unadella Valley School and speaking with the students.  You are incredible people with a great message!  I truly believe that you have all been through so much because of your ability to speak and share your life with others.  Thank you!"
Trooper M. Marshall
New York State Police

"I want to thank you and the staff at New Beginning for the loving and caring environment that you provided.  I now have a solid foundation of recovery on which to build a sober, spiritual and healthy life.  Thank you!"
Rob G

"New Beginning has become a spiritual center in my life.  I think of it often and return regularly for personal retreats, always leaving serene and renewed."
Tom D
Chapel Hill, NC

"I've been at New Beginning since March of 2003.  In the past eight months I've learned a lot about spirituality.  Being of the Jewish faith, it's comforting to be at a ministry that is accepting of all faiths.  I have found a God of my understanding and I am not it!"
R. Siegel

"New Beginning has made a difference in my life.  They showed me how to live it!  Thank you!"
Larry E

"Your homestead was so very warm and cozy and safe feeling. Sobriety is truly a beautiful miracle. I am so grateful to have love and forgiveness in my heart. I think of how bitter and selfish I used to be. Thank God for this program."
Nancy H

"Dear Kevin,
At this time of year I am especially grateful to you and your program.  You have given me the gift of my son back.  You have given my son a chance to get his life back.  I thank you with all of my heart.  Jesse has been sober for over two months,  in his three weeks with you he had a foundation created that no one else could do.  He has been going to meetings everyday and has a wonderful sponsor.  I know that his life, like everyone's is one day at a time...and he has been practicing that with the help of  AA and his brothers and sisters there.  But he never could have taken that first step without you.  He remains vigilant and cognizant of his limitations with this disease.  He told me he will continue going daily, after the 90/90.  But he is hopeful and doing well. We will remain helpful to New Beginnings, and will be in touch as to your needs to help others.  It isn't over but it certainly is a promising New Beginning. Thank you and have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family." Sincerely,
Peggy

"I will always be grateful to you for your love and support of my son.  I hope to be able to give back some day."
Carol H

"You are an angel! If my son is ever going to grow up: and he will, New Beginning is where he should be.  It's a special place of truth and hope.  It's your gift to humanity."
Ann S

"My name is David G. And I am a 21 year-old Pennsylvania resident.  My life was always pretty stable up to the age of 15.  When I turned 15, my family life began to deteriorate rapidly after my mother left the family.  After my mother departed I experienced my first introduction to drugs and alcohol.  I began using marijuana and alcohol on a daily basis, to escape the drama that was unfolding at my home.
I personally agree with the statement that marijuana is a gateway drug leading to other drugs.  I began to experiment with harder drugs but quickly rejected them for the effects and the cost that accompanied them.  My regular using of marijuana and alcohol lasted until I was 17, when I landed myself in trouble with the law.  I spent almost two years in an institution for the trouble I caused related to drugs.  When I was released, I quickly discovered that I was very productive when I was free of drugs and alcohol. Things were going very well for me until my father was sent to prison and I was left to support my younger brother.  I began using drugs and alcohol again to mask my problems.  I quickly started getting into trouble again, and fell back into my prior habits.  My bottom happened all too quickly, the day before Thanksgiving.  I alone consumed a bottle of hard liquor and ingested some medication.  That night I experienced a blackout and stole a car and crashed it.  I was arrested and place in county jail for two weeks. After being released I knew that I would need some extra help to stay clean and sober.  I was refereed to New Beginning Ministry in Beach Lake, PA.  Upon arriving at New Beginning I was approached by a man named Kevin, who would later play a prominent role in my life and recovery.  Kevin told me the rules and helped me settle in. Since my arrival at New Beginning my life has made a tremendous change.  Through New Beginning and the friends there, I have learned things about myself that I have never known. I have acquired tools to deal with life's problems instead of turning to alternative means, such as drugs and alcohol. New Beginning has taught me how to live spiritually and how to be a better person.  New Beginning is far from an institution, but more like an extended family, showing each individual love and care.  New Beginning has given me my life back and I have a future and goals today. When I leave New Beginning, I will join the Marine Corps and go to college.  I plan to carry the message of recovery to other people, and hope for a change.  I believe that anybody who wants to recover can if they truly want to in their hearts and have a Higher power in their life."
David G
04-01-01

"Hi, my name is Brian L.; I am a 24 year old addict.  I have been using drugs since I was 12 years old.  My life has been filled with many trials and tribulations.  I went from being a star high-school athlete, to being sent to jail three times in two years for various addiction related offences.  During that time period I lost all self-respect and self-esteem.  I basically lost myself.  Fortunately, a good friend reached out to me and let me know there was place for me at New Beginning.  New Beginning Ministry is a place that helps all those in need to live better lives. New Beginning gave me a chance to step out of my life and focus on myself.  I was a shattered person, but thanks to New Beginning, I am whole once again.  Most importantly New Beginning has helped me to find the road to recovery.  Now I am armed and ready to fight for my sobriety, and for my  life. New Beginning gave me the chance to get out of the deadly rat race of addiction.  Being able to take the time to get to know myself and what makes me tick has been a wonderful and challenging experience.  The one-on-one counseling and chat sessions really helped me get in touch with the driving force behind my addiction.  I never would have been able to overcome my addiction on my own. I came to New Beginning filled with anger, resentment, and fear.  Today I can look those three monsters in the eye and feel strong.  Having dealt with past issues that have been haunting me since childhood has given me the strength to do this.  Today I feel free to be the person that I always knew was there, but was unable to find.  With the help of New Beginning I am no longer lost. The road I am traveling, called recovery, has never been so bright.  Through group meetings and workshops I have learned the tools to fight my addiction.  I now know that I am no longer in this fight alone: I now have many weapons and friends to call to my aid. To put it simply, New Beginning has given me back the life that drugs and alcohol stole from me.  Today I am comfortable with the people around me, and I am comfortable with myself.  I am no longer hiding behind my addiction.  I now look at life as limitless; the only thing holding me back was me."
Sincerely,
Brian L (March 13, 2002)

"Thank you for shedding light on my life.  I was in a dark place and now am being warmed by the beams of light that God shares.  Keep on being you!  Thank you for being an inspiration.  If I could help people the way you have with addiction, even half as much, I would consider my life a success."
A.A. Friend

"Thank you New Beginning, for the hospitality, love, and support."
Phil S

"I had the most wonderful time with all of you!  Thank you so much for all you did for me."
Karen

"Congratulations on the opening of Joel's Sober House.  It will be a blessing for many, especially those who are learning the skills of surviving dependency one day at a time."
Matt

"What a miracle!"
Deane

"I was impressed with your knowledge of The Big Book!"
Jesse E

"I have been associated with New Beginning in Beach Lake, PA for three years.  In that time, I have bore witness to the fact that many lives that were previously shattered, broken, and/or drug and alcohol dependent have been transformed by the efforts of New Beginning.  New Beginning is a place where these men and women feel safe and secure.  They are given and are made to take responsibility for their actions and lives, so they can again become reliable, resourceful, and respected people in society, as well as in their family's lives.  At New Beginning they are cared for and treated like family members, encompassing many other lessons of life that go beyond their addictions.  This establishment truly is a place of new beginnings for each and every life who enters there.  I would recommend New Beginning Ministry to those who are in addiction and other related problems, so they too can have their lives changed forever."
Pastor Dennis P. Ubertini
Acts 1:8 Church

"The following letter is to serve as a positive reference for the New Beginning Ministry, Inc.  I wish to take this opportunity to express my feelings of how helpful the New Beginning Ministry has been to my office, including both the defendants and the plaintiffs.  New Beginning Ministry has successfully worked with clients in the court system through both healing and rehabilitation.  I feel that the New Beginning Ministry has been a bonus to the local community and I would recommend the services they have to offer to others."
District Justice

"It is a great asset to the community to have an organization such as yours providing such services and remain readily assessable.  Thank you does not seem adequate although it is sincerely meant.  My commendation for your many good works."
Dorothy L

"Bill was a man that was not doing well on probation.  He was abusing drugs, he was not being responsible.  He was in a one-way tunnel leading to prison.  New Beginning helped to save him, nurture him.  It pulled him out of that tunnel heading to oblivion.  It gave him a place to stay, learn, and mature.  It gave him goals.  I thank you.  I wish New Beginning was across the street!"
Tom N

"I have been blessed to have known you!"
Robert

"The world is full of people who have tremendous needs and New Beginning Ministry is one place that is reaching out to them."
Daryl

"God answered a mother's prayers by placing you in my son's path."
Julie M

"Gifted in their work! A tremendous rapport with young people and much to offer to help them in their recovery.  I recently visited and stayed at New Beginning and witnessed the wonderful job they are doing.  A healthy environment, continuously following the teachings, principles and traditions of Alcoholic's Anonymous.  They have so much to give, including knowledge, experience, compassion, and love."
Beverly D

"They helped me stay sober!"
Mike D

"A Godsend!"
David M

"Thank you for saving my life!"
Pete M

"Ihave seen New Beginning heal many people!"
Ed H

"They run very positive, up-beat, fun and informative meetings!"
Mike L

"They have a talent and a gift to reach these kids who are very hard to reach."
Rich H

"They have a gift to be able to communicate with young people who have lost hope in their lives.  They help the hopeless to find hope!"
Sylvia W

"New Beginning takes people who were drug dependent and helps them to recover by showing them unconditional love in many practical and spiritual ways."
David F

"Their experience, strength and hope saved me!"
W.R.

"They helped me to express myself freely by giving me confidence and a power of example to follow."
Billy B

"Remarkable!"
Sam P

"Because of New Beginning's work, they have given me hope, and have given my children a responsible and understanding father."
Bill T

"I'm scared to think where I might have ended up if I could not have come to New Beginning."
John C

"Never have I met someone as dedicated to serving others.  Not only have their commitment helped many of those chemically dependent to turn their lives around, they have also aided society."
Rebecca

"New Beginning helps people to find a place and a purpose in their lives."
Frank S

"I feel fortunate to have come to New Beginning.  I feel that their guidance and support have been instrumental in my recovery."
Robert B

"A profound affect on helping my son get and stay sober.  That means something because my husband and I have tried everything from private schools, to private rehabs, Outward Bound, to tough love, and nothing worked until New Beginning."
M.S.

"God must have been watching over me, because this is the best!"
Rich L

"I came to New Beginning two months ago. When I came here I had given up all hope and felt like giving up. Kevin, the Director of Operations at New Beginning, really helped me get through the first couple weeks. Now I have a wonderful life here and also a wonderful future. Everyone here has helped a tremendous amount."
Chris A

"Every time I come to New Beginning, I feel spiritually enlightened."
Tim S

"New Beginning Ministry saved my life; I was facing certain death from heroin addiction.  Today I feel like a better person!"
Christian W

"Thanks to New Beginning Ministry, I am now living the good life that previously had been out of my grasp."
Laura H

"New Beginning saved my life, they saved me from jail, and they gave my twins their father back.  Life is no where near as bad as my addiction had projected it to be.  I no longer live in doom and despair; today I am free!"
Bob Mc

"I'm so happy that there is such a place; there is nowhere else like New Beginning!"
Mary H