By Karen McBride
Dr. Thomas Atchison, Senior Pastor of New Life church, and his wife, Ginny, have always had a heart for those suffering with addiction and homelessness. They wanted to find a way to offer people hope and a “new beginning”, so they formed New Beginnings of Tampa. Their motto is to “provide a hand up, not a handout”.
The Transitional Housing and Homeless Recovery Program provides shelter, food, guidance, and job training programs to veterans and the homeless so that they can get back on their feet and live productive lives. Residents are offered counseling for the challenges they are facing, whether it is mental or emotional, substance abuse, legal, or family-related.
Over 7,000 veterans have been helped through this organization. You can help to support the program by donating, shopping in their thrift store, or volunteering. Volunteers are needed to transport clients to medical appointments, employment interviews, and other necessary meetings.
Dr. Robert Norman*, Clinical Professor of Dermatology, recently donated two vans to New Beginnings of Tampa.
“I went and visited their facility and spoke to Pastor Tom. My goal was to have the two vans go to the best possible home that would provide the greatest service. After talking to clients and staff, I feel that I made a good choice to help New Beginnings of Tampa. On November 7th, they had a wonderful ceremony of appreciation at their center and I felt honored to help those in need,” said Dr. Norman.
For more information about the organization, go to https://www.newbeginningsoftampa.org or call 813.971.6961.
*Dr. Norman is an advanced master naturalist graduate of the FMNP program from UF and a board-certified dermatologist based in Tampa and Riverview. He can be reached at 813-880-7546. Dr. Norman’s new book “Reading the Florida Landscape” will be published in 2020. He is a contributor to the Dunndeal Gazettes, and you can read many of his “The Great Florida Outdoors” articles at www.dunndealpublications.com.
Photo caption: From left to right Dr. Rudolph Moise, Pastor Tom, Dr. Robert Norman, Fionna Lillian Norman