MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
For more than three decades, New Beginnings has been a pillar of hope for those in Hutchinson and Reno County who’ve lost their footing — yet many in the community still don’t know it exists.
“We’re just busy doing the work,” said Sarah Gonzalez, CEO of New Beginnings. “We help people who’ve lost their way — people without homes, living in poverty — rebuild their lives. That’s always been our mission.”
Founded over 30 years ago, New Beginnings operates largely behind the scenes, but its impact is substantial. The nonprofit’s approach is comprehensive, addressing not just immediate needs like shelter, but also long-term stability through housing, employment, and health care access.
At the heart of its housing services is the Noel Lodge, an emergency shelter located at 400 W. Second Avenue. For those needing more than temporary relief, New Beginnings offers transitional housing, giving individuals and families time and support to regain stability.
LINK: Small homes: Hutchinson's innovative housing project takes shape
But the organization didn’t stop at shelter alone.
Since 2006, New Beginnings has been tackling the root of homelessness by building affordable housing, beginning with Walnut Court Apartments. One of its most notable projects transformed the long-abandoned and graffiti-covered Grace Hospital on Main Street into 29 affordable apartments — breathing new life into the building and creating opportunities for residents to rejoin the community.
Gonzalez emphasizes that housing alone isn’t enough. “We realized that housing and employment go hand in hand. You can have a home, but you still have to pay rent,” she said.
To bridge that gap, the organization launched a transitional jobs program designed to help individuals overcome employment barriers. Participants gain valuable experience, including in construction — recently building small homes as part of their job training.
New Beginnings has also stepped into the healthcare space, partnering with Great Plains Family Medicine to provide a private, direct primary care clinic. With funding secured through grants, clients can access essential medical services and prescriptions — a critical step toward becoming employable and self-sufficient.
“I compare it to a ladder out of a hole,” said Gonzalez. “Many people are missing rungs. We’re building those rungs back in — shelter, jobs, health care, support — so people can climb out and rebuild their lives.”
The key ingredient to the organization's success? Time.
“It took time for people to fall through the cracks, and it takes time to rebuild,” Gonzalez said. “Most services are short-term. We stay with people long enough to make sure the change sticks.”
As New Beginnings continues to quietly reshape lives, Gonzalez hopes more people will come to recognize that the path out of homelessness and poverty is not paved with quick fixes — but with comprehensive, patient, and deeply personal support.