The New Beginning
Initiative
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Lake County, Ohio Community

Helping those who want to help themselves.

A hand up, not a handout. We clear the barriers — childcare, transportation, housing, training — standing between Lake County neighbors and steady work.

I Need Help Partner With Us
Lake County community member
600,000+
Meals donated locally since 1990
$448,000
Donated to neighbors in need
2022
The New Beginning Initiative launched
4
Core barriers we remove: childcare, transport, housing, training
Community members working together Lake County community member Case manager meeting with a client Local Lake County storefront team
How We Help

Targeted, temporary support that removes real barriers

We're not a government agency — we're a private, community-funded program built to bridge the gap between hardworking people and self-sufficiency.

Childcare
Covering care costs so parents can take and keep steady work.
Transportation
Gas, car repairs, and rides to and from work when transit isn't an option.
Housing
Rent assistance that keeps a roof overhead through a rough stretch.
Education & Training
GEDs, job training, and college support that build marketable skills.
Learn more about the resources available to you →
Case manager meeting with a client
Getting Started

Ready to change your life? We can help.

Maybe you don't qualify for government assistance, but it's still hard to cover your expenses. We work with Lake County residents overcoming barriers to gainful employment — not public assistance.

A case manager helps determine your needs and identify the ways this program can help, covering costs like childcare, gas, car repairs, housing, education, and job skills training.

Start an Application
In Their Own Words

Real stories of new beginnings

Every barrier removed is a family steadied. Hear directly from Lake County neighbors who found stability through this program.

Read their stories →
Illustrative story portrait

"I finally had reliable transportation to get to my shifts. That one thing changed everything for my family."

— Illustrative story, Painesville, OH
For Donors & Community Advocates

Real people, real help, right here in Lake County

Every gift, referral, or hour volunteered goes straight toward removing a barrier for a neighbor working toward independence. Here's how you can be part of it.

Donate Monthly Refer a Business Volunteer
For Lake County Businesses

Build your workforce. Strengthen your community.

Partner businesses hire motivated, case-managed candidates, offer discounted goods and services to NBI participants, and get featured across our community of supporters.

Become a Partner
Hire ready workers
Access candidates who've cleared their barriers to work.
Get showcased
Featured on our Business Partners directory.
Offer a discount
Give NBI clients a hand up through your business.
Sponsor or mentor
Fund a barrier removal or mentor a program graduate.
Our program is supported by
Lifeline Program supporter
Stay in the loop
Program updates and ways to get involved, straight to your inbox.
The New Beginning Initiative

Eliminating hunger and homelessness in Lake County by empowering people who are committed to helping themselves.

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Get Help Our Story Business Partners Stories Contact
Contact
Jackie Rodriguez
(440) 354-2148 x504
Donna Bullis
(440) 357-2008
Donate by mail
Checks payable to NBI, attn. Carrie Dotson
c/o Lifeline, PO Box 496
Painesville, OH 44077
© 2026 The New Beginning Initiative, Lake County, Ohio.