Saralu has been an influential leader and volunteer at Begin Anew for over 20 years and is still going strong! She has always served on our Spring Fundraiser Committee in some capacity, helping plan events and raise money for Begin Anew’s programs. “That has been one of the joys I’ve had, to walk beside Mary Francis Turner, Nelda Brown, Elizabeth Ward, Susan Barnett, and Susan Rutledge. Each of these ladies has a special gift. I’ve never seen a committee work so closely together as the body of Christ. It was one of the best things that I’ve done.”

While Saralu has served on the Fundraising Committee, she began as a mentor, developing relationships with students, some of whom she still stays in contact with! She continues to develop those relationships through our community group at Franklin Campus. Saralu, Debbie Drennon, and Shelley Waters have helped to cultivate the community group by providing food and focusing on relationships. “Now we have people from South Korea, China, Japan, Italy, Peru—people from all over—and it’s mind-boggling to see how they overcome the obstacle of language to learn a new one. It’s so neat to connect, share concerns, pray about them, and then come back the next week and hear about how God is working!”

Saralu has a heart for people and has always enjoyed being with the students, mentoring them, and cheering them on at graduation! “The most joy has been getting to know a student one-on-one and being their advocate—seeing God transform their life right before my eyes. That’s why I think the faith aspect is so critical. Without belief, it can be hard to have the power to change, but with faith and education, you are able to begin a new life.”

We are so thankful that Saralu has given so much of her life to helping those around her. Her dedication is inspiring, and she has been a significant part of Begin Anew from the very beginning. Saralu wanted everyone to know, “If you have any talent, any gift, you can find a place at Begin Anew.”