Our Mission
Our mission is to assist adult individuals who desire to prepare for and successfully meet the challenges of freedom, both prior to and after their release from incarceration.
Our History
Founded in 1993, with roots in the Franciscan and Quaker communities, New Beginnings–Next Step (hereafter NB-NS) runs peer support groups inside and outside of prison to help members build resilience by establishing relationships of trust and deep connection to community.
NB-NS’s Executive Director, singer-songwriter John Flynn, was recruited by the Franciscan Order in 2005 to work as a volunteer with New Beginnings at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington, Delaware. Since then he has overseen the program’s expansion into other correctional facilities in Delaware, its adoption of crucial re-entry work with returning citizens, and its incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. John has been recognized by the State Senate of Delaware for his work with incarcerated and returning citizens and is a recipient of the 2019 National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Champion of Justice Humanitarian Award.
Our Board of Directors
Chair
Constance Carter, CFRE
West Chester, PA
Nonprofit Consultant
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Treasurer
Sheryl Goldberg
Wallingford, PA
Associate, Zeichner Risk Analytics
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Secretary
Ebony Brown
Claymont, DE
Senior Director, Student Success, United Way
Of Delaware
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Member
Marsha Four, RN
Springfield, PA 19064
Vietnam Veterans of America, National Office, Strategic Advisor to President & Board of Directors​​
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Member
Frank Hoffmann
Chester Springs, PA
Educator & Corporate Trainer
Member
Greg Lashbrook
Newark, DE
General Manager, Union Park GMC
Member
Tyrone Mathis
Clementon, NJ
Mobile Outreach Team Leader, DE Dept. Mental Health & Substance Abuse
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Member
John Weaver, Esq.
Wilmington, DE
Attorney
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Ex Officio
John Flynn
Wilmington, DE
Executive Director, NBNS
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Staff
John Flynn, Executive Director
John Flynn was recruited by the Franciscans to work as a volunteer with New Beginnings at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in 2005. Since then he has overseen the program’s expansion into other facilities, as well as its adoption of crucial re-entry work with returning citizens, and its incorporation as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. John has been recognized by the State Senate of Delaware for his work with incarcerated and returning citizens and is a recipient of the 2019 National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Champion of Justice Humanitarian Award.