One Young Momma at a Time

Listen to this article:

In charity work, the best results usually don’t come from grand gestures but consistent relationship-building. ANEW Ministries stands as a beacon of this philosophy as they serve young mothers aged 23 and under. 

Based in Northwest Indiana and led by Executive Director Janell Rottier, ANEW has moved away from a traditional “handout” model to a developmental “hand-up” approach based on the powerful “ANEW creation” promise of 2 Cor. 5:17. Staff and volunteers are committed to restoring dignity and fostering long-term self-sufficiency in the women they serve.

A Strategy for Connection

Moms Made ANEW is an intensive weekly mentoring program, based on the belief that lasting change happens through consistent, intentional relationships. It’s designed for women ready for a deeper change.

Moms are paired with a mentor who walks with them through life’s battles, providing spiritual growth and generational transformation. Participants are also surrounded by a support team of financial advocates, program directors, coaches, and educators who offer encouragement, accountability, and a clear path forward.

Upon entering the program, each mom chooses one or more of five pathways toward self-sufficiency:

Most remain in the program for two to four years, growing at a pace that supports lasting transformation rather than quick fixes.

Moms Made ANEW programs are hosted at local churches so moms can experience local congregations’ support through childcare, shared meals, and meaningful relationships. Through these actions, they learn that the love of Jesus isn’t an idea but a lived experience.

Moms find their way to the program through two very intentional Connection Points, designed to engage them where they are:

Flourishing Boxes are often the first connection point. ANEW equips individuals and groups to host packing parties, and then the ministry distributes boxes to over three dozen community partners such as hospitals, WIC offices, and clinics.

Those organizations then give the boxes to new and expectant moms who find them filled with practical baby essentials, a handwritten card from the person who packed it, and an invitation to a Mom Mixers program (see details below). By providing more than just material aid, the boxes serve as a bridge to let young moms know they are welcome to become part of a supportive community within a local church.

Mom Mixers are free, low-pressure gatherings hosted by local churches, with ANEW providing everything needed. Mothers who might feel isolated engage in fun, low-pressure events like cookie decorating or floral arranging. For many, this is the first time they’ve felt welcomed by a church. And it’s an excellent opportunity for church members to build loving relationships that show mothers they are valued and seen.

Dignity Over Dependency

ANEW has infused its culture with principles that prevent accidental dependency and promote self-sufficiency. Let that sink in. They actively strive to prevent accidental dependency and promote self-sufficiency!

A quote from their website drives that approach: “Transformation happens when a church doesn’t just care about her, but commits to walking with her.”

In addition, ANEW’s membership in the True Charity Network has helped reinforce its “Dignity Over Dependency.” By utilizing TC’s Mentoring Handbook and aligning with the principles of True Charity, ANEW ensures every program includes empowering expectations. 

For instance, their Christmas Market allows moms to purchase gifts for their children using resources they have earned through participation in other programs. Doing so preserves their dignity, enabling them (not a nonprofit or church) to be the hero of their children’s Christmas morning.

Also, ANEW’s “Financial Pathway” requires full-time employment with the ministry and offers varying levels of assistance designed to prepare them for long-term success rather than providing a short-term fix.

Evidence That It Works

ANEW’s impact is measured not just in numbers, but in restored lives. One young mother shared this powerful testament to the ministry’s effectiveness: “I was at my lowest and feeling hopeless. Then I found ANEW Ministries. I know now that I can do it.” 

Additionally, ANEW recently launched a reliable transportation program using TC’s Vehicle Ownership and Maintenance MAP. It helps moms overcome one of the biggest barriers to employment — transportation insecurity — by providing a clear, goal-oriented path to car ownership.

Encouragement for Nonprofit Leaders

Nonprofit leaders looking to duplicate ANEW’s success should consider several key lessons:

• Equip the Church. ANEW does not attempt to do everything itself. Instead, it equips local churches with the tools and training needed to be on the front line of community support.
• Embrace a “Work Awakens Worth” philosophy: By implementing an “earn-it” model for material items and financial assistance, ANEW helps participants recognize their God-given value and capacity to contribute to their community. 
• Leverage Collective Wisdom: Partnering with the True Charity community kept ANEW from “reinventing the wheel” and ensured their methods are grounded in effective best practices.

ANEW Ministries proves that when a nonprofit organization or church is truly for young mothers and its programs offer relational accountability, entire communities benefit. By prioritizing “being with” over “doing for,” it’s not just helping moms handle hard times; it’s helping them lead lives “ANEW.”

Looking for more tools to help you engage more effectively with those in your community? True Charity Network members have access to a host of resources and training to help them build more effective programs.