Brand New Beginnings:

Generation Joshua

Brand New Beginnings (BNB) is a faith-based organization in Washington Park that provides permanent support of housing for women with their children who are coming out of shelters, addictions, and abusive relationships.

Gavi Henderson’s poem, A Life of Dreams, was submitted by Ernie Melendez of Brand New Beginnings who raves over the intelligence of BNB’s children. Melendez says, “There are some special things about these kids…they are so bright. Given the right opportunity, they will shine.”

Gavi and nearly 20 other children, ages 10-18, belong to BNB’s Generation Joshua Youth Council headed by Eric Mitchell. “The goal is to change the mindset of the youth and for them to know that they can be business owners in their own community. We want at least ten millionaires coming out of the Washington Park area of Bronzeville through entrepreneurship.” Mitchell says.

Gavi is an aspiring writer and business woman and has already had her own experience in entrepreneurship. She sold school supplies and candy to other children at her school. If a child forgot their pencil, Gavi sold them one for five cents. Gavi is also working on a book with her best friend.

Part of Generation Joshua are the Knights of the Roundtable which was started after the boys in the program continually returned to sit with Mitchell and Melendez. The Knights have barbeques, go horseback riding, watch football, and have lots of man-to-man talks. Mitchell says that the Knights are now chosen by their demonstrated leadership and willingness to learn and listen to advice.

Mitchell teaches entrepreneurship to Generation Joshua according to the book, “The Richest Man in the World” by Steven K. Scott. The book is based on the wisdom of Solomon and the principles of the Book of Proverbs.

An excerpt from the book discusses knowledge, understanding, and wisdom:

Knowledge - the acquiring of information
Understanding - Discerning and valuing important and practical truths
Wisdom - The act of applying valued truths to life in general and in any situation

The children of Generation Joshua are given money making opportunities, savings opportunities, and financial problems to solve. They also learn how to put their money together collectively for the entire group to prosper.

Despite the various challenges BNB’s children are born into, Generation Joshua instills values, friendship, and spiritual lessons that are sure to stay with them for life. Metropolis

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