By Akers Editorial
40 Over 40: Steve Smith of New Beginnings of Central Florida
A chance encounter with a man experiencing homelessness helped send Steve Smith’s life in an unexpected direction.
After retiring from a successful corporate career and moving to Florida from Ohio with his wife, Linda, Steve met a local homeless man in 2007 who was looking for a new beginning through work and housing.
Steve says he quickly realized there were few local services available to help him.
“My wife, Linda, and I recruited other Godly people to join our journey to transform lives through a newly formed nonprofit: New Beginnings of Central Florida, Inc.,” Steve says.
Today, Steve serves as Executive Director of New Beginnings of Central Florida and describes his career simply as being a “change maker.”
He says he is passionate about creating startup companies, building teams of dedicated employees and helping people reach their goals, whether they are rebuilding their lives after tragedy, working toward financial success or looking for affordable housing.
One of the organization’s largest projects began after Steve met the Vice President of Florida Housing in 2012 while the two served on the State Council on Homelessness.
The conversation led New Beginnings to consider developing a larger affordable housing community. After six years of negotiations with a landowner, discussions with neighboring homeowners, securing state and county financing and selecting contractors, Woodwinds opened in 2018 with 96 affordable apartments.
Steve says he is especially proud of the services offered to residents.
“I am especially proud as Woodwinds is the only area apartment community that has two social workers on site providing after-school care for the school-age students, financial and job enhancement training for the adults, and counseling when loss of job, family or medical issues occur,” he says.
New Beginnings itself grew out of Steve’s desire to create services for people experiencing homelessness or facing the possibility of becoming homeless.
“I was able to use my corporate training to build a well-respected and highly successful program helping those who have experienced homelessness or are facing the possibility,” Steve says.
Steve says advocacy has sometimes meant challenging others in the community.
“Even though I ruffle some feathers in our community advocating for the local homeless, this year I was recognized as the Best Influencer by the Clermont Sun Readers Choice Award,” he says. “I was quite surprised!”
He also credits his wife with having the greatest influence on his leadership journey.
“My greatest influence has been my Godly wife who has stood with me for 44 years,” Steve says.
His advice to future professionals and community leaders reflects his persistence that has shaped his own work.
