Linda & Steve Smith

From one act of compassion grew a mission that’s lifted thousands out of despair.

“Bear one another’s burdens” is biblical instruction Steve and Linda Smith take to heart. 

Determined to follow Jesus’ example, they have dedicated the rest of their lives to helping the poor and needy.

Steve was president of an insurance company and Linda worked as an executive for a Fortune 500 health care company. Life was busy with family, golfing, church fellowship and travel.

The couple worked remotely and served on numerous community projects after moving to Clermont in 2000. 

Then came the cold morning of January 1, 2007, when they met a homeless man outside a restaurant. Compelled to help that individual, they researched local services but discovered none were available. 

Neither Steve or Linda had any background in social service, but they heeded God’s call to act because they’d been abundantly blessed.

In 2007, they founded New Beginnings, a faith-based nonprofit organization to help break the cycle of poverty.

“It’s a hand-up program, not a handout,” Steve says. “If someone is willing to commit up to six months to the program, we help them work on their skills and change their habits.” 

New Beginnings provides:

• Housing
• Counseling
• Financial Literacy
• Life Skills Training
• Job Training

The goal is for program participants to become self-sufficient, move into permanent housing and no longer need assistance.

What began with volunteers and a rented house for homeless clients has grown into New Beginnings Village, which features a training center, thrift store that covers 96 percent of overhead expenses, and six newly built two-bedroom transitional homes.

New Beginnings has provided housing and services to over 10,000 people and has helped 512 families transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency over the last 18 years.

Steve helped develop Woodwinds, a 96-unit affordable rental community that provides case managers, activities and free afterschool care for the renters’ children. 

New Beginnings also created Lake County’s first Community Land Trust and is partnering with the City of Groveland to build seven affordable homes for middle-income residents to purchase. 

Steve and Linda are well versed in what families need. Married in Ohio 43 years ago, they have four grown children and 13 grandchildren.  

Now in their late 70s, Steve and Linda are both cancer survivors, thankfully now in remission. They continue to stay busy, having helped start two other nonprofits in Lake County.

“We give all the glory to God,” Linda says. “Everything we’ve done has been with His power.” 

www.nbcfl.org