Newby-ginnings: When Love and Loss Become Action

The story behind a nonprofit serving those who have served

By Like Media Team

Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, Inc. was founded by Theresa Hart, a mother whose life was forever changed when her son, Nick, was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq. In the aftermath of that loss, Theresa needed a way to carry forward the love, responsibility, and identity that came with being Nick’s mom. What began in her home as a small effort to help Nick’s struggling battle buddies became the foundation for a mission rooted in service, dignity, and action.

Over the past 12 years, Newby-ginnings has grown fivefold into a full-scale support program serving Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, and Gold Star Families throughout North Idaho and the Inland Northwest. The organization provides personal and household essentials, food, medical equipment, and access to trusted resources and referrals—always at no cost. The goal is to reduce immediate stress and fill critical gaps so individuals and families can focus on stability and well-being rather than survival. Every service reflects a simple belief: no one who has served, or lost someone who served, should ever have to choose between basic needs and dignity.

Those who walk through the doors often arrive with needs that extend beyond tangible items. While food, clothing, furniture, and medical supplies are essential, many guests are also seeking understanding and connection. Newby-ginnings has become a place where Veterans can talk with others who understand military life, and where families feel seen, respected, and valued. In many cases, the most meaningful support is knowing they belong.

The impact of Newby-ginnings is visible in everyday, time-sensitive moments. Families leave with food for their tables and furniture they could not otherwise afford. Newly housed Veterans receive brand-new housewares to begin again with dignity. Medical equipment is provided exactly when it is needed, not weeks or months later. Utilities remain connected because help arrived before a shutoff. A Veteran’s family enters winter safely because worn tires were replaced. During the holidays, gifts appear under trees that would not have been there otherwise. These moments happen daily, quietly changing lives.

The organization operates entirely through community support. Volunteers power daily operations, donors provide essential goods, and community partners step in with fundraisers, food donations, holiday assistance, and emergency financial help through the Veterans Relief Fund. Over 12 years, this collective effort has allowed Newby-ginnings not only to sustain itself but to expand its reach and deepen its impact.

Today, the most pressing need is space. Once again, Newby-ginnings has outgrown its facility. A larger location would allow more Veterans and families to be served each day, reduce wait times, and improve donation flow. Expanded space would also open the door to a future Veteran Community Center, where onsite services from community partners could strengthen connections and provide more comprehensive support.

Looking ahead, Theresa’s vision extends beyond North Idaho. She hopes Newby-ginnings—or a similar model—can exist in communities across the country. That vision has already taken root when a former client relocated to Tennessee and, with guidance from Newby-ginnings, helped create Operation United Hope, now serving families there.

For Theresa, it’s personal.

“I lost a child in combat. Grief of that magnitude has a way of seeping into your DNA and changing you on a cellular level. Being Nick’s mother defined me. Losing him defined me as well—and I had to do something with that. Newby-ginnings became a way to carry that love, loss, and purpose forward.

“I love that I get to talk about Nick every day, and I love knowing that he will never be forgotten. An unwritten part of our mission is to ensure that all who have served and sacrificed for our country are remembered—not just in words, but through care, action, and community.”

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