About New Start Ministries, Inc.
- New Start Ministries, Inc. is an Alabama nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization formed to help adjudicated youth make a NEW START in life. We provide information and assistance to willing youth who want to be connected with a local church for Christian mentoring.
- Participation by DYS youth is voluntary
- All information about DYS youth is confidential
- New Start Ministries makes no recommendation about which denomination or church to attend
- Explanation of the New Start Ministries Logo
Mission Statement
Connecting adjudicated youth with a local faith-based ministry for mentoring, faith enrichment, and a new start in life.
Purpose
Provide DYS youth with opportunities to receive Christian discipleship through either Pen-Pal and/or follow up Mentoring
Goals
Equip the Christian Church for ministry by qualifying and training volunteers to become Pen-Pals and Mentors
Present the value of Christian mentoring to DYS youth and assist those who volunteer in connecting with a Pen-Pal or Mentor
Expectations
For youth to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and continue growing in faith
For youth to experience a NEW START in life by turning away from crime & delinquency
For youth NOT to be recommitted to the Alabama Department of Youth Services
For mentors and churches to experience blessing and be successful in ministering to youth
Purpose
Provide DYS youth with opportunities to receive Christian discipleship through either Pen-Pal and/or follow up Mentoring
Goals
Equip the Christian Church for ministry by qualifying and training volunteers to become Pen-Pals and Mentors
Present the value of Christian mentoring to DYS youth and assist those who volunteer in connecting with a Pen-Pal or Mentor
Expectations
For youth to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and continue growing in faith
For youth to experience a NEW START in life by turning away from crime & delinquency
For youth NOT to be recommitted to the Alabama Department of Youth Services
For mentors and churches to experience blessing and be successful in ministering to youth
Statements of Faith
The Bible
We believe the Bible is the inspired, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life, without error in its original writing both in doctrine and historical and scientific fact, and that all true knowledge is consistent with its revelation.
God
We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that knowing Him truly is the foundation of all knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Jesus Christ is God Incarnate, wholly God and wholly man, in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His vicarious atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, his bodily resurrection, His ascension, His bodily return in power and glory.
Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be saved.
Salvation
We believe that salvation is the free gift of God brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man's sin.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind; indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
Unity of Believers
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that individual doctrinal differences which may exist, outside of these stated beliefs should not hinder the unity of Christian people.
We believe the Bible is the inspired, divinely preserved Word of God, the supreme and final authority for all faith and life, without error in its original writing both in doctrine and historical and scientific fact, and that all true knowledge is consistent with its revelation.
God
We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and that knowing Him truly is the foundation of all knowledge, wisdom, and understanding.
Jesus Christ
We believe in the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, that Jesus Christ is God Incarnate, wholly God and wholly man, in His virgin birth, His sinless life, His vicarious atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, his bodily resurrection, His ascension, His bodily return in power and glory.
Man
We believe that man was created in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost, and only those who put their faith in Jesus Christ alone, not trusting in any personal works whatsoever, can be saved.
Salvation
We believe that salvation is the free gift of God brought to the sinner by grace and received by personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Whose substitutionary death on the cross paid the penalty for man's sin.
The Holy Spirit
We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to convict mankind; indwell, guide, instruct, and empower the believer for godly living and service.
Unity of Believers
We believe in the spiritual unity of believers through our common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and that individual doctrinal differences which may exist, outside of these stated beliefs should not hinder the unity of Christian people.
Endorsements
Alabama Department of Youth Services
Mentor Alabama
Alabama Churches Partnering with Pen-Pals for New Start Ministries
1st Assembly of God, Pleasant Grove
23rd Street Baptist, S. Birmingham
46th Street Baptist Church
Bethel AME Church Rising, W. Bham.
Bethel Baptist Church, N. Birmingham
Bethel Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove
Calvary Baptist Church, Concord
Canaan Baptist Church, Bessemer
Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Leeds
Christian Valley Baptist, N. Birmingham
Church or the Highlands (small groups)
Clay Christian Fellowship
Clay Ridge Baptist
Clearview Baptist Church
Cornerstone Church of Helena
Deerfoot Community Bible Church
Faith United Methodist Church, Pinson
Family Christian Stores
Family Life Center Church
Faircrest Drive Church of God
First Baptist Center Point
First Baptist Woodlawn
Garywood Assembly of God, Hueytown
Green Valley Baptist Church, Hoover
Guiding Light Church
Harmony Street Bapt. Church, N. Bham.
Hopewell Baptist Church, W. Bham.
In Step Community Church
Irondale United Methodist Church
Living Church Ministries
Living Word Church
Meadow Brook Baptist
North Valley Church, Odenville
Palmerdale United Methodist Church
Parkway Christian Fellowship
Pleasant Hill UMC, Springville
Providence UMC, Morris
Remlap United Methodist Church
Revival Central for the Nations Church
Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Center Point
Rocky Ridge Cumberland Pres. Church
Shades Mountain Independent Church
St. John United Methodist Church
The Gathering Place Church
The Healing Place Church
Warrior Independent Church of God
Zion Hill Baptist, W. Birmingham
Mentor Alabama
Alabama Churches Partnering with Pen-Pals for New Start Ministries
1st Assembly of God, Pleasant Grove
23rd Street Baptist, S. Birmingham
46th Street Baptist Church
Bethel AME Church Rising, W. Bham.
Bethel Baptist Church, N. Birmingham
Bethel Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove
Calvary Baptist Church, Concord
Canaan Baptist Church, Bessemer
Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Leeds
Christian Valley Baptist, N. Birmingham
Church or the Highlands (small groups)
Clay Christian Fellowship
Clay Ridge Baptist
Clearview Baptist Church
Cornerstone Church of Helena
Deerfoot Community Bible Church
Faith United Methodist Church, Pinson
Family Christian Stores
Family Life Center Church
Faircrest Drive Church of God
First Baptist Center Point
First Baptist Woodlawn
Garywood Assembly of God, Hueytown
Green Valley Baptist Church, Hoover
Guiding Light Church
Harmony Street Bapt. Church, N. Bham.
Hopewell Baptist Church, W. Bham.
In Step Community Church
Irondale United Methodist Church
Living Church Ministries
Living Word Church
Meadow Brook Baptist
North Valley Church, Odenville
Palmerdale United Methodist Church
Parkway Christian Fellowship
Pleasant Hill UMC, Springville
Providence UMC, Morris
Remlap United Methodist Church
Revival Central for the Nations Church
Ridgecrest Baptist Church, Center Point
Rocky Ridge Cumberland Pres. Church
Shades Mountain Independent Church
St. John United Methodist Church
The Gathering Place Church
The Healing Place Church
Warrior Independent Church of God
Zion Hill Baptist, W. Birmingham
Board of Directors
Founder and President: Rev. Walter G. Valentine
Walt Valentine is a graduate of Auburn University, and has additional studies in Social Work, Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, and Theology. He is a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel with Worldwide Missionary Evangelism and is a mentor with Mentor Alabama.
He has worked with troubled adolescents for over 36 years: briefly for the Hillcrest Hospital Higdon Hill Group Home and then for the Alabama Dept. of Youth Services, Chalkville Campus from 1977-2003, and through New Start Ministries since retiring from DYS in 2003. He served on the Chalkville Campus Advisory Board and participated in a monthly youth outreach at Chalkville until the January 2012 tornado destroyed the campus. He is a long-standing member of Parkway Christian Fellowship Church since 1979, and currently serves as an Elder of the church. He has been a Bible teacher for over 30 years and a preacher of the Gospel for the last 10 years.
Walt resides in Clay, Alabama with his wife Joanie and celebrated 38 years of marriage in 2013. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Walt Valentine is a graduate of Auburn University, and has additional studies in Social Work, Psychology, Pastoral Counseling, and Theology. He is a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel with Worldwide Missionary Evangelism and is a mentor with Mentor Alabama.
He has worked with troubled adolescents for over 36 years: briefly for the Hillcrest Hospital Higdon Hill Group Home and then for the Alabama Dept. of Youth Services, Chalkville Campus from 1977-2003, and through New Start Ministries since retiring from DYS in 2003. He served on the Chalkville Campus Advisory Board and participated in a monthly youth outreach at Chalkville until the January 2012 tornado destroyed the campus. He is a long-standing member of Parkway Christian Fellowship Church since 1979, and currently serves as an Elder of the church. He has been a Bible teacher for over 30 years and a preacher of the Gospel for the last 10 years.
Walt resides in Clay, Alabama with his wife Joanie and celebrated 38 years of marriage in 2013. They have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Vice President: Joan E. Valentine
Joanie Valentine attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Campus, and graduated from the University of Alabama, Birmingham Campus. She has post-graduate course work in Counseling, Christian Counseling, Art, Psychology, Social work, Theology and other subjects.
She worked with troubled youth at the Department of Youth Services, Chalkville Campus from l976-l990. She reluctantly retired from the position of Counselor 1, due to illness.
She is a long standing member of Parkway Christian Fellowship Church since 1979 where she has done individual counseling for all ages and led a support group for sexually abused women. She taught an adult Sunday school class, worked with children, and participated in various other ministries, including the monthly youth outreach to the Department Youth Services, Chalkville Campus. She is a mentor with Mentor Alabama.
Joanie Valentine attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Campus, and graduated from the University of Alabama, Birmingham Campus. She has post-graduate course work in Counseling, Christian Counseling, Art, Psychology, Social work, Theology and other subjects.
She worked with troubled youth at the Department of Youth Services, Chalkville Campus from l976-l990. She reluctantly retired from the position of Counselor 1, due to illness.
She is a long standing member of Parkway Christian Fellowship Church since 1979 where she has done individual counseling for all ages and led a support group for sexually abused women. She taught an adult Sunday school class, worked with children, and participated in various other ministries, including the monthly youth outreach to the Department Youth Services, Chalkville Campus. She is a mentor with Mentor Alabama.
In Loving Memory
Richard Ray was first a supervisor, later a friend, and always a mentor to me for over 23 years. It was a joy to know Richard because he loved people, always strived for excellence in himself and others, wasn't afraid to tackle problems head on, made good use of humor to negotiate difficult situations, and exhibited a positive attitude to keep things moving forward. Richard was widely known for his quick and unique wit that became his own special brand of humor to those who knew him.
Through out his lifetime, Richard invested in people and made a significant difference in the lives of countless youth, and others. Due to health reasons, Richard retired from working with the Alabama Department of Youth Services in 2003. I retired from the department in the same year to answer the Lord's call to develop New Start Ministries. Because of Richard's love to help youth, he unselfishly consented to serve on the initial Board of Directors as Treasurer to help the ministry get started. I will always be grateful for his agreeing to serve in "one more capacity" before he completed his course in life. I, and many others will miss him.
Walt Valentine
New Start Ministries, President
Recorded below is the biographical information Richard posted on the NSM website for his position as Board Treasurer:
"Richard Ray is an ordained Deacon in the Diocese of Alabama serving at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. He has a Masters degree in Counseling and Human Development with additional post graduate work in theological studies. Richard has over 33 years of experience in working for the betterment of Alabama's youth.
Past years of service include: Case Worker - State of Alabama Welfare Department, Probation Officer - Morgan County Juvenile Court, Director of Detention Center - Morgan County, Director of Crossroads - Alternative School, Director of Turning Point Group Home, Director of Central Alabama Youth Services, Director of Troy State Group Home, Superintendent - Department of Youth Services Chalkville Campus, Assistant Administrator Institutional Services, and Assisted in getting all facilities accredited by the American Correctional Association.
Richard was instrumental in establishing the Wilderness Program which was located at the Chalkville Campus. He instituted the Epiphany Ministry, Inc. at the Chalkville Campus, which is now in 11 other states. He was responsible for bringing Reality Therapy treatment modality to the Chalkville Campus, is certified in Reality Therapy and trained DYS staff. Richard is a friend and mentor to many DYS staff and youth."
Richard Ray was first a supervisor, later a friend, and always a mentor to me for over 23 years. It was a joy to know Richard because he loved people, always strived for excellence in himself and others, wasn't afraid to tackle problems head on, made good use of humor to negotiate difficult situations, and exhibited a positive attitude to keep things moving forward. Richard was widely known for his quick and unique wit that became his own special brand of humor to those who knew him.
Through out his lifetime, Richard invested in people and made a significant difference in the lives of countless youth, and others. Due to health reasons, Richard retired from working with the Alabama Department of Youth Services in 2003. I retired from the department in the same year to answer the Lord's call to develop New Start Ministries. Because of Richard's love to help youth, he unselfishly consented to serve on the initial Board of Directors as Treasurer to help the ministry get started. I will always be grateful for his agreeing to serve in "one more capacity" before he completed his course in life. I, and many others will miss him.
Walt Valentine
New Start Ministries, President
Recorded below is the biographical information Richard posted on the NSM website for his position as Board Treasurer:
"Richard Ray is an ordained Deacon in the Diocese of Alabama serving at St. Michael's Episcopal Church. He has a Masters degree in Counseling and Human Development with additional post graduate work in theological studies. Richard has over 33 years of experience in working for the betterment of Alabama's youth.
Past years of service include: Case Worker - State of Alabama Welfare Department, Probation Officer - Morgan County Juvenile Court, Director of Detention Center - Morgan County, Director of Crossroads - Alternative School, Director of Turning Point Group Home, Director of Central Alabama Youth Services, Director of Troy State Group Home, Superintendent - Department of Youth Services Chalkville Campus, Assistant Administrator Institutional Services, and Assisted in getting all facilities accredited by the American Correctional Association.
Richard was instrumental in establishing the Wilderness Program which was located at the Chalkville Campus. He instituted the Epiphany Ministry, Inc. at the Chalkville Campus, which is now in 11 other states. He was responsible for bringing Reality Therapy treatment modality to the Chalkville Campus, is certified in Reality Therapy and trained DYS staff. Richard is a friend and mentor to many DYS staff and youth."
From The Founder, Walt Valentine
Heart and Vision of New Start Ministries
The Lord Jesus Christ planted the vision for this ministry in my heart in 1994. The vision was pursued, but no doors were opened to establish the ministry at this time. My work on the Alabama Department of Youth Services Chalkville campus was not yet complete, nor was I personally ready to assume such a large task.
Not until June 17, 2003 did the Lord rebirth the vision to take final root in my heart. From this point forward I knew the direction the Lord wanted me to go. The Holy Spirit was confirming the call by miraculously opening doors and creating divine appointments with key people to make the ministry a reality.
Shortly after the vision had taken final root in my heart, the enormity of a statewide ministry became scary and shook my confidence. I was shaken to the point of hesitating and then attempting to back out of the path that was set before me. I was most miserable taking steps away from the direction the Lord wanted me to go, although at every turn the Lord was reassuring His call. Every daily devotion, what seemed to be all of the Pastor’s sermons, Sunday School lessons, conversations with prayer partners, and the wooing of the Holy Spirit kept confirming and assuring, until at last I surrendered. The Lord then spoke gently to my heart that the work to be done was of His doing and, as no surprise, the Lord’s peace returned.
Therefore I have every confidence that the Lord has established this work. The call is specific: to connect adjudicated youth with Christian churches in their home communities for discipleship and a NEW START in life. Now that the work has begun, I have full confidence that the Lord will firmly establish and develop every relationship and resource to fulfill the mission of New Start Ministries.
I am trusting in faith that the Lord is also extending the call to many others in the state of Alabama and beyond. Churches in local communities are needed to disciple youth who are returning home for their NEW START in life. Church congregations, corporations, institutions, and individuals are needed to provide financial contributions and gifts that will sow seeds into the lives of youth looking for a NEW START. I trust the Lord completely that He will coordinate the addition of volunteers and employees with a heart for the vision to expand operations to all Alabama DYS facilities and all Alabama counties.
Just as the Holy Spirit prepares a heart to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation, so the Holy Spirit prepares the heart of the saint who delivers the Gospel message. I pray the same Holy Spirit will touch your heart and reveal how you can be connected with the mission of New Start Ministries.
I am in awe of God and thankful for His faithfulness, His mercy, and His grace to entrust me with the vision for establishing this work. I am extremely grateful for my loving and understanding wife and to everyone who has donated their time, talent, and resources to help start and develop New Start Ministries, Inc.
Walt Valentine