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of North Idaho, Inc
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As the veteran walked away following their recent conversation, Theresa Hart thanked him for his service.
The man stopped and looked at Hart.
“You were worth it,” he said.
Hart carries those words with her.
“I was stunned. I will never forget that,” she said. “I will do my best every day to continue to be worthy of his service, of every veterans service and of my son’s sacrifice.”
Hart was the keynote speaker during the Veterans Day ceremony at McEuen Park Veterans Memorial Plaza hosted by American Legion Post 14.
A small crowd of about 75 people huddled close together during the brief ceremony, kept to about 20 minutes as strong winds whipped flags and rain started to fall.
Theresa Hart’s grief still shuts her down some eight years after her son was killed in Iraq. Her outlet for all that pain is to make sure other veterans get anything they need, for free, to ease their transition back to what most people know as normal.
Her son, Nicholas W. Newby, 20, of Coeur d’Alene, was killed on July 7, 2011, in Baghdad. He was a specialist with the 145th Brigade Support Battalion, 116th Calvary Heavy Brigade Combat Team out of Post Falls. The same roadside bomb killed Sgt. Nathan R. Beyers and injured Staff Sgt. Jason Rzepa, both also serving in the Idaho National Guard…
It’s an honor that nobody wants: to become a Gold Star family.
Hart’s non-profit provides everything from food, to books, furniture, kid’s clothing and even medical equipment. All of it is donated and available to veterans free of charge.
Hart’s work is born of tragedy. In July 2011, her son Nicholas Newby was serving in Iraq with the Idaho National Guard near the end of his deployment, when Hart’s world changed forever.
When the brave men and women that serve our country during wartime come home, they sometimes return with wounds that aren’t always visible and all too often the new battles they face as civilians mean that simple things like, furnishing a home, seem nearly impossible.
In the summer of 2011, our country laid to rest a great man. Nicholas Newby and a fellow soldier were killed when their convoy hit a roadside bomb in Iraq.
“I feel his presence in this so much,” Theresa Hart said. “I don’t think I could have done this without him.”
Newby-ginnings
of North Idaho, Inc.
570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A
Post Falls, ID 83854
Phone: 208.610.6996
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Newby-ginnings is a nonprofit organization that opened in October 2013. When my ex and I were struggling to make ends meet on one income, I heard about Theresa Hart and the help she provided to veterans in need. Desperate for financial assistance after having my car repossessed and running out of groceries, I reached out to Theresa for help. Despite not being able to offer much financial aid at the time, she still managed to provide me with a basket of snacks and gift cards to Texas Roadhouse. It was a kind gesture, and it meant the world to us when we were at our lowest point. This organization was born out of deep sadness, but it is truly incredible. The more people who support and help it grow, the more veterans on the edge of despair they can assist. I was once in that dark place, feeling suicidal and lost. I thought no one would care or offer help. That's when Theresa came into my life and saved me in ways she may never realize. Not only did she provide me with food that day, but she also had a heartfelt conversation with me about hitting rock bottom. Her words completely shifted my mindset and made me see that giving up wasn't the answer. I am forever grateful for the help she provided me that day, and I know I can never fully repay her kindness. However, I am able to support her mission by donating what I can when I have the means. Since my divorce and encountering troubled times again, I have found solace in Theresa and her team at Newby-ginnings. Having their support has made facing these challenges feel less overwhelming, as I can lean on them for support and essential items that we need without having to spend extra money elsewhere.
-Brittany M.
570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A
Post Falls, ID 83854
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Phone: 208.610.6996
Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Winter Hours:
Newby-ginnings follows the Post Falls School District Policy for Inclement Weather
Newby-ginnings is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 463944121
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