About Us

Empowering Residents.

Strengthening Communities.

Creating New Beginnings.

At A New Beginning Starts Now, NFP (ANBSN), we believe every person deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. Since 2024, we have been breaking cycles of violence and creating lasting change by empowering people with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to build brighter futures. Through safe and supportive environments, we connect youth, adults, and elders with transformative educational experiences, vocational training resources, life skills development, and career readiness opportunities.

We understand that real change happens when communities invest in people holistically. At ANBSN, a new beginning isn't just a possibility, it's a promise. Together, we are building stronger communities, empowering future leaders, and creating a brighter tomorrow for all.

Our Team

ANBSN is led by a passionate team of dedicated professionals with years of experience in community outreach, youth development, mentoring, and coaching. We are all united by a shared commitment of empowering residents, fostering positive change, and building stronger communities.

Founder & Executive Director

Eric McKennie

As Executive Director of A New Beginning Starts Now (ANBSN), Eric McKennie is a visionary nonprofit leader dedicated to transforming the lives of youth and adults impacted by violence and adversity. With a strong commitment to youth redevelopment and community empowerment, he founded ANBSN after recognizing the need for a more direct, impactful approach to addressing the challenges facing underserved young people.

Drawing from his experience as a nonprofit professional and precinct captain, Eric saw firsthand the limitations that often prevent organizations from fully meeting the needs of the youth they serve, leading him to establish ANBSN. Under his leadership, ANBSN provides spaces where community members can express themselves openly without fear of judgment while engaging in meaningful conversations that challenge perspectives, encourage personal growth, and strengthen critical thinking skills.

Through his unwavering dedication, Eric continues to champion a vision of safer communities, stronger youth leadership, and brighter futures. His work is driven by a simple but powerful goal: to save lives, inspire change, and position young people on a path toward success and prosperity.

Operations Manager

Pam Collier

Pamela Collier is a dedicated operations manager and community leader, proudly born and raised on the West Side of Chicago. With a strong foundation in civic engagement and grassroots organizing, Pamela has served as a precinct captain in the 37th Ward under Alderman Percy Gas, where she played a key role in voter outreach, community advocacy, and neighborhood engagement initiatives.

Her experience extends into the 27th Ward, where she continued her commitment to public service and community development. Pamela’s passion for uplifting others is evident through her active volunteer work with women’s shelters, where she supports and empowers women in transition.

In addition to her community work, Pamela has demonstrated leadership at the organizational level, having served as President of the 37th Ward Young Democrats. Her ability to lead, organize, and connect with diverse communities makes her an invaluable asset in operations management and community-focused initiatives.

Administrative Assistant

Felicia Streeter

As Administrative Assistant for ANBSN, Felicia plays a vital role in supporting the organization's daily operations and ensuring programs and initiatives run efficiently. Her responsibilities span a wide range of administrative and community engagement functions, including outreach, correspondence management, data entry, document processing, follow-up communications, letter writing, and event coordination.

Known for her adaptability and strong work ethic, she embraces every opportunity to contribute to ANBSN's mission and help create meaningful impact within the communities it serves. Raised on the West Side of Chicago, she developed a passion for helping others at an early age, a passion that continues to guide both her personal and professional endeavors.

Beyond her work with ANBSN, she is a successful entrepreneur and founder of More Than a Mentor LLC, an organization dedicated to personal growth, mentorship, and mental wellness. As an author, certified life coach, motivational speaker, and mental health advocate, she uses her platform to empower individuals, families, and communities to prioritize emotional well-being and personal development.