New Choices New Minds, Inc.

Empowering Communities through support and education.

Who We Are

New Choices New Minds, Inc. is a nonprofit organization focused on connecting individuals, families, and communities through collaboration, coaching, and training. Our mission is to provide resources that support personal and community growth. We aim to empower people to improve their lives and achieve their dreams by fostering networking and information sharing.

Our choices determine whether we grow or remain the same. We are presented with opportunities every day that position us to either make new choices or continue living through past consequences.

Learn More about our Mission and Vision Here:

The visionary behind New Choices New Minds, Inc.

Dr. Brenda Smith is an Adjunct Professor at Hampton University and a retired federal employee, having dedicated over 39 years to the Department of the Army before retiring in 2021. Throughout her life, Dr. Smith has embraced roles as a caregiver and advocate. After losing her mother to breast cancer in 1981, she adopted her younger sister through Juvenile Court. Following retirement, she cared for her husband of 39 years, a 19-year heart transplant recipient who passed away in September 2024, as well as her brother and sister, who passed away in December 2024 and 2019, respectively.

Since 1998, Dr. Smith has served as a Security Assistance Training Program Manager. She was recognized for her academic excellence on the 2019 Dean's List at Hampton University and was honored as the 2018 ACHI Educator of the Year.

She currently leads her nonprofit organization, New Choices New Minds, Inc., as a Resource Coach, empowering others through education and support. Dr. Smith is a proud former ACHI member and actively participates in several educational and support groups.

Some of the Ways We Serve

  • Feeding the Needy

    Feeding the needy fosters community support, reduces hunger, and promotes dignity and health for all.

  • Financial Education

    Financial literacy training empowers low-income communities to make informed decisions, improving their economic stability and growth.

  • Grant Writing Workshops

    Nonprofit grant writing workshops empower organizations with essential skills, improving funding opportunities and sustainability.

Our Impact Insights

Thanks to your generosity and that of other donors, we were able to achieve the following in 2023:

- Donated food to The Heart of Giving, Sixth Mount Community Giveaway, and Resource Fair.

  - Supported the FGKC Foster Care Child Christmas Program.

Thanks to your generosity and that of other donors, we were able to achieve the following in 2024:

What We Do

New Choices New Minds, Inc. actively supports the homeless community by supplying food, clothing, underwear, socks, toiletries, and other essential items. Our organization not only aims to meet immediate needs but also strives to empower individuals, families, and underserved community members. We facilitate access to vital services, resources, education, training, and coaching. Furthermore, we foster collaboration and networking opportunities, as well as offer grants and financial workshops. Additionally, we contribute to the local education system by providing laptops to schools in our area.

Additionally, NCNM provides a range of opportunities to enhance knowledge in Financial Literacy, Grant Writing, and Networking. These programs enable NCNM to make a broader impact on the community, extending beyond the immediate goal of feeding individuals experiencing homelessness. They focus on education and personal development, tailored to the interests and needs of the community.

In 2020, during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, NCNM actively engaged with the homeless community through volunteer efforts. This involvement revealed a significant need for support among the homeless population in the Virginia Peninsula area.

New Choices New Minds has been approved for a grant from Langley for Families under Langley Federal Credit Union in support of Feed The Need!

Looking to partner with New Choices New Minds, Inc?

Partnerships among multiple nonprofits enhance resource sharing, amplify outreach, and foster innovation. By collaborating, organizations can combine expertise, reduce operational costs, and tackle social issues more effectively. These alliances promote community engagement, strengthen networks, and increase overall impact, allowing nonprofits to achieve their missions more efficiently and sustainably.

Click below to learn more about our partnerships.

Academic & Community Resources

Past & Current Donors

Atomic Dogg 〰️ Mobile Catering 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church (FGKC) Back to School Drive 〰️ Marine Toys for Tots 〰️ Costco 〰️ Urban Awareness 〰️ 4Imprint 〰️ Food Lion 〰️ The Hearts of Giving 〰️ Women with Vision 〰️ Back 2 Back 〰️ Langley Federal Credit Union-Langley Families 〰️ Total Wines 〰️ Gourmet 〰️ Publix 〰️ Aldi 〰️ Gourmet Basket 〰️ Kendra Scott Jewelry

〰️ Publix 〰️ Raising Cane 〰️ Total Wine 〰️ Food Lion 〰️ Gourmet Basket 〰️ ALDI 〰️ Walmart 〰️ Capital Group 〰️ Community Knights 〰️ Costco

Atomic Dogg 〰️ Mobile Catering 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church (FGKC) Back to School Drive 〰️ Marine Toys for Tots 〰️ Costco 〰️ Urban Awareness 〰️ Anonymous Donors 〰️ 4Imprint 〰️ Food Lion 〰️ The Hearts of Giving 〰️ Women with Vision 〰️ Back 2 Back 〰️ Langley Federal Credit Union-Langley Families 〰️ Total Wines 〰️ Gourmet 〰️ Publix 〰️ Aldi 〰️ Gourmet Basket 〰️ Kendra Scott Jewelry

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Atomic Dogg 〰️ Mobile Catering 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church (FGKC) Back to School Drive 〰️ Marine Toys for Tots 〰️ Costco 〰️ Urban Awareness 〰️ 4Imprint 〰️ Food Lion 〰️ The Hearts of Giving 〰️ Women with Vision 〰️ Back 2 Back 〰️ Langley Federal Credit Union-Langley Families 〰️ Total Wines 〰️ Gourmet 〰️ Publix 〰️ Aldi 〰️ Gourmet Basket 〰️ Kendra Scott Jewelry 〰️ Publix 〰️ Raising Cane 〰️ Total Wine 〰️ Food Lion 〰️ Gourmet Basket 〰️ ALDI 〰️ Walmart 〰️ Capital Group 〰️ Community Knights 〰️ Costco Atomic Dogg 〰️ Mobile Catering 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church 〰️ Full Gospel Kingdom Church (FGKC) Back to School Drive 〰️ Marine Toys for Tots 〰️ Costco 〰️ Urban Awareness 〰️ Anonymous Donors 〰️ 4Imprint 〰️ Food Lion 〰️ The Hearts of Giving 〰️ Women with Vision 〰️ Back 2 Back 〰️ Langley Federal Credit Union-Langley Families 〰️ Total Wines 〰️ Gourmet 〰️ Publix 〰️ Aldi 〰️ Gourmet Basket 〰️ Kendra Scott Jewelry 〰️

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