WOONSOCKET, R.I. – For Jeanne Michon, serving a meal is about more than just nourishment; it’s about dignity. After decades dedicated to feeding those in need, Michon is nearing the realization of a long-held dream: a permanent home for New Beginnings, a Woonsocket-based nonprofit she founded. The organization has quietly surpassed a milestone, providing over 137,000 meals since 2018, a testament to Michon’s unwavering commitment to her community. This local effort aims to address food insecurity and offer support to a diverse population facing hardship.
Michon’s journey began unexpectedly in 1986, when a friend invited her to volunteer at a local soup kitchen. “I was 19, I had no idea what it was,” she recalled. “But on May 15th and 16th, I started volunteering, and it changed my life.” That initial experience sparked a passion that would define her career and ultimately lead to the creation of New Beginnings Inc. In 2017-2018. The organization’s mission is to provide fresh food to individuals experiencing homelessness or facing food insecurity four days a week.
From Soup Kitchen Volunteer to Founder
Before establishing New Beginnings, Michon’s path was marked by a dedication to service and a pursuit of culinary excellence. She initially balanced volunteering with raising her daughter and working various jobs. She eventually secured a full-time position as a chef at the soup kitchen where she first volunteered. When the director announced their retirement, Michon, along with two colleagues, decided to take over, rebranding the organization as New Beginnings. “Every day is a chance for a new beginning,” she explained, articulating the philosophy that underpins their work.
Michon’s culinary skills are rooted in formal training. She earned a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University in 1994, graduating magna cum laude and being inducted into the Silver Keys Honor Society. She balanced her studies with full-time and part-time employment to graduate debt-free. This dedication to quality extends to the meals served at New Beginnings. “Ninety-five percent of our food is homemade and if I don’t eat it, they don’t eat it,” Michon stated, emphasizing her commitment to providing nutritious and appealing meals.
A New Home for New Beginnings
For years, New Beginnings operated out of borrowed spaces, initially at All Saints Church, then St. James Episcopal Church on Hamlet Avenue until June 2025. Michon’s vision was to secure a dedicated facility, and she took a significant personal risk, investing her life savings into purchasing a building on Stanley Avenue. However, the transition hasn’t been without challenges. Extensive repairs needed at the new location, coupled with inclement weather, have delayed the opening.
Jeanne Michon said when her dream location opened up on Stanley Avenue, she put up her life’s savings to buy a building that would serve and suit even more people in need. (WJAR)
Despite the setback, Michon and her team have continued to serve the community. For the past few months, they’ve been utilizing the kitchen at the Woonsocket Senior Center to prepare meals for the Open Door Shelter. “We so appreciate the partnership and all of the volunteers and people who keep this going,” Michon said. “It’s amazing to know all our hard work these last eight and a half years is almost at our goal.”
More Than Just a Meal
New Beginnings distinguishes itself not only through the quality of its food but also through the dignity and respect it affords its guests. Michon emphasizes that they serve a diverse population, including the homeless, the working poor, veterans, individuals with mental illness, and senior citizens. “People say, ‘Oh, they’re ungrateful, they’re entitled,’” she said. “Oh no, I could give them a bologna sandwich with mustard and they would say, ‘Here’s delicious Miss Jeanne’ due to the fact that we do it with dignity. We treat them like human beings, we treat them like family.”
The menu at New Beginnings is far from basic, often featuring dishes like ribs, “dynamites,” and salsa chicken. Michon enjoys variety and takes pride in offering a satisfying and nourishing experience. Looking ahead, Michon envisions partnerships with local schools to provide culinary training opportunities for students. She has no plans to slow down, driven by a 40-year commitment to community service that began with a simple act of volunteering.
New Beginnings relies on a combination of funding sources, including grants, food banks, grocery store donations, and fundraising efforts. The organization, founded on the principle of providing a fresh start, continues to embody that spirit with each meal served. As Michon and her team work to complete the renovations at the Stanley Avenue location, the Woonsocket community eagerly awaits the opening of a dedicated space where everyone is welcomed with a warm meal and a sense of belonging.
The opening date for the new New Beginnings location on Stanley Avenue remains to be determined, pending the completion of repairs. Updates will be available through the organization’s website, New Beginnings Inc.. Share this story to help spread awareness of this vital community resource.
