Who We Are

The Beginning Over Foundation was born in 2005 by Heidi Markow after the loss of her sister to domestic abuse. On that day Heidi made her a promise.  Today, Heidi's conviction is stronger than ever. Robin's memory will live on through the great work of the Beginning Over Foundation. Heidi's goal since she founded Beginning Over in 2005 was to ensure that familes and children effected by domestic violence and homicide had a place to heal and recover.

The Beginning Over Foundation is a full service empowerment center offering survivors of domestic violence and homicide support and long term solutions as they rebuild their lives. Beginning Over assists survivors in rebuilding their lives by providing financial assistance through Robin’s Empowerment Fund, providing transitional housing, gratuitously boarding animals through Purple Paws, assisting women in regaining their physical strength, poise, self-confidence and self-esteem through the Twelve Week Healing and Recovery Program including access to the Purple Salon. In support of the mission of the Beginning Over Foundation, we assists women with legal representation for divorce, support, Protection From Abuse matters and child custody issues.

At the Beginning Over Foundation, we pledge our time, energy and voices to protect victims of domestic abuse.

 Congratulations to our dedicated founder, Heidi Markow,  for being chosen as the local Lady Godiva for the Northeast region.  We are proud to be a part of this journey with Heidi and feel privileged to be able to work side by side with such a amazing woman. 

To learn more about the Lady Godiva Program and our work please visit:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYkVx-hGxpY&feature=player_embedded

www.ladygodivaprogram.com

"Because sometimes to remain anonymous we remain victims" ~Heidi Markow

A Message from our Founder                                

Reflecting back over the last several years since I founded the Beginning Over Foundation to raise awareness about domestic abuse and homicide, I am so proud of our accomplishments. What began as a way to honor my sister, Robin D. Shaffer, and move myself from victim to survivor has turned out to be a growing grassroots effort for victims, survivors and advocates fighting to save lives and support victims of domestic abuse. I am in awe of the support we have received from people in our community who are truly “world changers.”

I am so proud of the work done by the Beginning Over Foundation and its volunteers who continue to encourage change and the way society views domestic abuse. The determination to keep the subject of domestic abuse high in the public’s consciousness has been my goal from the beginning.

We do not simply pour funds into programs that don’t work. Instead we assist and support victims and their families, and in turn we create activists – gradually turning victims into victors. Together, we are working to eliminate domestic abuse, the number one cause of female homicide in the United States.

Domestic violence is not a pretty image. Helping others to heal is. Once we make it that pretty image of healing, more women will feel like they’re worth it.

We are on a mission, but we can’t make it to the finish line without you. There are ways you can support the Beginning Over Foundation and our programs. Please take a moment to explore our website to find a way that is comfortable for you to participate. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Heidi Markow