Our Story
About New Beginnings
in Christ
A faith-based, Christ-centered men's recovery home in Garfield, Georgia — transforming lives since 2004.
How It Began
From 5 Men to a
Thriving Ministry
New Beginnings in Christ was founded in 2004 by the late Donald Atkinson, a fully recovered alcoholic who felt called by God to help other men find the same freedom he had discovered through Jesus Christ. Donald went home to be with the Lord in December 2021, but the ministry he built continues to carry out his God-given vision.
What began as a small home with 5 men has grown into a thriving ministry serving over 60 men at a time, with more than 2,000 men having come through the program over the past two decades — a lasting testament to Donald's faith and obedience.
NBIC is one of the few treatment centers in America available at absolutely no cost to the men or their families. The program is funded entirely through the generosity of donors, churches, and supporters who believe in the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Donald and JoAnna Atkinson receive no salary from NBIC. They give everything — their time, their home, and their hearts — so that men can be free from the grip of addiction.
Donald & JoAnna Atkinson · Founders Since 2004
Our Mission
Equipped by Faith,
Freed for Life
To fully equip men in the grip of chemical dependency with a life-preserving biblical toolkit of spiritual, emotional, and practical skills — enabling them to live free, productive lives.
Together, we strive to empower each newcomer to understand that an escape from drugs and alcohol is made only by becoming fully committed to a right relationship with God, his family, the community, and himself.
We believe a Christ-centered life is the only way for a person to remain free from the need to use drugs and alcohol to cope with life.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
2 Corinthians 5:17
Our Beliefs
What We Believe
Jesus Christ is the Answer
We believe that faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of lasting recovery. Not a program, not willpower — but a genuine relationship with the living God.
No Cost, No Barriers
We believe that no man should be denied help because of finances. NBIC is completely free to every man who walks through our doors.
Community Transforms
We believe that living in brotherhood with other men in recovery — with accountability, prayer, and mutual support — is essential to lasting freedom.
The Whole Man Matters
We address spiritual, emotional, relational, and practical needs. Recovery is not just about stopping substance use — it's about becoming whole.
Our Team
Dedicated Staff &
Volunteers
Our staff includes pastors, counselors, and volunteers who are deeply committed to the men in our program. Many of our staff are themselves recovered addicts who know firsthand the power of God's grace.
Together, they create an environment of love, accountability, and spiritual growth — a true community where men can heal and grow.
Get Involved
Join Us in This Mission
Whether you need help, want to support our work, or feel called to volunteer — there is a place for you at NBIC.