HAYDEN — An unwavering dedication to the military community and the strength to turn personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for thousands has earned Theresa Hart the respect of countless individuals and organizations near and far.

On Friday,  Dec. 15, the ladies of the Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter honored Hart for that dedication during a presentation at the Hayden Lake Eagles.

“It is a profound honor for our Daughters of the American Revolution chapter to present the 2025 Community Service Award to a woman who has redefined what it means to turn grief into grace," Regent Kathy Swanson said as Hart and Newby-ginnings of North Idaho board members Jack Drapeau and Lynn Thompson walked to the front of the room.

Hart is a Gold Star mother whose world was forever changed on July 7, 2011, when her son, SPC Nicholas Newby, was killed in action while serving with the Idaho National Guard in Baghdad.

“In the wake of this unimaginable loss, Theresa chose to ensure that Nick’s legacy would be one of continued service," Swanson said.

In 2013, Hart founded Newby-ginnings out of her garage.

“What began as a humble effort to help Nick’s struggling battle buddies has grown into a vital regional asset that has served over 7,000 veterans, active-duty members and Gold Star families," Swanson said.

The Newby-ginnings nonprofit provides basic household necessities for veterans and military families. It also offers peer support, resources and referrals to other agencies, as well as a warm, friendly place for veterans of all ages and walks of life.

"All at no cost and with no red tape," Swanson said.

The Community Service Award is presented at the local, state and national levels to individuals and groups who have made outstanding voluntary, civil, heroic or benevolent contributions to their communities.

Hart thanked DAR members for the recognition, but assured them she was not alone in her journey.

"I may have planted the seed for Newby-ginnings, and it did start in my garage, and we're trying to expand for the sixth time, but it has taken a great team," she said. "I have 130 active volunteers that work with Newby-ginnings, and it takes our community. I just feel so much love and support from our community to support our veterans and our active-duty servicemembers. I will accept this and say thank you, but it really is all of us that have made this happen."

Newby-ginnings, at 570 S. Clearwater Loop, Unit A, Post Falls, is in the first stretch of a capital campaign to find a new home, as it has outgrown its current space. Hart said Newby-ginnings is aiming to raise $7 million.

"We're still fundraising for the dream building, and that's going well, but we're still nowhere near our goal, unfortunately and looking for some place that we can lease in the interim," Hart said. "We're still looking to expand so we can serve more people and accept more donations."

Hart said she was unaware she would be receiving a DAR award that morning.

"I have so much respect for these women," Hart said. "To know they are behind Newby-ginnings and support Newby-ginnings, it just speaks volumes. I'm very proud of that, that we would have this caliber of organization behind our mission."

Longtime DAR member Barb Nelson has been a supporter of Newby-ginnings since the beginning. 

"I went to the grand opening in 2013," she said.

Nelson said she almost started to cry with the announcement that Hart is this year's recipient of the Community Service Award.

"Thank you for all you do," Nelson said to Hart.

Hart returned the gratitude.

"I can't do it without you or anybody," Hart said. "It's a community effort. That's what I really, really want to make clear. I am so proud of our community support."

Info: newbyginnings.org

    Theresa Hart, founder of Newby-ginnings of North Idaho, shares a few words Friday morning after accepting the Daughters of the American Revolution Lt. George Farragut Chapter 2025 Community Service Award. From left: Gail Outhwaite, Susan Snodderly, Lynn Thompson, Jack Drapeau, Hart and Kathy Swanson.