Alumni Focus - Renee (Ponath) Nair ('79)
Renee (Ponath) Nair (‘79) has a heart for kids and serving others. She reflects on the path that led her to New Day Thrift Store where she enjoys welcoming families and sharing smiles with their children who affectionately call her “Grandma.” Read more of Renee’s story and learn about the important work that New Day provides in the Twin Cities.
What is your favorite memory from your time at SCLA?
Three out of four years with Croixaliers.
What were you involved in at SCLA?
Volleyball, Band, Choir, Croixaliers.
What do you think of SCLA looking back on your high school years?
I have lost touch with my classmates but have great memories of my years (so LONG ago). SCL helped me see that no matter where you are from, God loves ALL and works through us. I am thankful for the teachers who have been blessed with teaching, with Christ at the center of learning.
Did any teachers have a positive impact on you?
Jack Oldfield (World History), Jim Stueber (US History), and Julie (Rupprecht) Balk (Croixaliers and Band). My goal was to be a grade school teacher, but God had other plans. I had many jobs throughout the years, all of which were customer-related, which has led me to New Day.
Tell us what led you to working at New Day Thrift Store.
I saw a paragraph in our church bulletin that New Day/Christian Life Ministries was looking for an office manager. After seeing this, it was not even a second thought to apply. I sent an application and had an interview where I had the pleasure to meet with a former grade school friend. It was meant to be! They hired me in May of 2023, and I have been very blessed. I am the office manager/receptionist. Everyday tasks in the center include scheduling and welcoming clients and enjoying the little children that come in and call me Grandma! Life is good!
What is New Day All About?
Their website explains, “New Day Thrift Store is an extension of our mission to proclaim the love of Jesus Christ by providing affordable items to the community as well as to the families with young children we serve at the center. The store is volunteer-powered and all proceeds support pro-life services at Christian Life Ministries, New Day Pregnancy & Family Resource Center, and Raíces y Ramas.
Since 1984, New Day Pregnancy & Family Resource Center has shared the Word of God – Law and Gospel, Sin and Grace – with all who cross our threshold. Babies are alive today who would otherwise have been denied the joy of life, and we continue to focus on reaching out to those who seek emotional, physical, and spiritual support. We serve families with small children. Nobody is turned away and all services are free.
In 2022, New Day was able to move and expand its Raíces y Ramas Spanish language family program to a Hispanic neighborhood of lower income families in Saint Paul. The new site has classrooms and a gym, provided at no cost. Free activities-focused child care is provided while the parents attend parenting education and Bible study. One morning a week, parents and children participate in a Mommy & Me session.”
Shop or donate items at New Day Thrift Store in Little Canada and say hello to Renee!