Air Bags...

In life, many of us make mistakes that lead us to exceedingly difficult places that are hard to rebound from. Sometimes, we can find ourselves in that position to no fault of our own. And other times, we are dealt a hand that we simply cannot handle without help. For those who have the support systems such as family and financial resources, the journey back can be a lot like having an accident but being saved from destruction by an airbag. But many more of our fellow citizens do not have such a safety net. We know that people from low-to-moderate income families, women and people of color who struggle due to systemic inequality, or others too often find themselves disenfranchised at the most critical time of their lives in the aftermath of a life crisis. This includes those released from incarceration, exiting alcohol and drug treatment programs, or simply trying to recover from a traumatic life event. Statistics indicate that more than two-thirds of underserved minorities end up regressing or relapsing within a short period of time. These high rates of regression result in more crime, higher levels of government dependency, and more pressure on an already overburdened criminal justice system. Making matters worse, for many of these people, there are little or no resources capable of helping break these vicious cycles. 

Fresh Start fights to end systemic criminal and social injustice by standing up for racial and economic inequity and providing critical tools and resources that empower former convicts and others who are disenfranchised based on race or socioeconomic status. Our programs are designed to deal with the challenges of recovery and re-entry head-on. We focus on providing the vital support services needed to provide anyone looking for a "fresh start," a real opportunity to recover and return to a productive life in the community. We strongly believe in redemption, and we believe in people. With the right support, anyone can turn their life around...as the saying goes: "people need a Hand-up, not a handout." 

Our Mission 

 Fresh Start's mission and core “4R” assignment is to Redeem, Revive, Restore, and Reconcile those who are disadvantaged and who have been knocked down by life through a structured process that inspires passion to reach their destiny and life purpose. YES, YOU CAN!

Our Vision 

 Creating a world where everyone has a fair chance for redemption despite their past.