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We thank our Board of Directors, friends, supporters, and especially the people of Fresh Start, who all made our celebration day so special.
"Kitty Maffei Kind-Hearted Person Day”
May 1, 2008
Hosted by our favorite Activist & Actor
We are honored to report that our Founder and Executive Director, Susan Prather, was the recipient of the local Jefferson Award in October 2006 . Congratulations, Susan
Welcome to
Fresh Start Walnut Creek
Thank you for taking the time to get acquainted with Fresh Start. Fresh Start lives due to the friendship and support of many people in our community and beyond and through the generosity of others who support our work and the manner in which it is conducted.
Fresh Start is a respite and service center for those among the working poor, homeless and at risk of homelessness. We do not "institutionalize" people or services.The beauty of Fresh Start is that everyone is equal and all are respected. There is no time limit or restrictions on most of our services. People come to Fresh Start, not only for help, but for the sense of community and ongoing support. The usual participant might stay with us, off and on, for two years.
At Fresh Start, no one is "mentally ill or "emotionally disabled." No one is "homeless," "addicted or a "drunk." No one is HOPELESS. Instead, everyone is seen and treated as a fully functional human being with many gifts to offer Fresh Start and the people who participate in Fresh Start. Hope abounds at Fresh Start.
I am writing to let you know what we provide and what we have accomplished in the last year.
Fresh Start provides:
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A safe, quiet, peaceful atmosphere ... "like home"
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Breakfast and lunch, including cereal, eggs, milk, fresh fruits & vegetables, snacks, fresh juice, sodas, coffee & tea
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Phones & computers that can be used to search for housing & jobs, scheduling of medical appointments and calling family members
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Three showers and the ultimate luxury, a bathtub
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Washer & dryer
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Personalized case management
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Friendship, care and support... A strong sense of community
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Advocacy and assistance in accessing county, state and federal benefits
In addition to offering support and encouragement and helping one another make the tough daily decisions leading to a better future, participants are involved in and responsible for the regular day-to-day operation of our respite center. Several former participants serve on our Board of Directors. We have an active Participant Advisory Committee. Volunteers from the community often donate lunch. Seven days a week, as Executive Director, Case Manager, Advocate, Driver, "Mom," and anything else. Fresh Start employs two paid staff people; one full-time and one part-time. We meet two days a week in the Fellowship House of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. We anticipate opening a third day in the future.
We provide the following additional services:
Court/Community Service Advocacy: Participants are able to perform volunteer service at Fresh Start in lieu of jail time for many court-related issues. The volunteer service is designed for the individual and may include literacy classes, living skills, and budget management or anger management classes, if needed.
Laundry Facility: We have a laundry facility. Fresh Start participants can have clean clothes to wear after a hot shower!
Union Dues: We have assisted out of work former union members reconnect with their unions. In some situations we have helped with the payment of back union dues and the related costs of helping a union worker get back to work (e.g., tools, work boots, and transportation).
Speaker's Bureau: Fresh Start participants, Executive Director & Board members are available to speak to community groups.
Kids in School: Keeping homeless children in school by advocating on their behalf with the school district to make certain state laws/guidelines that apply to homeless children are followed. We also assist with school supplies, books, field trips & school clothes.
Independent Living: Several participants who received Section 8 and subsidized housing could not live independently without substantial support services. We provide those services. They include: assistance with shopping, transportation, making & keeping medical appointments, support and guidance in everyday living skills, among others.
Budget/Money Management: A retired businessperson helps people with budgets and money management.
We have added a literacy and tutoring component to Fresh Start. A retired teacher volunteers with us to improve the reading and literacy skills of those who need assistance in this area.
In the years we have been in operation, it has become apparent that one of the major reasons for the success of the Fresh Start is our consistency in the providing of services. Participants say that they "do not have to tell their story over and over again to strangers, dredging up a lot of pain in order to get help." No one is "blamed; nor are participants judged.
As we begin our 9th year of service and our 5th year as a private non-profit we are pleased to report many successes. We do not accept any government funding. Therefore, your support and friendship means all that much more to us. All donations to Fresh Start are tax-deductible.
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