Linda


Linda's relationship with Fresh Start started about 3 years ago when she began working there part-time.  Linda's daughter Gabby was in high school and was struggling a little bit with her grades, so Linda wanted to work part-time so that she could still keep a close eye on her daughter.  She was working at Fresh Start for about 6 months in volunteer services and just loved it.  She was also trying to get Gabby involved by having her volunteer at Fresh Start and having her meet with career services.  Everything seemed to be going fine, but one day changed all of that.  Gabby hadn't been feeling well so she stayed home sick from school.  Linda came to Fresh Start as usual, but she went home and her life changed forever - Gabby had taken her own life.  Linda's world turned upside down.

 

Linda always loved coming to Fresh Start to work, she felt at home there and she truly believes that she was there for a reason.  She immediately went from employee to client.  The staff and board of directors were incredibly supportive of Linda.  She took a month off and they continually checked in on her.  She attended bereavement support groups at the Women's Resource Center.  Linda knows that Fresh Start was a part of her life for a reason; it was her safe-haven, as it is for so many women.

 

She came back to work a little at a time and found the support and encouragement at Fresh Start to be a reason to continue and move forward.  A short while later, Linda was dealt one more serious blow when she found out that her husband was being unfaithful - all while she was still mourning the loss of their daughter.  She came to Fresh Start yet again and met with Edna in Legal Services to help her through her divorce.

 

Linda has been through quite a lot over the last four years, so much that any regular person might not have gotten through.  Linda truly believes that there was a reason for her to be at Fresh Start - in that building, in that place.  A place that is always so welcoming and full of warmth and love.  She is doing so well now - working full time and going back to school.  People that meet Linda would never know what she's been through - her positive attitude and bright, beautiful smile show a person who was given the support and encouragement she needed to get through her darkest hour.

Kimberly

One phone call changed her life forever, the she decided to make a change.

Carol

After 40 years in an abusive marriage, she decided to take control.

Linda

Linda worked at Fresh Start and went from employee to client in the blink of an eye.

Denae

After hitting bottom with her depression, Denae found a place that would give her new direction. .

Denise

Dealing with her divorce, Denise found help to get through the red tape and defend herself.

Did you know...

Surprising Facts


  • 41% of all women we see have some college, are college educated or have post-graduate degrees.
  • Fresh Start’s clients come from Gila Bend to Cave Creek and from Buckeye/Surprise to Apache Junction.
  • Fresh Start is accommodating nearly 2,500 visits a month.
  • Fresh Start sees 500 brand new women every 30-days.

Clients Rate The Women's Resource Center Highly


  • 100% are satisfied or very satisfied with the services we provide.
  • 99% agree they would use the services again.
  • 99% agree they would refer a friend or relative.
  • 99% agree they have received services to improve their lives

Demographics


56% of our women are 100% financially responsible for their households

69% live without a partner or spouse

38% of our women are currently employed full-time

78% of our women have children, under 18, living at home



Current Clients by Ethnicity


African American - 12%

Asian American - 1%

Caucasian - 43%

Hispanic - 34%

Native American - 5%

Multi-Cultural - 5%



Current Clients by Age


82% of the women we serve are in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

16% of the women we serve are over 50.