Our History


The Inspiration for Fresh Start


Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart were inspired to create a women’s organization, in tribute to the life of their paternal grandmother, Autie Jones. Autie was only 29 when her husband died of tuberculosis, leaving her to raise their young boys ages 1, 2 and 3. There were no relatives nearby to lend support, so she kept her family together by living in the back room of a grocery store where she worked. By day, she was a store clerk and at night, she shared precious moments with her sons while ironing others' clothes.  Sadly, within a year, her oldest son also died. Autie’s life was full of financial and emotional hardship, yet she courageously chose to celebrate the blessings of every situation. This courageous woman was the inspiration for her granddaughters to reach out to women who struggle to survive. Fresh Start was born as a result.




The Foundation is Formed


Mission: Fresh Start is dedicated to empowering women to transform their lives through engagement and education.  Connecting Women - Changing Lives.

In 1992 the sisters formalized a foundation and established their first Board of Directors. In the early years, the foundation focused on fundraising and granting money to Arizona nonprofits serving women in need. Through the course of that granting process it became apparent there were gaps in women's programs being offered in our community. First, the Mentoring Program was formed and as a result then finally, the Women’s Resource Center. As the organization grew, two new boards were added bringing an impressive array or community leaders to the effort.




Historical Timeline



  • 1992 ~ Fresh Start Women's Foundation is formed

  • 1993 ~ Meet Me In The Alley, a bowling event, begins raising money for this nonprofit

  • 1995 ~ Board of Directors is established. Sandy Cowen Miller is first Chairperson

  • 1996 ~ Foundation begins offering grants to Arizona nonprofits serving women

  • 1997 ~ The Auxiliary Board is formed. Jacki Tatman is first Chairperson

  • 1998 ~ The Fresh Start Mentoring Program begins, endorsed by Bank One and Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

  • 1999 ~ The Men's Board is formed to raise money for Fresh Start though the annual Charity Golf Classic. Brian Kennedy is the first Chairman

  • 2000 ~ Fresh Start launches a $7.1 million capital campaign to build a women's resource center in Phoenix. Sandy Cowen and Barbara Ralston co-chair the extensive effort

  • 2001 ~ Construction begins on the 22,000 square foot facility in November

  • 2002 ~ The Jewell McFarland Lewis - Fresh Start Women's Resource Center opens in October. Foundation ceases formal grants but establishes a Direct to Women's Fund, emergency money available to individual women referred by nonprofits.

  • 2004 ~ Court Buddy Program is created within the Center

  • 2005 ~ Creating Healthy Family Relationship is formed within the Center.2006 ~ Fresh Start 100 provided

  • 2007 ~ Sustaining Healthy Family Relationships is formed within the Center and picks up where Creating Healthy Family Relationships leaves off.

Fresh Start Foundation

Our Founders ­ Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart

Even as young teens, Pat and Beverly wanted to help women, who like their grandmother, suddenly became the sole support of their families. Over the years, the Arizona natives became ardent community activists on behalf of women. In 1992, Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart were in a position to personally and professionally reach out to women in need. The initial offering was a day of pampering at Rolf’s Salon, then co-owned by Pat, Beverly and Rolf Lohse. The women theorized that a new hair style and personalized make-up were immediate ways to boost one’s confidence and increase self-esteem. Each month 20 women from shelters and social service agencies were invited to “A Fresh Start Day of Beauty at Rolf’s.” This core Fresh Start service remains in place today through Rolf’s Salon as well as through the Self-Esteem Room at the Foundation’s Women’s Resource Center.

Board of Directors

1995 '96 Sandy Cowen
1997 '98, 1999 Barbara Ralston
2000 '01 Marlene Klotz Collins
2002 Michelle Kerrick
2003 '04 Barbara Hoffnagle
2005 '06 Mary P. Upchurch
2007 Becky Jackson
2008 '09 Kim McWaters
2010 Nancy Loftin                                                                                                                                                             

2011 Leah Hoffman Langerman