Phoenix organization gives women a ‘Fresh Start’
Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart are sisters with a mission.
The two Arizona natives grew up knowing they wanted to help women and over the years have become devout community activists.
With the principles of healthy living, positive attitude, supportive relationships, personal growth, self-respect, self sufficiency, and community involvement, they opened The Jewell McFarland Lewis-Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center in October 2002.
The downtown Phoenix organization is one of the first self-help centers for women in the country and assists all women 18 years of age or older who are seeking to improve the quality of their lives whether it is emotional or financial.
Fresh Start offers legal consultation, assistance, document preparation, employment resources, mock interviews, mentors, self esteem building workshops, a computer equipped library and child watch services for those utilizing the center’s resources. Most services are at no-charge.
The Center helps women who are experiencing:
• Going through a divorce
• Out of work
• Relationship issues
• Need a better job
• Parenting issues
• Self esteem issues
• Stuck in a dead-end job
• Struggling financially
• Need legal help on a domestic relations matter
• Starting a business
• Health and wellness issues
• Need the support of a group
The non profit Center has volunteer opportunities for those who want to make a difference and play a role in the lives of women who are facing challenges. Some volunteer positions are:
• Administration - Data entry, assist with mailings, clerical support – filing, making copies; inventory; answering the seminar registration hotline and general office support.
• Reception Desk - Greets women as they enter Fresh Start’s self-help center, answers the phone, guides women to the appropriate services inside the Resource Center, checking-in women for seminars and giving tours.
• Legal Assistance - Help the legal department with data entry, returning phone calls and filing.
• Events - Helping with mailings, set-up and breakdown the day of the event, registration, distribution of gift bags, monitoring auction tables and special activities as needed.
Other volunteer opportunities include mentors, court buddies and career coaches. Fresh Start provides the training necessary for a volunteer to fulfill these positions.
Fresh Start Women’s Organization holds several fund raising events from which all proceeds go towards running the center. Their events raise awareness and attract a lot of attention.
Every year the Organization holds a Fashion Gala at the Arizona Biltmore Resort. This elegant black tie event includes a New York-style runway fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus, live and silent auctions, cocktail party and a four-course meal.
Last year the Arizona Cardinals Football Club hosted Fresh Start’s Touchdown Luncheon at the Cardinals Training Facility and was lead by Channel 5 Chief Meteorologist Sean McLaughlin.
To learn more about Fresh Start Women’s Foundation or to fill out a volunteer application visit their website at:
www.wehelpwomen.com.
Volume 44, Issue 11. Today is
