FSFW 2008 Christmas Program

On Saturday December 20, 2008 Fresh Start for Women conducted its first annual Christmas program for many of the women served throughout the year as well as many FSFW met for the very first time. The program was held at the Last Day Outreach Christian Center where victims of domestic violence and single parents came together to get toys for their children. No there was not a Santa Claus!

And the women didn't just walk in pick out some toys and go their merry way. Before a single gift was given there was prayer, ministry through song and finally a message regarding the greatest love.

On hand for this event was Pastor Michael Davis, who opened the program with prayer. Next were beautiful renditions of classic Christian Christmas songs performed by Ms. Shalonda Moore (granddaughter of the famous singer Dave Prater) and the Gailor Boys, a trio of young brothers age 14-18.

It was evident that every song performed touched the soul in such a way that at times our founder and CEO Dr. Janice Pettigrew admitted she was nearly overwhelmed with emotions. The sincerity of the performers carried throughout the church as was evident on the faces of those in attendence. It was unmistakeable the glimmer of hope seen on their faces. This confirmed to all program participants that the decision to do more than just hand out a few toys was definitely the right thing to do.

It was important to encourage and inspire, and so it was that Dr. Pettigrew talked about the greatest love and implored the parents to think beyond the material and to focus on giving to their children that which can't be taken away. Love.....love like the kind God and His Son has for all of us. Dr. Pettigrew encouraged all to lead by example in showing that same kind of love to their children, family, friends and especially to those many may call an enemy. After all this is what Jesus taught us. Following Dr. Pettigrew's message the Gailor Boys closed out with another song. Then it was on to pairing each parent with a volunteer to assist in picking out a toy for each child.

A footnote to the day’s activities: There was a young lady that couldn't find her way to the church and when she finally did we of course were gone. She was so distraught but here's the thing, Dr. Pettigrew’s son, Dion and daughter-n-law Ebani went out and bought toys for this young lady's four children. They were delivered to her on that Monday. Said Dr. Pettigrew, “Yes, I'm a proud parent, it let me know that there were lessons taught and learned that are being passed on. I am so grateful that in the midst of buying for their 10 they were willing to add 4 more. No they're not rich by any means! He's a truck driver and she's a stay at home mom although she helps me with Fresh Start for Women whenever I need her.”

It's examples of selflessness exhibited by the Lamberts, Mr. & Mrs. Charles T. Allen, Ms. Charlette Clark, Mr. Scott Woods and family, Mrs. Grace Wood, Mr. Mark Robinson & family, Ms. Tammy Powell, Ms. Erica, MD & E Corporation and LH Nortey Non Profit Services just to name a few helped to bring this event to reality. Fresh Start for Women couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out the 2008 year.

Understanding God's Plan in Your Suffering

On Saturday November 22, 2008 Fresh Start for Women again hosted and informative and encouraging conference at the Last Day Outreach Christian Center in Covington, GA. The speakers were Minister Willie Bell Pettigrew, leading the discusion on Self-Righteousness - What Did I Do Wrong, Ms. Darlene Sheardon leading the discussion on Friend or Foe and as always founder and CEO Dr. Janice G. Pettigrew with the subject - Your End is Better Than Your Beginning.

The conference used the Book of Job as the backdrop for the dicussions beginning with Minister Pettigrew. Minister Pettigrew left the attendess with some key points to ponder. They included: No matter what you're going through - don't count yourself as a victim but a victor and in the middle of your setback plan for your comeback.

Ms. Darlene Sheardon took the attendess on a closer examination of Job's friends and shared some of the positive qualities of a friend including: kind, loving, supportive, respectful, honest, dependable and encouraging just to name a few. Finally some very important tips for those with friends suffering with domestic violence. There were do's and don'ts that if followed could be the difference between safety and harm, life and death.

Artist Ms. Phyllis Taylor helped attendees to discover a new way of accepting self through art. Ms. Taylor led the attendees through an exercise in which she encourgaed them to put crayon to paper as they looked at their lives using their non-dominant hand. Ms. Taylor explained that by using the non-dominant hand attendees would overcome the usual obstacle of self-dobt and negative thinking as they explored their creative side. The experience for many was very eye opening.

Dr. Pettigrew brought it all together by using her own life experiences as examples of how the endcan be so much better than the beginning. Yet as she empahsized through out it's important to recognize and understand the lessons otherwise the better end will take a little longer than neccessary to appear. Letting go and reaching up to God are key elements she explained. Dr. Pettigrew explained that it is through our life experiences that we are equipped to do the mission and purpose of God. That life is full of peaks and valleys but that it's the valleys that give us trouble from which we derive much strength. We were encouraged to appreciate our valley experiences; learn, grow and live because of them; don't be ashamed of them and most importantly share our valley experiences with others.

Throughout the conference songstress Ms. Shalonda Moore ministered through inspired song. Since joining the conference team Ms. Moore has allowed God to work through her to help heal a broken spirit. Her beautiful voice rings with emotion and uplifting encouragement. Singing without music the pure love and joy of each note is felt throughout the room.

As always the conference was brough to a close with the Affirmation Circle. The next conference is December 20, 2008 and will be a special one in which Fresh Start for Women in conjunction with the Single Mom/Parent Foundation will give, toys, food and clothing to families in need.

Love Baskets Delivered to Safe Haven

Six ladies from Victory North Church, in Kennesaw, Georgia, took the charge to reach out to their community and extend love to others as an effort to bring some sunshine into someone else's life. They have been meeting at a "host home" on a weekly basis since September and studying messages about serving God through serving others. The women's small group wanted to meet a need in the Atlanta community and when Ms. Charlette Clark told the group about the work Fresh Start for Women is doing for victims of domestic violence the vote was unanimous to so something in support of the organization.

The women, Stacey, Ina, Charlette, Regina, Winsome and Vijay decided to construct gift baskets with items donated from the women in the Bible Study Group. One of the ladies, Ina, owns a specialty shop (Palo's Shoe Gallery) in Smyrna, Georgia and generously donated bracelets with inspirational Bible verses inscribed on them. Stacey was especially excited about the idea because she used to create gift baskets for profit in the past and she now used this opportunity to provide basic items from her inventory. The women assembled the baskets as a way to give a little pampering to women who so often experience very little pampering as they make their way through the maze of rediscovering themselves after leaving abusive relationships.

Victory World Church has approximately 15 small groups and each small group has been given a challenge of identifying a need in their community and addressing the need. This offering of Love Baskets is just one of many selfless acts being performed by Victory North Church. Hopefully, as the small group passes on acts of kindness, kindness will replicate itself and be passed on forward to others.

The Love Baskets were presented to Mrs. Janice Pettigrew Wednesday October 15, 2008 during the Last Day Outreach Program heard every Wednesday from 7:15pm to 8:15pm on WYZE1480 Radio by Ms. Charlette Clark on behalf of the group. The following day, Thursday October 16, 2008, Mrs. Pettigrew delivered the Love Baskets to Safe Haven Transitional in Dekalb County, which were graciously accepted by Ms. Paula Bradley on behalf of the women.

God's Divine Divas!

On Saturday September 27th the women in attendance at the last Day Outreach Christian Center had the opportunity to hear from some dynamic speakers about a variety of subjects related to God's Divine Divas! Fresh Start for Women was also pleased to have in attendance young teens as well. The conference began with Minister Willie Bell Pettigrew discussing RESPECT (Dignity & Grace). The objective for this subject was to help women to better understand how each of the three characteristics play an important role in their interactions with others, especially with the opposite sex. Said Minister Pettigrew, "Wiithout love you can not posess respect, dignity or grace. Minister Pettigrew shared with the audience lessons learned from her own mother about the way a young lady should conduct herself. "Dignity and grace is nothing to take lightly", she said. "It's that special quality that commands attention when you walk into the room."

Following Minister Pettigrew was Pastor Marvalene Foster, founder and pastor of The Last Day Christian Outreach Center. Pastor Foster spoke on the six steps needed to have a rock solid spiritual foundation. The steps are: Confession, Acceptance, Study, Faith, Prayer and Fellowship. Said Pastor Foster, "Each step will bring you closer to a more meaningful and rewarding relationship with God". Pastor Foster explained, "The joy I have is all because of the relationship I have with my heavenly father; and it's nothing for me to talk to him when I'm troubled. I know He's got my back!" Said Pastor Foster, "It's also important to choose wisely the company you keep; fellowship with others of like spirit blesses your soul." Her message was clear even to our young in attendance as she was able to share her own growth from their age to the present. This ability to relate others regardless of current circumstances made for a very real session.

Mrs. Janice Pettigrew, founder of Fresh Start for Women and a recent recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Agape Bile College in Gastonia, NC., took the women and young teens on a journey to a better understanding of the virtuous woman as depicted in Proverbs 31. To begin Mrs. Pettigrew admonished all to not discard the word wife as has so often been done in the past. For many the belief has been that Proverbs 31 does not apply to single women; Mrs. Pettigrew explained that for single women they too are wives, with the greatest spiritual husband until they are blessed with the right one in the flesh!

A closer examination of the qualities of a virtuous woman ensued with some of the qualities discussed being noble character, trustworthy, asset to her husband, diligent, good business sense, hard working, generous, a woman of wisdom and may others. Said Mrs. Pettigrew, "The most important one of all is that she is a God-fearing, godly woman! This dissecting of the virtuous woman led to a very lively and interactive conversation with all in attendance.

After a short break Mrs. Pettigrew's second subject - "Be Careful What You Answer To" was brought to the table. It was here that Mrs. Pettigrew used her ability to engage her audience by creating an avenue for more lively conversation came into play. Many of the negative names and descriptions being tossed about in society were explored. "It's time to stomp out this apparently accepted behavior and demand the respect we deserve", she said. This pronouncement was well received not only from the older women but the young teens in attendance as well. Asked how to do this, she responded, "Respect Yourself First!"

The conference closed with the Fresh Start for Women Affirmation Circle as well as a special treat for the women when Mrs. Pettigrew invited all to close their eyes and join her as she took them on a journey. With the soothing sounds of her voice as the backdrop the woman were transported to a time and place where they were challenged to join others to make a difference.

The next conference is scheduled for November 22, 2008 and will be titled "Understanding God's Plan in Your Suffering". All are invited to attend. Please call 404.543.1017 for more information.

Celebrating a Healthier You! Mind...Body...& Spirit

Once again Fresh Start for Women was in Covington, GA at the Last Day Outreach Christian Center where the leader is Pastor Marvalene Foster. The focus for this month was health in three areas, mind, body and spirit. Mrs. Pettigrew brought together a diverse group of women to share information to the women in attendance. The conference opened as usual with prayer by Pastor Foster and a lively get to know each other game to break the ice. Ms. Sholonda Moore ministered to all in attendance with song. her beautiful voice needed no music to uplift and move the spirits of everyone.

Presenter Ms. Darlene Sheardon shared the importance of a N.E.W. S.T.A.R.T. acronymns for nutrition, exercise, water, sunshine, temperance, air, rest and trust. Ms. Sheardon shared important insights regarding the health benefits God saw fit to make readily available to all.

Ms. Angela Jones an independent product consultant for Tahitian Noni shared the benefits of the famous Noni juice and Pastor Foster shared with the women in attendance own testimonial regarding the Noni Juice. The Noni Juice is the only juice listed in the PDR - physicians' desk reference with medical research to back up its medicinal claims.

Mrs. Betty Gates brought her excercise ball and demonstrated simple excercises anyone could do to jumpstart their hear and start moving. As Mrs Gates explained, " the ball doesn't care what size you are." Letting us all know that anyone could use the ball. At the end of the conference many wanted to take her ball home and get started! Keeping with the theme lunch was a salad with chicken and strawberries with cream cheese fruit dip and water to drink!

After lunch the Ms. Sheardon walked the women through the process of recognizing exactly what their personalitiy types were and how to use that information to find the right,job, career or just to better understand what makes them whom they are.

Mrs. Pettigrew took the lectern and took the women on a journey to a healthier mind and spirit. Mrs. Pettigrew explained that it is important for a healthy mind to be unclouded, focused and open to positive information. To stress this point the women were invited to participate in the Positive affirmation Circle, where each women reached into the circle and pulled an affirmation that was spoken aloud looking into the eyes of their mirror. In this case the mirror was the women standing to her left. of course anyone not saying their affitmation with confidence was encouraged to repeat it. Naturally for some it was emotional but Mrs. pettigrew assured them it was okay and encouraged them to take their affirmations home and begin to practice them each and every day. Said Mrs. Pettigrew later, " I believe the Affirmation Circle needs to be a part of each conference."

Moving on to a healthy spirit Mrs. Pettigrew shared that a healthy spirit was one that was in tune with a higher power and as a result helps us to heal physically and emotionally. She encouraged all to read the Word daily, surround themselves with positive spirit filled people and to lay to rest old wounds, hurts and feelings of shame and guilt. She took the time to share some of her own experiences and admitted that had she known in her earlier years what she knows now she wouldn't change a thing. "had I made a change then I couldn't be the person I am standing before you today. My life is my testimony and it's meant for someone as a beacon of hope and faith." Closing out this portion of the program verses that have comforted her and which she hoped could comfort others were shared as spiritual food.

Recognizing how emotionally draining this final session would be Ms. Shalonda Moore again ministered through song and then Ms. Patricia Jardann took the floor to show women how to pamper themselves using Mary Kay products as the source great skin care. One lucky woman also received a free makeover. The results were astonishing and made a beautiful woman even more beautiful. Said Ms. Jardann, women have to learn to take time to take care of themselves including pampering themselves.

Pastor Foster declared this another successful conference and Minister Willie Bell Pettigrew, sister -n-law of mrs. Pettigrew gave the closing prayer. Look for the next conference in September. We hope to see you there.

Battered But Not Broken Seminar

On Sunday August 24, 2008 Janice Pettigrew and Fresh Start for Women teamed with Darlene Sheardon and NuRevelations to conduct a seminar for victims of domestice violence entitled, "Battered But Not Broken." This was a powerful seminar, in which the women in attendance truly bared their souls as they worked their way to healing. An intergal part of that healing is forgiveness and Janice Pettigrew led the session discussing why forgiveness is important. As has been the case in times past victims readily forgive their abusers but forgiving themselves takes a little more time. After the seminar participants were willing to put in the extra effort required to actively forgive and move forward. Mrs. Pettigrew admitted that the process is not an easy one but that the benefits are just too important not to give it your all.

Fresh Start for Women and NuRevelations make a dynamic team and plans are in the works to jointly conduct more informative seminars for women in need.

Last Day Outreach Ministry Women's Conference

On Saturday July 11, 2008 Fresh Start for Women held its first women's conference at the Last Day Outreach Ministry Church in Covington, GA where Pastor Marvalene Foster presides. The success of the conference prompted Pastor Foster to announce on her weekly Wed. night radio program that each month Fresh Start for Women will be hosting a conference where the needs of women in the community spiritually, physically and emotionally will be met.

This first conference titled, "A New Beginning - Dumping the Trash and Polishing the Treasure", offered women insights into their personality as well encouraged them t let go of those things that do not add positive value in their lives. Presenters at the conference included Founder and Executive Director Mrs. Janice Pettigrew and long time Fresh Start for Women volunteer Ms. Bettye Ferguson. New board member Ms. Darlene Sheardon as well as the co-host & producer of the Last Day Outreach radio program Ms. Priscilla McCallop.

A key component of this first conference was presented by Ms. Bettye Ferguson in which she examined the purpose and importance of forgiveness. Using scriptural references the women in attendance were able to take away nuggets of truth to aid them in their journey to a New Beginning.

This conference not only allowed women to fellowship with other women looking to make a change in their circumstances but small/independent business owners were able to showcase their goods and services. Plans are already in the works for the next conference scheduled for Saturday August 30, 2008. The cost of the conference will be $25 and includes lunch.

News Updates February - June 2008

February - Fresh Start for Women is proud to announce the graduation of its first group of women for the 2008 year. The graduation took place on Thursday February 21, 2008. Founder Janice Pettigrew presented the women with certificates of completion and a watch. She encouraged the women to continue their journey to a "Fresh Start" and promised to check back to see how they were doing.

March - An informational session was held at the Gresham Road Library for persons interested in volunteering and potential board members.

April - Fresh Start for Women held a FUNdraiser at Max & Erma's located at 1155 Mount Vernon Highway in Atlanta. Max & Erma's has a long history of giving back to the community. One way they give back is by allowing nonprofit organizations to have a day in which patrons presenting a special flyer upon paying for their meal net 20% the meal cost to the organization. Said Mrs. Pettigrew, "This was the first time for Fresh Start for Women to participate and we look forward to doing so again".

May - Janice Pettigrew became a member of the Last Day Oureach Dream Team broadcast heard on WYZE 1480am every Wenesday from 7:15pm to 8:15pm. Said Mrs. Pettigrew, "The opportunity to be a part of a program that lets people know what's happening in their community has been a very positive connection. Through my participation I have had the opportunity to network with many others serving the community."

June - Janice Pettigrew and board member Tracy Kemp appeared as guests on the jfjlivetalkradio internet radio show. Host TC later informed the pair of the positive feedback he received regarding their appearance. Fresh Start for Women will have its own internet radio show expected to debut in August.

Fresh Start for Women announces a women's conference "New Beginnings" to be held on Saturday July 12, 2008 from 10am to 3pm at :

Last Day Outreach
10278 Dinah Circle
Covington, GA
Pastor Marvalene Foster

Please call 404.543.1017 for registration information. Tables will also be available for those interested showcasing their products and/or services.

Forgiveness and Rediscovering Self

Once again Ms. Bettye Ferguson used her unique talents to bring home a very touchy subject...Forgiveness. But before this subject was tackled Ms. Ferguson encouraged the ladies to participate by sharing of themselves. Said Ms. Ferguson later, "It was plain to see the pain that was still a part of their lives." Recognizing the importance of forgiveness in the healing process Ms. Ferguson has agreed to conduct this session again at a later date.

FSFW realizes that many times women must take baby steps on the road to healing. For this reason the program was originally designed for those women that had been out of an abusive situation for 90 days or more. In 2007 FSFW began working with Safe Haven Transitional thus bringing the program to women in varying stages of healing.

It's important for women to actively participate in order to reap the maximum benefits of the various volunteers and facilitators sharing their knowledge, encouragement and support. Kudos to all for moving beyond where they are to reach further than they've ever reached before.
Ms. Ferguson shared with those in attendance that trust can be earned again and that they were in an environment that was safe and ripe for their healing to begin.

For homework all were assigned the task of writing 3 major things each needed to work on in the area of forgiveness, starting with self. It is only then will the women be able to rediscover their true selves.

Budgeting & Understanding Credit

On January 17th the women of Safe Haven were introduced to the importance of budgeting and credit management. Janice Pettigrew shared with the women her own version of a budget and provided tips that have worked for her.

Mrs. Pettigrew explained that regardless of the amount of money the women earned it was important for them to begin to pay themselves first. During the hour and a half session the women had an opportunity to begin to develop their own personal budget plan. This planning went hand in hand with the previous session in which goal setting was discussed.

Before the evening was over a number of the ladies had realistic goals and how to achieve them. FSFW will continue to follow-up on this area of the program and provide encoragement and advice as needed.

Making a Fresh Start!!

Today I make a Fresh Start in life

Today is a new day of promise. I accept it, give thanks for it, and act on the God-given opportunities I am offered. Yesterday is gone, and with it all that challenged me has receded into nothingness. My trust in God takes wings as I explore a day that is filled with wonder. I am confident that whatever I decide to do will bless me and bless others through me.

God is giving me a Fresh Start! Another chance to start anew on a goal, a job, a relationship of longstanding or one that is just beginning to take shape. Thanks to God, this day offers me even more love, life and understanding than I have ever before known.
…….Author Unknown

Setting New Year Goals!!

What a perfect start to a new year of promise and new beginnings! Once again Janice Pettigrew and LaQuita Heard-Nortey helped the women at Safe Haven Transitional jumpstart the new year. " We are so excited to be a part of your growth and are encouraged by your determination to not be defined by your current ciscumstances", said Mrs. Pettigrew to all in attendance.

FSFW is excited about the opportunity to once again partner with Safe Haven to enhance their services to the women in need. Domestic violence doesn't take a holiday so it's important to continue to offer services, encouragement and support to the victims and their families. FSFW is proud of the opportunity to do its part to inspire and empower others.