FSFW Delivers a Bit of Christmas Joy

Fresh Start for Women's last activity for 2010 was to delivery a bit of Christmas joy to women and children in the community who needed to know they were not forgotten. Many of these families were just beginning their new journey apart from domestic violence so this Christmas meant a lot to them.

Thanks to our many sponsors, donors, and volunteers gifts were wrapped and addressed to more than 2 dozen children and their mothers. This was an opportunity for all involved to practice the love spoken of on a daily basis in a tangible way. It is the hope of FSFW to make this a permanent part of the FSFW program.

As we made our rounds to the various families the week leading up to Christmas we were priviledged to see the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of the ones we served. One family in particular made it crystal clear.

When we pulled up to the house we were met by mom and her 2 daughters and urshered inside. Upon entry into the living room we saw a tree with no presnts and a chair. But the most beautiful thing we witnessed was the love that flowed throughout the home. As we began to pull gift after gift from our bag and place under the tree the light shining in their eyes was beautiful to see. As we were leaving the little boy came running towards his mother and wrapped his arms around her saying, " thank-you, thank-you and I thougt you said we weren't getting anything this year, you're the best mom!"

We drove away from our last delivery with smiles on our faces and the knowledge that we were witness to a special moment for a very special family. 2010 has ended for FSFW with love, hope and joy for a brighter 2011.

Please join us 2011 as we empower and renew the lives of women as they make their journey from victim to victor.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In honor of domestic violence awareness month Fresh Start for Women accompanied the Atlanta Collaborative Against Domestic Violence to a Marietta shelter where the women in residence were surprised with a pizza party, games and fellowship. The opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way has always been of paramount importance to the Fresh Start for Women organization.

Each year thousands of women and teen girls suffer the atrocities of domestic violence, abuse and sexual assault. It takes everyone doing just a little to collectively make a huge impact. Let's not let the light shine on this problem one month out of the year for it happens every 9 - 15 seconds every day.

Just remember, based on statistics, the next woman or girl affected could be your mother, daughter, sister, aunt, granmother or other female friend. Say NO MORE!! and Mean it!!

You Are a Precious Jewel Summer Camp

After 2 weeks the camp is over! The girls were absolutely awesome. FSFW had the opportunity to affect in a positve way the girls that attended camp. The girls learned about setting boudaries, defining and categorizing friends as well as how to deal with peer ressure. We look forward to the camp for 2011 and will advertise it in ample time for many more girls to participate.

The girls created an original song for their graduation. We were so proud of how they were able to put into context many of the things they learned. Enjoy!!

Make Me Over Charity Event

Fresh Start for Women would like to thank Crystal Griffin (La Flair) and Altreah Denard (Ladylace Marketing) for putting on the Make me Over benefit fshion event on June 26, 2010. The event was held at The London Bistro on Howell Mill Road. Funds raised were for the "You Are a Precious Jewel" summer camp for girls 13 - 17. The camp starts Monday July 12, 2010 at Mount Ephraim Baptist Church where Dr. R.L. White, Jr. is pastor. The camp ends July 23, 2010.

2nd Annual Keep da Change Luncheon

On Sunday May 2, 2010 Fresh Start for Women and NuRevelations hosted the 2nd annual Mother's Day luncheon for women who have gone through their respective programs. This year thanks to Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist Church the luncheon was held in the community center.

Once again Fresh Start for Women and NuRevelations received overwhelming support from a number of sponsors and donors including Windward Pioneers and many others. Members of the church prepared the food and served 30 women.

This year the program featured author Katie Arnette as well as Janice Pettigrew and Darlene Sheardon presenting to the ladies on topics from forgiveness, change and being God's divine diva. Two very talented young ladies performed musical selections and all the way from Newnan were the Pure Dancers. Door prizes and great food topped off the afternoon.

This event is very dear and special to both Fresh Start for Women and NuRevelations. It is the one time of the year where together they encourage the women who have cossed their paths to continue on their indivdual roads to healing and renewal. The day was all for them and evidenced by the smiling faces looking back it was a true success.

Check back often to view the slide show in the photo gallery.

Goal Setting 2010

2010 began with the Fresh Start for Women goal setting seminar on March 10, 2010. As in past seminars for goal setting founder and CEO Janice Pettigrew used her own goals for 2010 as an example of how to prepare for 2010.

Using her job loss in May 2009 as an example Janice Pettigrew listed out some of her goals including getting a mentor to hold her accountable as she works to make Fresh Start for Women an important part of the community whenit comes to domestic violence, abuse and sexual assault against women. This personal approach allowed Janice Pettigrew to connect with the women by showing she's not only there to help them but that she understands many of the things they experience. From there it was on to the keys to setting and achieving goals including:


1. Write it Down
2. List Personal Benefits
3. Analyze Current Situation
4. Identify Obstacles and Risks
5. Identify Investments and Sacrifices
6. List Knowledge Requirements
7. Get a Support Team
8. Develop the Plan
9. Set a Deadline
10. Reward and Celebrate

and number 11 for this year go to the next one on the list. A follow-up meeting is planned in 90 days to see how everyone is progressing on their individual goals. As always the goal setting seminar sets the stage for 2010 activities.