Wine Tasting Fundraiser

 On May 28, 2011 Fresh Start for Women held a wine tasting fundraiser with the goal of raising funds for the Precious Jewel Summer Camp. The fundraiser was held at Wine Styles located on Cascade Road in Atlanta.

Attendees not only had the opportunity to taste different wines but it was also a great networking opportunity as well. Founder Janice Pettigrew and newest board member Denise Young were instrumental in putting the event together. All involved gave glowing reviews of the event while learning more about Fresh Start for Women and the Precious Jewel program for teen girls in particular.

Ms. Erica-Christina Little the current reigning Ms. Black Georgia who served as the evening's Mistress of Ceremonies. Mr. Wilbert Scott was on hand to deliver a wonderful rendition of the poem "Does Love Suppose to Hurt", written by co-founder Minister Oscar Pettigrew, Jr.

Fresh Start or Women wishes to thank Ms. Marie Antoinette Burrell of TOADD an organization dedicated to educating citizens about the perils of distracted driving for her generous support. In addition NuRevelations founder Ms. Darlene Sheardon and Publix helped to make the event a success with their monetary and/or food donations. Also Ms. Ara Key for her donation of a great 3 day vacation as a door prize.

Internet TV personalities Tamarah Jones and Cindy MoreEssence of For Real Thou taped their show at the event and interviewed the founder as well as some sponsors. Interviews will be broadcast at a later date.

Thanks to the event at least 3 girls will be able to receive full scholarships to the camp scheduled for July 11 - 22 at Mount Ephraim Baptist Church. With the goal of at least 20 camp participants donations are still welcome to help make it possible for others to attend. Visit the donations page at http://www.freshstartforwomen.org/ or send donations to P O Bo 370681, Decatur, GA 30037.

Fresh Start for Women is looking forward to hosting another wine tasting in the month of October. This will be in conjunction with other activities planned as part of October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Mother's Day Celebration

For the third year Fresh Start for Women celebrated Mother's Day for mothers who may easily be forgotten. The last 2 years Fresh Start for Women and NuRevelations LLC collaborated on this event. For 2011 it was taken to a more personal level thanks in large part to the son and daughter-n-law of founder Janice Pettigrew.


The 2 opened their home and made the occasion on the actual date for Mother's Day one in which attendees were truly treated as queens. Mother's were welcomed at the door by their 11 year old son posing as one of the waiters for the evening and shown to their seats. A special table had been setup specifically for the mothers.


Next after taking drink orders ranging from Coke, fruit punch, water or lemonade appetizers were brought to the table, short ribs and 2 kinds of shrimp. During the course of enjoying the appetizers the cook a.k.a."Dion" came to the table to inquire on how each mother wanted her steak. It was't until the steaks were brought to the table some time later that the mothers were pleasantly surprised with thick, juicy and flavorful t-bones. Accompanying the steaks were salad, corn on the cob, baked potatoes (fully loaded) and let's not forget lobster tails! To say the food rivaled any served at a restaurant is an understatement. For dessert their eldest daughter, Ajah presented the moms with large juicy strawberries dipped in chocolate!


After dinner the mother's wactched a movie of their choice followed by live entertainment provided by the youngest daughter Nneka(age7), regaling the moms with her acrobatic prowess as a cheerleader, naturally she had to show off the trophy recently received at an awards dinner for her and her fellow cheerleading team menbers.


At the end of the evening one mother remarked, "I truly felt special and was honord to be included." Mother's day 2011 raised the bar for future Fresh Start for Women celebrations. So what will 2012 bring? Only time will tell.

Loving Me More Summit - March 12, 2011

On Saturday March 12, 2011 Fresh Start for Women participated in the much anticipated "Loving Me More" Summit for girls 11 - 19. It was held at the Mary Hall Freedom House and was under the direction of Mrs. Nicholle Brock founder of the Family Dynamics Foundation.

The Summit began at 8am and wrapped up at 3:30pm. In between the girls were divided into age appropriate groups as a host of facilitators including Fresh Start for Women's founder Janice Pettigrew worked together to inspire, empower and encourage the young ladies in attendance.

Although this was the first event for Mrs. Brock, by the end of the exhausting but rewarding event Family Dynamics and Fresh Start for Women were already discussing future collaborative efforts.As evidenced by the more than 60 girls and many parents in attendance on Saturday the need was at times overwhelming.

As has always been the practice for Mrs. Pettigrew when speaking to 13 - 14 year old girls she shared her experiences as a victim of gang rape at the age of 13 and its ramifications in all aspects of future relationships. This candor allowed the door to be open for frank and honest discussion. With her charges' undivided attention, Mrs. Pettigrew shared with the young ladies the power they pocess to dictate what type of people they allow into their own inner circle.

Mrs. Pettigrew stressed the importance of letting people earn their position into the inner circle so that the girls may have more control over what influences take root with them. Kudos to Ms. Vincent for scheduling facilitators that complimented each other in the subject matter for their young charges. As was apparent when Mrs. Pettigrew followed Ms. Linda Reyes whose topic was Improving in which she imparted great suggestions to move forward in a positive manner including the use of vision boards as a visual reminder of goals and aspirations.

Wrapping up the session the girls participated in the Affirmation circle and used the girl to their right as their mirror to recite and own the affirmation pulled from the affirmation basket. Finally the girls were invited to join Mrs.Pettigrew in the circle and take a journey through the forest which ended with a huge group hug!

This event merely affirmed the importance of the upcoming "You Are a Precious Jewel" summer day camp scheduled for July 11- 22, 2011. Keep visiting the website for updates!