Mindy seemed destined to join the Fresh Start family of women wanting to help themselves. She was told about our Women’s Resource Center not once, but twice – first by a friend in a support group and then by a financial consultant who would go on to become her mentor.
Before coming to the Center, Mindy had already found the courage and strength to leave her abusive marriage. As a stay-at-home mother of four, she knew she needed additional help to get her life, and her children’s, on track. She joined Fresh Start’s mentoring program in 2003, went back to school and will receive her Master’s in Education from NAU in December 2005.
For Mindy, a mentor has been the key in motivating her to accomplish her goals. “My mentor held me accountable, provided me with support and guidance, and encouraged me,” Mindy says. “All I saw was this big huge mountain and I had no energy, but she helped me to see the steps I needed to take in order to get over that mountain.” Although Mindy still has many obstacles to overcome, she feels she is well on her way to rebuilding her whole self, not just her living situation. She hopes that women who hear this small piece of her story will truly feel that there is hope for a Fresh Start.