The Inspiration for Fresh Start

Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart were inspired to create a women’s organization, in tribute to the life of their paternal grandmother, Autie Jones. Autie was only 29 when her husband died of tuberculosis, leaving her to raise their young boys ages 1, 2 and 3. There were no relatives nearby to lend support, so she kept her family together by living in the back room of a grocery store where she worked. By day, she was a store clerk and at night, she shared precious moments with her sons while ironing other’s clothes. Within a year, sadly her oldest son also died. Autie’s life was full of financial and emotional hardship, yet she courageously chose to celebrate the blessings of every situation. This courageous woman was the inspiration for her granddaughters to reach out to women who struggle to survive. Fresh Start was born as a result.

The Foundation is Formed

Mission: Fresh Start is dedicated to
helping women help themselves.

In 1995 the sisters formalized a foundation and established their first Board of Directors. In the early years, the foundation focused on fundraising and granting money to Arizona nonprofits serving women in need. Through the course of that granting process it became apparent there were gaps in the services for women being offered in our community. First, the Mentoring Program was formed and as a result then finally, the Women’s Resource Center. As the organization grew, two new boards were added bringing an impressive array or community leaders to the effort.

Historical Timeline

• 1992 ~ Fresh Start Women's Foundation is formed

• 1993 ~ Meet Me In The Alley, a bowling event, begins raising money for this nonprofit

• 1995 ~ Board of Directors is established. Sandy Cowen Miller is first Chairperson

• 1996 ~ Foundation begins offering grants to Arizona nonprofits serving women

• 1997 ~ The Auxiliary Board is formed. Jacki Tatman is first Chairperson

• 1998 ~ The Fresh Start Mentoring Program begins, endorsed by Bank One and Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust

• 1999 ~ The Men's Board is formed to raise money for Fresh Start though the annual Charity Golf Classic. Brian Kennedy is the first Chairman

• 2000 ~ Fresh Start launches a $7.1 million capital campaign to build a women's resource center in Phoenix. Sandy Cowen and Barbara Ralston co-chair the extensive effort

• 2001 ~ Construction begins on the 22,000 square foot facility in November

• 2002 ~ The Jewell McFarland Lewis - Fresh Start Women's Resource Center opens in October. Foundation ceases formal grants but establishes a Direct to Women's Fund, emergency money available to individual women referred by nonprofits.

• 2004 ~ Court Buddy Program is created within the Center

• 2005 ~ Creating Healthy Family Relationship is formed within the Center. Click here for more details.

• 2006 ~ Fresh Start 100 provided

• 2007 ~ Sustaining Healthy Family Relationships is formed within the Center and picks up where Creating Healthy Family Relationships leaves off. Click here for more details.

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