Our Mission


Let us tell you about Fresh Start
Women’s Foundation


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


Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping empower women through the services of the Jewell McFarland Lewis-Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. This Center, the first comprehensive self-help center for women in the country, opened in October, 2002 and is currently accommodating more than 2,500 visits a month by women hoping to improve their lives.


The Foundation has three boards. The Executive Board, which sets policy and governs the foundation; The Auxiliary Board, which supports the organization through outreach services; and the Men’s Board, which puts on Fresh Start’s Annual Charity Golf Classic each fall.

Fresh Start Foundations

Our Founders ­ Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart

Even as young teens, Pat and Beverly wanted to help women, who like their grandmother, suddenly became the sole support of their families. Over the years, the Arizona natives became ardent community activists on behalf of women. In 1992, Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart were in a position to personally and professionally reach out to women in need. The initial offering was a day of pampering at Rolf’s Salon, then co-owned by Pat, Beverly and Rolf Lohse. The women theorized that a new hair style and personalized make-up were immediate ways to boost one’s confidence and increase self-esteem. Each month 20 women from shelters and social service agencies were invited to “A Fresh Start Day of Beauty at Rolf’s.” This core Fresh Start service remains in place today through Rolf’s Salon as well as through the Self-Esteem Room at the Foundation’s Women’s Resource Center.

Board of Directors

1995, '96 Sandy Cowen
1997, '98, 1999 Barbara Ralston
2000, '01 Marlene Klotz Collins
2002 Michelle Kerrick
2003, '04 Barbara Hoffnagle
2005, '06 Mary P. Upchurch
2007 Becky Jackson
2008, '09 Kim McWaters
2010 Nancy Loftin