Our Stories


Fresh Start Women’s Foundation is dedicated to helping women help themselves. Most of the women we see are women with transitional needs. They are women just like you, who have either been dealt a devastating blow or simply want to improve their quality of life.


If any of these situations sound like something you are currently experiencing, stop by the Jewell McFarland Lewis - Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center today. We can help. All women are welcome and most services are at no-charge.


  • Going through a divorce
  • Out of work
  • Relationship issues
  • Need a better job
  • Recently widowed
  • Parenting issues
  • Living with abuse
  • Recently single
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Need help accessing resources in the community
  • Would like a mentor
  • Stuck in a dead-end job
  • Can't make ends meet
  • Credit problems
  • Need legal help on family law matters
  • Self improvement help
  • Starting a business
  • Health and wellness issues
  • Interested in personal growth
  • Need the support of a group
Fresh Start serves all women.

Kim

September 11, 2001 changed many lives in many ways. For Kim, the change was economic: she lost her job when her company merged and downsized.

Jen

When Jen learned that her husband had choked one of their sons while she was at work, she took her four children and left.

Laura

Laura, a physician in her native Mexico, came to the United States for what she thought was just a vacation. While she was here, however, she fell in love, then got married and had two sons.

Donna

Donna never thought it could happen to her. An abusive marriage, two job losses in a year, young children at home and bills that needed to be paid.

Cindy

Cindy found herself a single parent with two small children who was not prepared to handle everything on her own. Her self-confidence was shaken...

Edna

Edna’s dream is to teach elementary school, and thanks to two Fresh Start mentors, that dream has stayed alive despite many life changes.

Mindy

Mindy seemed destined to join the Fresh Start family of women wanting to help themselves.

Did you know...

Surprising Facts


  • 41% of all women we see have some college, are college educated or have post-graduate degrees.
  • Fresh Start’s clients come from Gila Bend to Cave Creek and from Buckeye/Surprise to Apache Junction.
  • Fresh Start is accommodating nearly 2,500 visits a month.
  • Fresh Start sees 500 brand new women every 30-days.

Clients Rate The Women's Resource Center Highly


  • 100% are satisfied or very satisfied with the services we provide.
  • 99% agree they would use the services again.
  • 99% agree they would refer a friend or relative.
  • 99% agree they have received services to improve their lives

Demographics


56% of our women are 100% financially responsible for their households

69% live without a partner or spouse

38% of our women are currently employed full-time

78% of our women have children, under 18, living at home



Current Clients by Ethnicity


African American - 12%

Asian American - 1%

Caucasian - 43%

Hispanic - 34%

Native American - 5%

Multi-Cultural - 5%



Current Clients by Age


82% of the women we serve are in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s.

16% of the women we serve are over 50.