Formal Programs
Scroll down or select from the list below for information on our programs and services.
For other support groups see our current
Fall 2009 Catalog.
.
A series of four classes designed to teach the basics of understanding money and how to take charge of your finances. The series begins with a look at your relationship with money; what it means to you. Then the workshops discuss budgeting, understanding your credit, and practical ways to get out of debt. ($5 per workshop)
Self-esteem can be defined as "having a realistic respect or favorable impression of yourself." Certain past experiences coupled with social messages we receive can hurt our ability to cultivate self-worth, follow through with our goals and create long-lasting healthy relationships. In S.W.I.N.G., join a community of women and combine group discussion with journaling to challenge past experiences, let go of negative thoughts and build self-confidence. Recover your gifts and the ability to believe in yourself! To join this 10-week support group, you must pre-register by calling 602-261-7172 or email chanson@fswf.org
If you are divorced, going through a divorce, or separated, you will be able to explore ways to move forward, to heal from the effects, and to become strong during the transition. This on-going support group is for any woman who has or is dealing with the issue of divorce. Share with other women your strengths and learn from their experiences. (No charge) Wednesdays from 6-7:30 PM.
You don’t have to be alone as you make the journey through grief. Come and heal with others who have also experienced a painful loss. Participants need not have suffered a death or separation of a partner or spouse, one can also experience loss of a job, loss of social status, loss of money, loss of a child, or other family members or close friends. (No charge) Wednesdays from 6-7:30 PM.
Join other women who have made a new life for themselves. Share concerns, experiences and success stories with women who understand exactly where you are coming from. Facilitated by professional counselors from Sojourner Center. (No charge) Tuesdays from 6-7:30 PM.
A 10-week closed psychoeducational group that covers a wide range of topics one a week from thinking positive and anger management to self-esteem, domestic violence and empowerment. Totally in Spanish. Must register in advance to participate. Call Liz Avila, 602-261-7138.
This comprehensive 6-week program is for women who are struggling to create a healthy relationship at home with their partner or spouse. The workshops cover a wide range of topics important to helping women build a healthier family environment. Women may choose to attend as many workshops in the Creating Healthy Family Relationships program as they wish. To register, call 602-261-7143.
In addition to the series for adults, a group for children ages 6 - 12 is offered. This group covers the same topics as the adult group with age appropriate materials and is facilitated by a Master's level professional. Parents must attend the adult group while children attend the children's group.
Sustaining Healthy Relationships picks up where Creating Healthy Family Relationships leaves off. Learn how to embrace continual growth and flexibility to sustain healthy relationships. This workshop series is ideal for women emerging from an abusive relationship, whether with an intimate partner, friend or family member. Take the time to explore past trauma in-depth, and to identify and recognize your strengths in a group setting. Participants must register in advance. If you would like more information or would like to sign up please call 602-261-7124
Work one-on-one with a professional volunteer who will help you with your resume, interviewing skills and other career coaching help before that critical job interview. Click here for our monthly Career Coaching Calendar. (No charge)
If you need clothes for the workplace or court, our full-time wardrobe counselor will help you put together appropriate work outfits including accessories. Call Chloe Hanson, 602-261-7141 for an appointment. (No charge)
Since 1998, Fresh Start's Mentoring Program has provided specialized, one-on-one support to women in transition. Mentees are women who are working toward educational, career advancement, financial self sufficiency and/or micro-entrepreneurship goals and would like the support of a professional woman, or mentor. Mentors are volunteers who work one-on-one with a woman who is working hard to turn her life around. In this goal-based program a mentor is asked to help keep her Mentee focused on her goals by serving as a supportive accountability coach. Mentors must make a 1year commitment to spend 10 hours a month with their mentee. Mentors are required to communicate once per week by phone and/or e-mail, and meet at least twice per month in person with their Mentee. There is a $30 charge for the Mentor’s background check .
All applicants complete an application, upon review an in-person interview is scheduled. Following a mandatory orientation series, the matching process begins and can take anywhere from 1-8 weeks.
To supplement the mentoring relationship, additional workshops are offered focusing on communication, interpersonal skills, goal setting and achievment. These workshops are catered to women in the Mentoring Program and are free of charge.
The Mentoring program offers a unique opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with another woman, and to receive life-changing support. To find out more about the Mentoring Program, please call Mentoring Program Staff at 602-261-7163.
This group is designed by and for women recently released from prison to help heal and move past histories of abuse. Together we will identify trauma, violence and self-abuse; understand the cultural , environmental and psychological factors associated with abuse; heal ourselves for today and our future; and break the cycle of abuse in our lives. Our goal is to learn what a life without pain will look like and how to achieve it! Pre-registration is required for this 12-week program. Group size is limited. Please call 602-252-8494 to reserve your place.