Formal Programs
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Scroll down or select from the list below for information on our programs and services.

For other support groups see our current Catalog.

 

Financial Fitness Program

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)

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S.W.I.N.G. - Supporting Women In New Growth Support Group

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

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Divorce Support Group

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.

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Grief and Loss Support Group

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.

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Surviving Abuse

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.

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Hispanic Women’s Support Group

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.

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Creating Healthy Family Relationships

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.

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Sustaining Healthy Relationships

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

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Career Coaching Services

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)

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One-On-One Wardrobe Help

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 Kathy Starses, 602-261-7141 for an appointment. (No charge)

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Financial Fitness Book

In 1996 Fresh Start published a book that helps women understand the basics of finance. In this handy, practical 228-page workbook, women will learn budget basics, how to teach their children about money and identifying triggers to keep good credit. Written in both English and Spanish, “A Woman’s Guide to Taking Charge – Basic Tools for Managing Your Money” is on sale at the Jewell McFarland Lewis-Fresh Start Women’s Resource Center. Cover price is $14.95, however copies are on sale at the Center for just $7.00.


Mentoring Program

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 career and/or educational goals and would like the support of a professional woman, or mentor. Mentors are volunteers from the community who are successfully employed and would like to help guide another woman toward achieving her goals. Mentees are offered support, guidance and assistance with reaching their goals.


All applicants go through an initial phone screening, along with an in-person interview to create the best match with a Mentor. 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 Chloe Hanson at 602-261-7172.

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Arizona ESUBA


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.