Fresh Start is all about women helping women, and it’s been a true passion project for founders and sisters, Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart. Pat and Beverly watched their grandmother become the sole support of their family and vowed to one day support women who found themselves in similar circumstances.
Over the years, the Arizona natives became ardent community activists on behalf of women.
In 1992, Pat and Beverly were in a position to personally and professionally reach out to women in need and initially offered a day of pampering each month at the salon they co-owned, inviting 20 women to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Later that year, Fresh Start Women’s Foundation was officially born. In the early years, the foundation focused on fundraising and granting money to Arizona nonprofits serving women in need. Over time, Pat and Beverly realized there were big gaps in women’s programs being offered in our community.
Our efforts to close those gaps began with the formation of our mentoring program in 1998, and in 2002, the Women’s Resource Center opened its doors and gave us ample space to welcome women to take advantage of our growing catalog of services.
As the organization grew, two new boards were added, bringing an impressive array of community leaders to the effort.
1992
Fresh Start is formed by Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart with a one-year pilot program with the Governor’s Office for Women and the Arizona Coalition for Displaced Homemakers.
1995
Board of Directors is established.
1996
Foundation begins offering grants to Arizona nonprofits serving women.
1997
The Auxiliary Board is formed.
Bank of America lends office space to Fresh Start.
1998
Fresh Start’s Mentoring Program begins.
1999
Men’s Board is formed to raise money through the Charity Golf Classic.
2000
A $7.1 million capital campaign launches to build a women’s resource center in Phoenix.
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.
2003
Certified Legal Document Preparers begin providing women with document preparation assistance.
2007
The Fresh Start Gala raises more than $1 million for the first time.
2010
Online learning programs launch.
2011
Fresh Start Treasures Resale Boutique opens.
2013
Career Center opens in partnership with Goodwill of Central Arizona.
2015
Fresh Start established a $1.9 million endowment.