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History |
Fresh Start Foundations | ||||
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The Inspiration for Fresh Start Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart were inspired to create a women’s organization, in tribute to the life of their paternal grandmother, Autie Jones. Autie was only 29 when her husband died of tuberculosis, leaving her to raise their young boys ages 1, 2 and 3. There were no relatives nearby to lend support, so she kept her family together by living in the back room of a grocery store where she worked. By day, she was a store clerk and at night, she shared precious moments with her sons while ironing other’s clothes. Within a year, sadly her oldest son also died. Autie’s life was full of financial and emotional hardship, yet she courageously chose to celebrate the blessings of every situation. This courageous woman was the inspiration for her granddaughters to reach out to women who struggle to survive. Fresh Start was born as a result.
The Foundation is Formed Mission: Fresh Start is dedicated to Not too many years later, in 1995, the sisters formalized a foundation and established their first Board of Directors. In the early years, the foundation focused on fundraising and granting money to Arizona nonprofits serving women in need. Through the course of that granting process it became apparent there were gaps in the services for women being offered in our community. First the Mentoring Program was formed, as a result then finally, the Women’s Resource Center. As the organization grew, two new boards were added bringing an impressive array or community leaders to the effort.
Historical Timeline
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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 whole 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 Chairs 1995 Sandy Cowen Miller ( 2 terms) 1997 Barbara Ralston (3 terms) 2000 Marlene Klotz Collins (2 terms) 2002 Michelle Kerrick (1 term) 2003 Barbara Hoffnagle (2 terms) 2005 Mary Upchurch (2 terms) |
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