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Fresh Start ~ A Home Where Women Can Grow
Transitioning
Spring 2015
Sometimes I Want To Cry
Board of Directors
Cynthia Peterson, President
First Data Corporation
Jane Wood Bennett,
Vice President
Gallup
Lina Bostwick, Secretary
Bryan College of Health
Sciences
Katie Cunningham, Treasurer
Dana F. Cole & Company,
LLP
Chad Bennett
IBM
Jeri Brandt
Nebraska Wesleyan
University
James Michael Bowers
Community Volunteer
Kristin Carlson
Labenz & Associates LLC
Alex Cowsky
Neighbor Works
Ann Kontor
State of Nebraska
Sarah Kramer
Nationwide
Kari Krier
DHHS
Nicholas Ludwig
Union Bank & Trust
Krista Vogel
Hurrdat
Team Members:
Executive Director:
Monica Zinke
Program Coordinator: Meg
Development Coordinator:
Lauren
Case Managers: June,
Hayle, Demetria
Overnight Staff: Julie,
Deanna
On Call Workers: Claire,
Marla, Ronicka & Sandy
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
By Monica Zinke, Executive Director
It’s not often, but I admit that sometimes my job makes me teary-eyed. There are lots of
reasons. Sometimes it’s worry about our residents, especially the ones who leave the
program still struggling. Sometimes it’s tears of sadness about the losses and trauma our
residents have faced, and the concern we have for them.
It’s not always due to sad or worrisome situations. Around Fresh Start, there are also tears of joy for all
of the wonderful moments of success we see; times when the residents break through their fears, or take
a big step on their path back to independence. Or, I may get misty when an alumni stops by and talks
about all the great things happening in her life and Fresh Start’s part in her success. Recently there was a
kitchen fire at Fresh Start. Thankfully, no one was hurt. We are so grateful there was no damage to the
building. We had immediate needs of replacing our two stoves, figuring out supper for the residents, and
household and repair costs related to the fire and items lost. Before I even had a chance to worry too
much, I was teary-eyed with amazement and gratitude for the support Fresh Start has from community
members. I had faith that we would have stoves and residents would be back to cooking up a storm by
the end of that same week. What I did not expect was to have replacement stoves arranged that same
day! One was even delivered within hours of the fire. Thank you, members of New Covenant
Community Church!
There may be times when people’s struggles bring tears to my eyes, but there are many times when
people’s kindness does the same. As always, I am grateful. And maybe a little misty-eyed.
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” - Theodore Roosevelt
It Is Never All Lost
Melinda (name has been changed) did not even start doing drugs and drinking until after her children
were grown adults. It didn’t take her long to lose everything though. Her using eventually resulted in her
spending some time in prison on a drug charge. All of this eventually resulted in Melinda becoming
homeless. She’s a diabetic and wasn’t managing her diabetes either, resulting in health complications.
Melinda raised her children living on a reservation and earned her income by operating machinery at a
logging camp for many years. Her children grew up and had kids of their own, but because of her
substance abuse, Melinda grew apart from them. She was no longer working and did not see her sons or
her grandchildren for several years. One day, she decided she had enough and completed 30 days of
sobriety on her own (not in any treatment program). This was a very difficult and commendable
undertaking. Shortly after, she arrived at Fresh Start, determined to continue her healing process and get
her family back.
Melinda was immediately assigned a case manager and starting working toward a goal plan. She made
stride after stride. She signed up for food stamps, and through case management, was connected to
People’s Health Center and starting seeing a diabetes specialist. During her ten month stay at Fresh Start
she attended workshops and learned healthy eating habits, took insulin regularly, and even lost weight.
She also made some friends, and stated that before her time at Fresh Start, she had no one she
considered a true friend. Fresh Start staff guided Melinda through the process to obtain a housing
voucher and she was able to move into a place of her own. She reconnected with her love of baking
while at Fresh Start and received a donation of a stand mixer upon her departure – which brought many
tears of joy.
She currently receives community support from Fresh Start and regularly meets with our Program
Coordinator. She just recently shared the good news that she went on a fishing trip with her youngest
son. Melinda continues to manage her diabetes and her physical needs and attends 12 step meetings. We
look forward to watching her continue to grow.
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www.FreshStartHome.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Fresh Start Board of Directors
Thank you to the following outgoing members of the Fresh Start Board of Directors for their commitment and
service:
Jill Liliedahl, SitStay.com
Sarah Sujith, Bellevue University
Elizabeth Wood, Crete Carrier Corporation
Congratulations to the following members of the Fresh Start Board of Directors for their recent appointments to
leadership positions on the Executive Committee:
Secretary—Lina Bostwick, Bryan College of Health Sciences
Treasurer—Katie Cunningham, Dana F. Cole & Company, LLP
Fresh Start would like to welcome the newest members of our Board of Directors:
Nathan Anderson, Wolfe, Snowden, Hurd, Luers & Ahl, LLP
Kari Krier, DHHS
Krista Vogel, Hurrdat
If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, or a committee of the Board, please contact Monica at Fresh Start
at (402)475-7777.
Not sure if you have the time to serve on the Board of Directors? There are many other ways to volunteer. Community
members may join a board committee without serving on the Board. Committees include Board Development, Event
Planning, Finance & Personnel, and Marketing & Community Engagement. You also can help with events, one-time
projects like reviewing a policy manual or organizing a donation drive at your work or church for needed items.
NEWS
Our sincerest thanks to everyone in the community who came together to support Fresh Start following the recent stove
fire in our kitchen. Special thanks to New Covenant Community Church and all of the individuals who helped with the
cost of replacement equipment and repairs. Pictured above, Director Monica Zinke and Volunteer Lalanne Drake
unpack the new oven we received through the generous support of a community donor (left) and Case Manager June
delivers brownies the residents baked in our new range to the Lincoln Fire Department Havelock Engine House (right).
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
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www.FreshStartHome.org
NEWS
DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT or OTHER VEHICLE to FRESH START!
Fresh Start does not provide vehicles to residents. Our third party partner DONATION LINE
(BBB accredited) handles the sale of the vehicle at auction and the proceeds
(minus a small processing fee) go directly to benefit shelter services at Fresh Start.
Donate your car, boat, truck, RV, jet ski, or snowmobile to Fresh Start—working or not– and
receive a tax deduction. This no cost, no hassle process begins when you contact our
fundraising partner, Donation Line LLC at 1-877-227-7487.
Make sure to ask for our extension 3134.
Or visit www.donationline.com and search for FRESH START
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” - C.S. Lewis
Remember Fresh Start in your Estate Planning
Consider changing the lives of women in need with a legacy gift to Fresh Start.
Sample language for a gift via a will or trust:
"I give, devise and bequeath to Fresh Start, Inc. [written amount; percentage of residue of estate; or description of
property] for its unrestricted use and purpose."
*Please Note—this example is not intended to replace legal or tax advice. For full details, please consult your attorney or financial planner.
“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” - Dr. Robert Schuller
Friends of Fresh Start and Staff Recently Honored
Lincoln Homeless Coalition recently honored some of our nearest and dearest for their achievements this past
November.
Our friend Kit Boesch (City of
Lincoln and Lancaster County
Human Services) was honored with
a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
New Covenant Church members received
a Volunteer Group of the Year Award for
their work with Fresh Start and The Daisy
thrift shop, among others.
Page 3
Fresh Start Program Coordinator
Meg Damme received a
Certificate of Recognition.
www.FreshStartHome.org
SUPPORTERS
Volunteering highlights
The following organizations sent small groups
to the shelter to cook Sunday dinner and eat
with the residents:
Members of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority prepare Sunday dinner
for the residents.
-Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (January)
-Unitarian Church of Lincoln (January,
February, March)
-Piedmont Women’s Ministry (January,
March)
-New Covenant Community Church (March)
We still have a few Sundays left—it’s a great
team bonding and volunteer experience!
If you or your organization would like to volunteer
at the shelter or with The Daisy, organize a
donation drive or request a speaker, please call
us at (402)475-7777 or visit our website:
www.FreshStartHome.org
Girl Scout Troop #20427 spent a day sprucing up our yard for spring!
Intern Corner
A mutually beneficial relationship—interns help us tremendously, and in turn, get the experience they need!
Tomeka (left) and Clarissa (right) are both completing their advanced practicum requirements for their
AA degrees in Human Services from Southeast Community College.
YES! I support Fresh Start!
Please indicate the contribution you are able to give:
Seed Provider — to graciously offer a ‘fresh start’ $1-49
Name:
Landscaper — to develop the foundation
Address:
$50-99
Planter — to cultivate a future
$100-499
Water Bearer — to sustain growth
$500-749
Phone:
Sun Shiner — to nourish and enrich
$750-999
Previous Donor:
Master Gardener — to tend with compassion $1,000+
Indicate if you would NOT like to be acknowledged. _____
Would you like to receive this mailing electronically? Yes No
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
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YES
NO
In honor of:
Would you like to be on the mailing list?: Yes No
E-mail
www.FreshStartHome.org
SUPPORTERS
Fresh Start gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and groups for their financial contributions between
July and December 2014. This may include individuals who donated as part of a United Way campaign or as part of
events. We also thank the donors who chose to remain anonymous, and those who donated clothing and other items.
Contributions received from January to June of 2015 will be recognized in the fall 2015 newsletter.
Master Gardener
$1,000+
Tom & Kari Beckenhauer
Ken & Margaret Donlan
John & Karen Flowers
Robert & Lily Hans
Adam & Alexandra Karavas
Pat & Cheryl Meyer
Sun Shiner
$750-999
Kenneth & Ada Bishop
Hampton Foundation
Water Bearer
$500-749
First Lutheran Church
First Plymouth Church
Eddie & Craig George
Wes & Maxine Sime
Tamara Uribe
Planter
$100-499
Aldersgate United Methodist
Women
Steve & Claudia Amen
Chad Bennett & Jane WoodBennett
Robert Boyce III
Ann Brase
Roger & Sally Buchholz
Jim Budde
Terry & Connie Bundy
Brenda Clements
Carolyn Cody
Pamela Crawford
Larry & Amy Dahl
Martha Fritzen
Ginny Gross
Elizabeth Haack
Robin Hadfield
Jim Hawkins
Robert Hillestad
Marilyn Holmquist
Mary Ann Holmes
Nicole Hostert
Margaret Howie
Immanuel Church
Steve & Heather Ingracia
Dale Keller
Suzi Kelley
Sue Lawrence
James McKee &
Linda Hillegass
Roger & Jan Meints
Rosalie Meyer
Marilyn Moore
Henry Mount
Nebraska LabLinc
Northeast Sertoma Club
Wesley & Linda Oestreich
Pathology Services
Jerry & Mary Ann Petr
Grace Pfister
Steve & Susan Pozehl
Jane Raybould
Lamont Richards &
Nan Schweiger
Helen Roeske
Harry Rotthaus
Tom & Chris Schleich
Robert & Jessica Schultz
Duane & Grace Shackleford
Bryan Shank
South Gate United
Methodist Women
Southern Heights
Presbyterian Church
Carol Stelzer
Bob & Connie Swains
Barbara Thomas
Neal & Lois Thomas
Dave & Cindy Timperley
Transportation Communications
Union/IAM Lodge #1288
United Lutheran Church ECLA
Lori Vidlak
Richard & Jean Wampler
Robin Westhoff
Ernest Westling
Laura Weymouth
Don Ziegenbein
Landscaper
$50-99
Gary & Vera Albers
Jessica Anders
Beverly Ashley
Shirley Baum
Tim & Jennifer Bausch
Lorraine Beadell
Bryan Student Nurses
Builders Club of Havelock
Christian Church
Chris & Deb Caudill
Maralee Cloran
John & Susan Dahm
Jerry & Shirley Daugherty
Barbara Day
Judith DeGraff
Cliff & Jeanne Dill
Janice Eret
Judy Clathar
Jim Gordon
Becky Hanna
Patty Hawk
Lauren Hilsabeck
Dorothy Holdren
Peter Jenson
Bertha Johnson
Ann Lif
Sandra Lorenzen
David & Jan Medinger
Donna Nelson
Gwendolyn Newkirk
Roger Niemann
Kathryn Ann Paine
Kevin & Edie Peterson
Anita Raybould
Pat Raybould
Bessie Rost
Dan & Marge Schlitt
Judy Schulze
Susan Scott
Norman & Corine Simon
Tammy Kortum
Ann Kontor
Georgia Stevens
Ross & Judy Wilcox
Vernon & Ann Williams
Andy & Elizabeth Wood
Linda Zinke
Michelle Zinke
First Lutheran Church Esther
Circle
Randall & Linda Fitch
Ken & Dorothy Gettman
Leland Heckman
Karla Hesse
Sheryl & Richard Jedlicka
Linda John
Christopher & Lisa Jones
Gail Linderholm
Sandy Lineberry
Roger & Ann Lott
Cassandra Maher
Shirley Maly
Dominic & Sandy Marino
Miriam Martin
Kathleen McManis
Larry & Mary Menebroker
Kate Merritt
Rosalind Morris
Barry & Irene Moore
Mary Jane Nielson
Drew & Amanda Paprocki
David Peabody & Jeri Brandt
John & Susan Ringsmuth
Alan & Ina May Rouse
Jack Schubert
Ronald & Diane Schwab
Mary Shipman
Jin & Cheryl Siemer
Mark & Cynthia Skinner
Barry & Alinda Stelk
Larry Sternberg
Janet Walters
Betty Ward
Connie Wiebusch
John & Catherine Wolfe
Seed Provider
Credit card donations are
accepted on our website and
processed by PayPal or through
Square.
$1-49
Ameritas Mutual Holding
Jane Antholz
Lily Blase
Monica Braun
Janet Coleman
Marian DeBuhr
Remember Fresh Start this
Give to Lincoln Day 2015!
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” - Confucius
Please remember Fresh Start in your charitable giving and estate planning. Fresh Start is a 501(c)(3) organization and
contributions are tax deductible. Please contact Fresh Start to discuss your planned giving.
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
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www.FreshStartHome.org
EVENTS
Project Funway 2014
November 14, 2014
2014 “Best of Show”
This signature event featured clothing designed by students in UNL’s Department of Textiles,
Manufacturing and Fashion Design and talented community designers. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres, a cash
bar, and incredible silent auction deals.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Give to Lincoln Day 2015 is May 28!
Fresh Start’s page is: http://givetolincoln.razoo.com/story/Fresh-Start-30
Last year we had a record year! Help us to top this year’s goal of $13,500—which is the equivalent of providing safe
shelter and case management to 9 women for one month!
Why Give to Lincoln Day? There is a $300,000 match pool that
is shared among all of the organizations—when you give on May
28, your dollars will go further as a percent of this match is added
to our total.
Every hour one donor is chosen at random and their charity will
receive a $300 bonus gift courtesy of Allstate!
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
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www.FreshStartHome.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Miniature Golf Tournament 2015
At Adventure Golf—56th and Old Cheney, Saturday, May 2, 10a-1p
Join us at beautiful Adventure Golf
(56th and Old Cheney)
May 2, 2015
10:00am—1:00pm
One round of mini golf, PRIZES, light
breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.
$15 with all proceeds going to
Fresh Start!
Register your team online at:
http://freshstarthome.org/events
Or call 402-475-7777
TAKE THE FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE!
Teams are challenged to raise an additional $180 to benefit homeless women in Lincoln.
That’s $10 per hole; $45 per teammate on teams of 4.
Got 9 friends? You meet the challenge! (Ask ‘em for five bucks!)
Everyone who raises additional funds will be entered into a drawing to win a prize!
Sponsored by Anderson Ford Lincoln Mazda, Aesthetics, Inc., and Bruegger’s Bagels
Also, special appearances
by celebrity golfers from 10/11!
Can’t make it to golf? Stop by and test drive a car! From 11:00am-2:00pm, Anderson Lincoln will be there with cars to
take for a quick spin. The best part? For every test drive, Fresh Start will receive a $20 donation!
THE DAISY THRIFT SHOP
Find us on Facebook!
The Daisy now has its own Facebook page! “Like” our page to see photos of items in the shop and to find out about
special sales. We’d also love to see some of the great deals and amazing outfits you have found in the shop, so snap a
photo while you’re here and post it on The Daisy page!
Donations are accepted
on Mondays and
Thursdays,
from 10AM to 1PM,
or by appointment.
Donated clothing is first made
available to Fresh Start
residents, then is placed in
The Daisy and offered for sale
to the public. All net
proceeds from The Daisy
benefit Fresh Start.
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
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www.FreshStartHome.org
Non Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit # 1486
Lincoln, NE
6433 Havelock Ave
Lincoln NE 68507
Return Service Requested
If you would like to be removed from
this mailing list, or if you would like to
receive this mailing electronically,
please call Fresh Start at
(402)475-7777.
Save the Dates!
Mini-Golf Tournament 2015: May 2, 2015
Give to Lincoln Day 2015: May 28, 2015
The Daisy
High on Quality, Low on Price
Store hours: Fridays and Saturdays,
10 AM to 4 PM
Third Thursday of the month,
4 to 7 PM
Monthly specials and themes continue!
April - Spring and Teen Fashions
- 3rd Thursday only–Capris and Athletic Shoes
May - Upscale Décor and Summer Dresses
- 3rd Thursday only–1/2 price on all NEW items
June– Fun in the Sun
- 3rd Thursday only–All clothing 1/2 price
July– Dollar Bargain Blast
- 3rd Thursday only–All you can fit in a bag sale
Fresh Start is a transitional shelter that empowers homeless women to change their lives by recognizing and
utilizing their strengths to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
Fresh Start (402)475-7777
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www.FreshStartHome.org