Fresh Start (freshstarthome.org) is kicking off their annual Adopt-A-Resident program for the 2023 holiday season. They are encouraging people with a giving heart to help the women at the shelter feel more at home this holiday season. Many residents have families that live far away, and many others don’t have family at all.
Fresh Start serves women experiencing homelessness who may stay at the residence for up to a year while they address various condition and help them to achieve independence.
“Many of our residents do not have happy holiday memories. When the community gives them presents, it’s about more than the gift itself. It’s showing them that people do care about them and want them to have a positive holiday experience,” said Fresh Start Executive Director Monica Zinke. Gifts are needed for shelter residents as well as program alumna who have recently moved into their new homes.
Anyone can help – churches, clubs, businesses or individuals. Willing donors can contact Program Coordinator Meg Damme at (402) 475-7777 or by email at megd@freshstarthome.org. The donor will be given a woman’s wish list for Christmas. Their top requests for gifts include personal items like gift cards to Walmart and Bath & Body Works gift cards, VISA cards, movie tickets, slippers, robes, fuzzy blankets, hair straighteners, pots and pans and Tupperware.
Since its establishment in 1991, Fresh Start has served over 1,800 women. Please visit freshstarthome.org or call (402) 475-7777 to learn more.