Meg Damme has been with Fresh Start (FreshStartHome.org ) since 2005, holding diverse roles over the years. Appointed associate director in July, she collaborates closely with Executive Director Monica Zinke to craft strategies, establish goals and ensure targets are achieved. While overseeing the program department, Meg Damme also takes on mentoring, coaching and direct service responsibilities. In the new role, she will have a larger role in program development, staffing, strategic planning and facility operations.
Meg Damme is committed to ongoing professional growth, and finding educational opportunities for the team even with a limited training budget. Meg’s dedication to aiding others is evident in her every action. Meg Damme looks forward to being even more involved with growing Fresh Start services and assisting more women with their path out of homelessness and to healthier, more empowered lives.
Meg Damme shared “It has been such an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to walk alongside so many amazing women on their journey to a better life. To help them see their strengths and support them as they take the risks involved in building the foundation for their future. I am blessed to have had several incredible staff members and interns along the way, not to mention volunteers who have helped shape the whole program into what it is today.”
Beyond her role at Fresh Start, she contributes to the Governor’s Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse, the EFSP Board and the Family and Consumer Advisory Board. Her volunteer efforts extend to projects supporting victims of domestic violence, and she is active in the recovery community.
Known for her kindness and empathy, Meg consistently sees the best in people. Her sincerity and enthusiasm create a safe space where others feel comfortable seeking guidance without hesitation. Fresh Start owes much of its success to Meg’s invaluable contributions. Executive Director Monica Zinke shared “We are so fortunate to have Meg on our team. She is highly skilled and knows how to provide a balance of empathy, support and accountability. She is constantly looking for additional ways to support our participants and staff and this new role will empower her to do more to enhance our program. She is an inspiration to many.”
Fresh Start is a residential program for women experiencing homelessness. Participants may live in the home for up to one year, during which time they develop an individualized goal plan and actively work towards goals related to employment, housing and health, among others.
To contact Fresh Start to learn more about our services, request a speaker or explore other ways to get involved, email lacreshab@freshstarthome.org or call (402) 475-7777. For more information about Fresh Start services, please visit FreshStartHome.org or find them on Facebook.