Fresh Start has spent 28 years perfecting our curriculum so that each man who comes into our year-long program gets the best information, tools and counseling, much of it tailored to his individual needs. Thus, we have men graduating from the program who have made outstanding changes in their lives and have often completely remodeled themselves through Christ’s grace while here.

For many years Fresh Start has offered a small rental home as an aftercare choice in a sober living environment. But, the need is greater than what we’ve been able to accommodate. “…The fields are white unto harvest.”  Many more clients want to go into our aftercare housing but we have not had the space. So, Fresh Start saw there was a great need to expand and enhance our Aftercare Services.

Ideally, if a man completing our program is willing to submit to another 6 months of accountability with more freedoms in a sober housing environment, it increases his chance for long-term sobriety by leaps and bounds.

Because our need has been so great and we sincerely believe that learning to live outside of treatment, but with some smaller levels of accountability will help men remain sober, Fresh Start recently purchased a small, 20 unit apartment complex about 1/2 mile from our current facility for aftercare housing.  Each apartment is 2 bedroom, 2 bath and is furnished. This is a rental situation with 2 men per apartment, sharing electric and water. We are not requiring deposits or background checks that normal apartment complex’s require. There will be a required 6 month initial commitment and an option for another 6 months or possibly long-term rental. The complex is located in a quiet area, on Lake Fairview and has a pool. (see photos below).  This “sober city” will be for past, present, current and future alumni. There will be residential staff who will keep an eye on things to ensure that our sober community stays sober.

There will be some restrictions that will be spelled out in a “code of conduct” lease agreement, and it includes restrictions such as weekly support group meeting attendance and random drug screens to ensure everyone remains sober.

Currently, because we just recently purchased it and some regular tenants with leases are still living there, we initially only have 3 vacancies. As apartments come available, we will then have the opportunity to fill them with alumni.

If you are a Fresh Start alumni and are clean and sober and are interested in renting at our sober city, call the office and speak to Joe for details. 407 293-3822.

There  is also a website specifically for this at www.FSMAftercare.com 
    

This interview was done by an Online Addiction publication recently. Check it out:

 

http://alcohol.addictionblog.org/mens-addiction-treatment-interview-with-fresh-start-ministries/