A Message from the CEO
Dear Supporters, Friends, Family and Colleagues:
As I finish my 8th year as CEO/Founder of Fresh Start Community Services, it is rewarding to see that we have been able to create a successful company with sustained success through the various economic cycles. I attribute our success to a traditional philosophy of client services, which is embedded in everything we do at FSCS. As I am speaking, FSCS will have passed a mile marker for assisting over 2,500 people with criminal records, homeless, working class poor and displaced workers. At FSCS, we value a large and growing client base and deliver on our core promise; to provide necessary resources and skills for an individual to become self-sufficient. We have a business model that works, despite the economic conditions we have faced.
A Look At 2011
FSCS management, volunteers and interns spent a great deal of time and effort around new and proposed pilot programs, primarily around the following items:
Breaking Barriers Initiative In January 2010, a new collaboration began with Maricopa Workforce Connections to bring TIPS to the West side center. The proactively implementation to provide a highly successful customer job readiness program was a true testament of how our clients value the services provided by FSCS and MWC. Following the TIPS program we came together to renovation and provide a curriculum based program to a group setting and renamed the program “Breaking Barriers”. Between the two sessions, we were able to serve 23 successful graduates and help place nine in jobs or self-employment ventures immediately. Our success with Breaking Barriers will continue with other agencies and organizations on a local and national level.
Suit Up 4 Life In Sept of 2009 we became the recipient of the gently used professional suits from the Men’s Wearhouse National Suit drive. We were able to suit up over 89 men in 2010. This year we again received suits through the MWNS drive. And we will continue to hold suit up events and support our male clients with professional clothing. We were also fortunate to be able to partner with Phoenix Dress for Success in which we refer our female client to receive professional attire. It is a win – win situation for Suit Up 4 Life and Phoenix Dress for Success.
Reentry Center The Glendale Reentry center has seen a dramatic increase in clientele. With the growth we brought on ASU Interns and community volunteers. The ASU Criminal Justice Department and Intern Director Professor Robbin Brooks has supported and advised us through structure and development of the curriculum based services resulting in improved efficiencies and cost effectiveness. With our day-to-day operations, we have been able to enhance our highly responsive and performance-driven philosophy.
To Be Successful in 2012, We Must:
2012 we will see continue growth momentum in client services, publications and facilitator training. Now is an opportune time to train other agencies to facilitate our model within their own organization. Through premium training, new publication products and services such as FS Breaking Barriers, AZ Criminal Set Aside, Alternatives to Imprisonment, Pre-release and Re-entry initiatives FSCS will be able to fulfill our promise to engage community services through collaborations to provide the services to a broader audience.
We will continue to be innovative to protect our partners, supporters and clients.
In Closing
FSCS remains a safe and sound institution. We are the only center in Arizona operating solely for the purpose of reentry. We continue to be groundbreaking and look for opportunities to create and deliver value to our partners, community and clients.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community, alliances and partners for their continued dedication, wise counsel and support of FSCS. It was very much appreciated. I would also like to give a special thanks to our interns and volunteers for their hard work and efforts during another very challenging year. Their exceptional abilities, commitment and energy make everything happen at FSCS. I am proud of the FSCS Team and our accomplishments.
Thank you for your continued support and investment in FSCS.
Bruce Relf
CEO/ Founder
Announcements, Featured, In the News
