Fresh Start
Fresh Start provides education, employment skills and career direction for young adults by involving them in the construction of a new house. When completed, the house is sold to an income-eligible family in the community.
During the course of the program, the young adults gain valuable skills, perform community service, and prepare for post-secondary education and/or careers. The most important goals of the project are to build self-esteem and help young adults become self-sufficient.
About the Program
The Participants
The young adults who participate in the Fresh Start program are between the ages of 18 and 25 and may face a variety of barriers to self-sufficiency. Many have dropped out of high school or are struggling to complete their education. As the program name suggests, they are looking for a fresh start.
The Program
Participants work together for 28.5 hours each week (Monday–Thursday) and, over the course of one year, are involved in every phase of new home construction. In addition to this hands-on learning experience, part of each day is dedicated to education. Participants complete classes leading to a high school diploma, GED, or HSED. Fresh Start also provides the resources and support needed to stay on the path to success, including leadership development, substance abuse education, motivation, health and nutrition training, independent living skills, career planning, and job search assistance. Members receive a daily living allowance during their term.
The Outcome
These young adults, their families, and the entire community benefit from the program. Upon successful completion of a 900-hour AmeriCorps term, each participant receives a Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate from the Home Builders Institute (HBI) and an AmeriCorps education award. The goal is for every young adult to be fully employed or enrolled in post-secondary education upon leaving the program.