Founded in 1997 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Fresh Start of Indiana, Inc. offers transitional support services to domestic violence survivors who have made the brave decision to leave their abusive relationships. The Fresh Start mission is to: "assist domestic violence survivors and their children as they break free in their quest towards a non-violent, productive and self-sufficient life."

The organization's founder, Judith M. House, is a survivor of domestic violence. Her experience has been invaluable in helping other domestic violence survivors and their families escape the cycle of abuse and rebuild their lives emotionally, financially and safely.

When domestic violence victims leave their abusers, they usually do not have a reliable, trusted support system. Often they do not have close friends or family in the community, or have returned to their abuser so many times that they have alienated themselves from the very people they can turn to for support. In fact, a typical victim will try to leave her abuser 8-13 times before leaving for good (Still on Shaky Ground, Central Indiana Women's Fund, 2004).

Although effective domestic violence shelters exist in our community, pride and stigma keep many women from accessing these services. For these domestic violence survivors, Fresh Start serves as a resource and a lifeline in helping them find alternatives to living in abusive relationships. For many survivors of domestic violence, starting "from scratch" is difficult and costly. Fresh Start provides the long-term support and resources necessary to help them become self-sufficient, empowered and safe. Our long-term, non-residential transitional support services provide women (and even men!) with opportunities as well as the structure to build a new life, reducing the risk of returning to their abuser.

The clients served by Fresh Start are domestic violence survivors and their children residing in central Indiana who are in transition toward a new life. In 2008, Fresh Start assisted 82 women, 2 men, and their 211 children. Of these, 79% were African American, 19% were Caucasian, and 2% were Hispanic. Approximately 85% of the clients served are considered low-income when they enter our programs. A majority of the clients served are between the ages of 20 and 67, and have an average of three children.

As a primary referral source in Indiana communities for victims who are transitioning out of shelters or who are opting to move directly from their abusive situation into transitional or permanent housing, the demand for Fresh Start is growing each day.