Fresh Start Addiction Treatment Program

Carmen’s journey with Fresh Start Recovery embodies the transformative power of resilience, hope, and communal support in recovery. While battling her own struggles with addiction, Carmen showcased a commitment to her family by helping her brother take the first steps to treatment at Fresh Start Recovery. Inspired by his remarkable progress and success in recovery, Carmen resolved to reclaim her life by following his path to the recovery community and then to Fresh Start Recovery’s co-ed facility in Lethbridge.

Carmen's commitment to her recovery and those around her was not just a personal journey but a testament to the importance of communal support. After completing the first phase of treatment, she transitioned to our post-treatment housing, rejoining her brother, father, and nephew, strengthening their family bonds and supporting each other's recovery. Carmen solidified her recovery commitment further when she took on the role of a sponsor and mentor in the recovery community and continues to be deeply involved in the Fresh Start alumni, becoming the first female president of the Fresh Start Alumni Association. Her journey of recovery, personal empowerment, and desire to give back pushed her to return to school and obtain a certificate in addiction counselling. She now works at the front desk as a Client Support Worker; Carmen is an admirable ambassador for the recovery community and Fresh Start Recovery. Carmen's story is an inspiration to all who contribute to and believe in the mission of Fresh Start Recovery.

Since our last report, we have achieved the following:  

• 206 people actively participated in the intensive 90-day Phase 1 recovery program at Fresh Starts 3 sites in Calgary and Lethbridge.   
• 147 people participated in Phase 2 of our program. Phase 2 is a 100-day transitional phase that builds on the work done in the initial 90-day program. 
• 97 people participated in Phase 3, which includes living in transitional housing units or returning to community with continued access to Outreach support and involvement with Fresh Start Alumni.
• 56 people participated in Phase 4, living in Fresh Start’s post-treatment housing.
• Note that the Phase 2, 3 and 4 numbers include clients living in community, in the main Fresh Start treatment facilities or in our post-treatment housing.
• 23 people participated in our Friends and Family – Coming Together Series (formerly called the Family Healing Program) that helps people who have someone in their life who is affected by addiction. The program helps people deal with the effects of their loved one’s addiction on themand learn how to live in recovery also. 

Since our last report in November, 2023 we have achieved 2 significant milestones. Our newest 50-bed treatment facility in Lethbridge (“Site 3”) achieved full occupancy and its first group celebrated the completion of their treatment program at Site 3's inaugural Gratitude Ceremony.

We also welcomed the first occupants of our new 36-unit post-treatment housing apartment building. This building will be home to up to 66 people, providing affordable, secure housing along with support from Fresh Start Peer Support Workers. This long-term support will make an enormous difference to individuals and families on their Recovery journey.

Since our last report, we have achieved the following:  

• 202 people actively participated in the intensive 90-day Phase 1 recovery program at Fresh Starts 3 sites in Calgary and Lethbridge.   
• 105 people participated in Phase 2 of our program. Phase 2 is a 100-day transitional phase that builds on the work done in the initial 90-day program. 
• 71 people participated in Phase 3 which includes living in transitional housing units or returning to community with continued access to Outreach support and involvement with Fresh Start Alumni.
• 39 people participated in Phase 4, living in Fresh Start’s post-treatment housing.
• Note that the Phase 2, 3 and 4 numbers include clients living in community, in the main Fresh Start treatment facilities or in our post-treatment housing.
• 24 people participated in our Family Healing Program that helps people who have someone in their life who is affected by addiction. The program helps people deal with the effects of their loved one’s addiction on themand learn how to live in recovery also. 

• The first group of Site 3 "Gratitudees" (PDF)