Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or
uncontrollable, drug-seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Mortality
data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a rapidly
worsening drug addiction and overdose crisis throughout the United States. In
2020, there was an increase in substance abuse deaths across the state, with
fentanyl being the primary driver. I
Much of the clinical research on youth gangs has recognized that there are
cumulative risk factors that predispose youth to violence and gang involvement
including lack of attachment to mental & behavioral health, economic and social
deprivation, low neighborhood attachment, community norms favorable to
violence, family mismanagement, lack of attachment to school, academic failure
and poor-pro social peer involvement, and mass media.
The ‘New Way” 12-week program helps individuals to manage activities of daily
living that many of us take for granted, but can seem insurmountable for those
facing SUD recovery, gang affiliation and release from incarceration. As youth
grow and develop, their susceptibility to emotional damage is high. If learning and
development is impaired by outside forces, it creates a deficit of life skills which
become harder to correct as time goes on.
Our practical approach to assist participants in locating and sustaining housing,
complete vocational readiness training, manage a household budget, access
FRESH START WELLNESS CENTER
16 Austin Street Worcester, Ma, 01602
(508) 796-5528
Freshstart508.org
transportation, and maintain a job gives them a platform from which to build a
stable and productive life.
Participants gain a chance to learn or re-learn the life skills necessary to lead them
to success in home life, social interactions, relationships, education opportunities,
employment, and more. These practical life skills are important, building blocks to
form responsible citizens who will become active members of society and give
back to their communities.
Life skills taught through this program include:
Independent living skills, which include money, home, and food
management.
Education and vocation readiness skills such as resume help, job seeking,
career direction, job retention, and vocational training.
Psychological skills that teach participants calming strategies, how to tame
intrusive thoughts, and anger management.
Communication and social skills such as positive assertiveness, how to
communicate effectively, problem solving/conflict management, social
media etiquette, and relationship management.
Media Literacy Workshops
Technology Literacy Workshops
Financial Literacy
Community Service & Law Enforcement Relations:
Supplemental Mental Health Support.
These practical life skills are important, building blocks to form responsible
citizens who will become active members of society and give back to their
communities. Our program has several key components, and a multitude of
partners that will collaborate with us to deliver services.
Data shows, this method of treatment has proven effective in engaging those
involved with Substance disorder and the Criminal Justice System that are
typically resistant to other methods. Fresh Start’s personalized self-help approach
focuses on empowering positive life choices to replace self-defeating habits. This
approach is one reason for the reach and success of Fresh Start.