About Us

Organizational Values

Fresh Start for Women believes the following core values influence everything we do:

• Family – A safe, happy and healthy family is a positive influence in the community
• Accountability – We encourage accepting responsibility for decisions made both personally and professionally
• Integrity – We observe the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible management of resources entrusted to us
• Truth – We share God’s word and the power it holds to strengthen families and relationships
• Faith – We cultivate an environment in which women have the opportunity to rediscover and reach their dreams and aspirations as they reconnect with a higher spiritual being thereby strengthening families and communities
• Service – We passionately serve our clients with respect, love and understanding thereby promoting trust on their journey to healing and restoration

Our Philosophy and Beliefs

• We believe that every moment in our lives prepares us for a greater mission. That by understanding the events that shaped us helps us to be more confident and self-assured.
• We believe that by sharing of ourselves regardless of the differences in race, religion, and social-economic background we can all celebrate the uniqueness that is WOMAN.
• We believe that every woman deserves to tap into their inner spirit in order to accomplish their hopes and dreams.

Board of Directors, Staff & Volunteers

Board of Directors

Mrs. Janice  G. Pettigrew, Founder/Executive Director

Janice Pettigrew has been encouraging and inspiring victims of domestic violence since 2004 with her unique ability to connect with the vulnerable through the sharing of her own experiences. As a result of her desire to reach as many women as possible with the good news of restoration Janice Pettigrew self-published her audio book, “Journey to a Fresh Start, Releasing the Junk…Revealing the Jewels” in 2009. It is through this book she chronicles her journey to healing and offers helpful tips to those still making the transition from victim to victor.

 As Executive Director, Janice Pettigrew ensures that all programs meet the needs of the women and teens Fresh Start for Women serves. Janice has had the opportunity to speak to various groups and organizations including the Boys and Girls Club After School Program, Carver High School’s Ladies Of Distinction, Brown Chapel Women’s Conference in Camilla, GA as well as Magnolia House in Waycross, GA and is available to speak to groups large or small. She and her team of volunteers will gladly bring the Fresh Start for Women program to you!

Ms. Donna R. Shaw - President

Franchise Mart-Vinings, Owner

Business owner Donna R. Shaw is a founding board member of Fresh Start for Women. Donna has participated in and facilitated numerous sessions of the Fresh Start for Women program. Donna brings 20+ years of experience in the corporate and non-profit sectors as well as her entrepreneurial pizzazz to the Fresh Start for Women Executive Board.  It is because of Ms. Shaw’s passion for girls that a program for teen girls aimed at encouraging positive self-esteem and averting the pitfalls of domestic violence (teen violence) was created in 2006.

 Besides her work with Fresh Start for Women Donna has a passion for community service. This service includes the following:

• Junior Achievement – Metro Atlanta
• Junior League  - Cobb Marietta Chapter
  
• Cobb Chamber of Commerce
• Vinings Business Association
• Girl Scouts of America – Lifetime member, Troop Leader, Cookie Chairperson
• Keller Graduate School - Student Ambassador
• Verizon Community Affairs Liaison
• National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Metropolitan Atlanta – Executive Board Member
• AFFIRM Investment Club – Secretary, V. President
• Homeowners Association – Vice President; President

Mrs. Cathy Arrington, MACC, Secretary/Treasurer

Cognitive Behavioral Health

Cathy Arrington, MACC brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the FSFW Board of Directors. Her insights and personal experience are tapped into on a regular basis in order to continue to encourage and inspire the women that go through any of the FSFW programs. Cathy Arrington’s foundation is in the Cognitive Behavioral Treatment model.  Cathy counsels in the areas of Domestic Violence, Marriage and Family, Depression, Disabilities (birth, medical, and trauma related), Career and Workplace, Stress and Anxiety, Self-Esteem. All are useful to the women going through the FSFGW programs.

 Cathy’s experience in the banking industry for more than 10 years provides a great fit for her role as secretary/treasurer of the Board of Directors.

Advisory Board

Minister Oscar Pettigrew, Jr.,

Co-Founder

Ms. Kathryn Jones

Founder Destiny Family Services

Mr. Kevin Linder

Attorney

Ms. Darlene Sheardon

Nu Revelations Inc.

Leroy Stanley, Jr.

Founder - The 360 BAE

Principal Staff & Volunteers

Mrs. Janice G. Pettigrew - Executive Director/Administrative Manager

Minister Oscar Pettigrew, Jr. - Counseling & Ministry Services

Ms. Bettye Ferguson - Volunteer

Ms. Octavia Taylor - Volunteer

Ms. Regina Farmer - Volunteer