The day has come when the revolving door in the local jails and rehabilitation centers must be shut. It is not enough to simply educate an addict of his or her addictions, but to teach them how to get free and stay free.

We believe that the answer lies in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ where old things are passed away and all things become new. We seek to prepare students to not only walk through challenges but also to grow through them.

Fresh Start Ministry, a ministry birthed out of River of Life Church, is located in Winnsboro, Louisiana. Our 48-room facility has a maximum capacity of 82 men. In our seven-month recovery program, male residents learn to deal with the roots of their addictions from a Christian perspective. Fresh Start opened its men’s facility in December 2006. It quickly became one of the largest facilities of its kind in all of Louisiana. The program has been able to serve thousands of men throughout the entire United States. Fresh Start has been able to maintain an over 70% success rate for graduates during this time, and has seen hundreds of men get free and stay free from a lifestyle of sin.

Since 2012, we have successfully been operating Fresh Start Women’s Center. We have 6 full-time employees who are fully trained and committed to ministering to the needs of our Fresh Start women. We have several churches and local businesses in our community that have come together to pray, offer financial support, teach chapel and classes, and help the women find jobs in our community. We have seen great things happen here at Fresh Start and know that God will continue to bless this ministry in mighty ways. Thanks to all who have supported our ministry. If you would like to help sponsor or become part of our ministry in any way, please contact us.

Our Program

1st Phase (30 Days)

This phase consists of 30 days of in-house training with group and individual counseling as the main focus. Individuals establish and improve their relationship with God through private reflection and prayer, daily devotions, chapel services, pastoral counseling, and social activities.

2nd Phase (90 Days)

The 2nd phase of the program is 90 days of work therapy where students will work for one of Fresh Start’s businesses which include a thrift store, a lawn care service, a firewood service, a car detail service, and a janitorial service. In this phase of the program, students will continue to develop their relationship with God through group counseling, chapel services, social activities, anger management, and life skills.

3rd Phase (90 Days)

In the 3rd phase of the program, we will help students find a job with a local employer. Students will be able to deposit money into their individual account set up and monitored by Fresh Start. In this phase, a GED class will be offered to those students who did not graduate high-school. Upon completion of the 7-month program, students will receive a Fresh Start Certificate and the money saved will be released to the student to assist with such things as rent, deposits, utilities, etc.

Intern Phase (6 months optional)

If students are interested in staying in the program, Fresh Start offers a 6-month intern phase. In this phase, students will have an opportunity to lead others to freedom from drug and alcohol abuse through mentoring, sharing testimonies, and even leading group sessions. Students who have paying jobs will continue to work while staying at the center.