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From “survive” to “thrive”

Sustained success through economic self-sufficiency.

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The urgent need to for education & career pathways

For many of the women we serve, holding down one minimum-wage job—or even several—is not the solution to getting out of poverty. Living paycheck-to-paycheck not only causes chronic stress that impacts brain function, it also keeps women from pursing future-oriented workforce training opportunities with career laddering opportunities.

Maricopa County’s Self-Sufficiency Standard Wage

Listed below per household demographic is the amount of income necessary to meet basic needs without relying on public subsidies or private assistance. And since 86% of Fresh Start women are mothers, we know that minimum wage jobs are unsustainable for supporting children or escaping poverty.

$15.57/hour

SINGLE ADULT WITH NO CHILDREN

$24.39/hour

ADULT + SCHOOL-AGE CHILD

$27.11/hour

ADULT + INFANT

$31.72/hour

ADULT + INFANT + SCHOOL-AGE CHILD

$14.35/hour

CURRENT MINIMUM WAGE IN ARIZONA

Source: Center for Women’s Welfare, University of Washington. Prepared for Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona. (2024)

Unlimited career opportunities for Arizona’s women

Access to education & career opportunities are imperative to empowering women and ensuring sustained self-sufficiency.

Our emphasis on economic advancement allows Fresh Start women to set and achieve their individual career goals, helping them better financially support themselves and their families.

Learn about our Impact Program

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Empowering Arizona’s women, enhancing Arizona’s economy

Our holistic approach readies women to pursue sustainable career pathways in today’s
top industries.

Career-focused programs at Fresh Start help women achieve their goals,
cultivating long-term outcomes that allows them to support themselves and their families. Of survey respondents over the last three years:

saw an income increase after utilizing Fresh Start career services

found fresh start moderately to extremely useful towards helping increase income

found fresh start moderately to extremely useful in helping to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency

would recommend fresh start career services to other women

Client success stories

Read more about the impact our work has in the lives of the women we serve and our broader community.

View All Client Success Stories

Carolyn

Carolyn* yearned for a consistent career but suffered from burn out and continually relied on her parents and boyfriend for financial support. In 2019, her sister enrolled in Fresh Start’s Techie Lab and Carolyn was inspired to advance her career in finance with Fresh Start’s Women in Finance and Security Industry Essentials programs.

Imelda

Imelda* never thought spotting a billboard could change her life. But when she saw a Fresh Start billboard, she jumped at the opportunity to improve her life and learn a new trade through the Cable Harness Wiring program.

Christina

In 1999, Christina* came to Fresh Start for a new office wardrobe and haircut. Years later she turned to Fresh Start for family law support while adopting her sister’s sons. Then in 2024, as the official caretaker of her sister’s seven children, Christina again found the support she needed within Fresh Start’s doors.

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