Who We Are

Our Mission

FreshSTART is dedicated to providing a welcoming and non-judgmental space where individuals from all walks of life can find solace, support, and the transformative power of faith. Our mission is to help individuals overcome addiction and emotional pain by offering a community that embraces diversity and provides education, support, and hope.

Our Vision

We aspire to create a world where the transformative power of Jesus Christ brings healing to society's most broken individuals. Our vision is a stigma-free world, devoid of labels and judgments, where those facing life's toughest challenges find hope, peace, and harmony. We envision a diverse recovery community marked by love, support, and fellowship, providing education and support for individuals and families to embark on their journey to recovery.

A letter from our Director

What an amazing year 2024 has been for FreshSTART Columbia! Since our inception, we have had the honor of serving approximately 1,200 clients, witnessing God’s transformative power in their lives. Every day, we are reminded of this truth about our God:

God is faithful, and His transformative power is at work in our ministry!

Through challenges and growth, God continues to equip us to make an even greater impact. Take a moment with me to celebrate all that He has accomplished through FreshSTART this year:

  • Our bed capacity has MORE than quadrupled since 2021, allowing us to serve more individuals than ever before!

  • We have welcomed two key team members: an Intake Coordinator and a Clinical Services Coordinator, both essential to supporting our mission.

  • We now provide clinical services directly on-site and through our partnership with Delta Recovery, ensuring holistic care for our participants.

  • Each year, our clients participate in over 5,200 hours of intensive outpatient programming, 6,240 hours of spiritual support, and 6,240 hours of 12-step programming, offering comprehensive care for the mind, body, and spirit.

  • This year alone, we provided over 46,000 back-and-forth trips to work, covering more than 460,000 miles traveled, ensuring transportation is never a barrier to success.

  • Our clients benefited from over 27,600 hours of instruction, education, and therapeutic services annually, equipping them with tools for a successful life.

  • Peer support staff are present in every house, creating a community of understanding, accountability, and encouragement.

  • Since our inception, we have celebrated hundreds of graduates as they’ve completed their journey toward recovery and restoration.

  • Families are being made whole again—dozens of families have been reunited this year alone!

  • Our graduates are thriving, with a 62% success rate of maintaining more than a year clean!

Beyond these milestones, FreshSTART is a place of hope, restoration, and new beginnings. It is a space where lives are changed, families are healed, and futures are rebuilt on the firm foundation of Christ.

Did you know?

It costs taxpayers approximately $2,773 per month to incarcerate an individual, compared to the transformative investment of supporting someone in the FreshSTART program. For just eight months in our program, a client can access life-saving resources, gain employment, and begin rebuilding their life—saving taxpayers over $22,184 in incarceration costs. Meanwhile, a gainfully employed individual earns an average of $3,321 per month, positively contributing to society and the economy.

By choosing FreshSTART, you’re not just transforming lives—you’re reducing financial burdens on the community and helping build a stronger future. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our staff, volunteers, and donors. You are the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing light into the darkest places. As we look toward the future, I am confident that God will continue to use FreshSTART in powerful ways to build His Kingdom.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Together, we are transforming lives and giving glory to God!

With gratitude and blessings,

Reverend Dedra Campbell

Executive Director, FreshSTART Columbia