EMPOWERING POSITIVE LIFE CHOICES TO REPLACE SELF-DEFEATING HABITS
During a single year, an estimated 2.1 million youth under the age of 18 are arrested in the United States 1. Across studies with a 12-month follow-up period, the average rate of rearrest for a delinquent or criminal offense was 55 percent, the average re-conviction or re-adjudication rate was 33 percent, and the average re-incarceration or re-confinement rate was 24 percent 2.
Fresh Start is here to face this problem head on by addressing it’s root causes and spear-heading community based solutions. We believe these systemic problems can be eliminated by:
Fostering healthy relationships with Law Enforcement
Preventing Substance Abuse
Mind, Body, and Spirit Education
Independent Living Skills
Positive Example Peer Mentoring
The Fresh Start staff is composed of driven professionals from diverse backgrounds, prepared to support individuals at all stages of wellness & recovery. We deeply believe that the true root cause of youth gang violence and substance abuse are mental health disorders caused by past trauma. With that in mind, we only use evidence based techniques that are most effective in addressing the individual root causes of each participant.
In Derrick’s experience, this method of treatment has proven effective in engaging those involved with 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. We encourage you to read more about Youth’s Involved with the Juvenile Justice System at Youth.gov.
“Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses. Focus on your character, not your reputations. Focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.”
DERRICK KISER
Executive Director
In 2018, Derrick Kiser established Fresh Start as a solution to the problems he directly experienced when he co-founded the first gang in Worcester, MA. the second largest city in New England. After exiting incarceration in 1996 and choosing a different path for his life, Derrick has become an activist, organizer, and community leader, working with high-risk individuals in the educational system, foster care/DYS, in community-based or in-home therapy, and within the prison system. Derrick has earned a BA in communications, a Master’s in Education, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and certifications in mindfulness, trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy, and National Gang Crime as well. Derrick has also helped and spoken to thousands of children in school and community settings, promoting mental health awareness, SUD risks, and gang prevention/ intervention, and connected them with services when needed. His strong working relationships with the Worcester Public School, Police, Probation, Sheriff, Department Of Correction, District Attorney’s office and community partners have provided a strong foundation for real change.
OUR TEAM
SEE OUR WORK
School Outreach
Establishing Careers
Bringing Joy