Fresh Start Ventures purpose is to empower others to create
a new start after incarceration.
ABOUT US
Fresh Start focuses on enabling individuals to create a successful life emotionally, spiritually, socially, physically, and financially through REAL Transition. Each year we provide hope, training, and support to previously incarcerated men and women allowing them to redirect their lives and become contributing members of our community and their families. Fresh Start works with government entities and correctional facilities to train and bring healthy connections to men and women. Men and women are welcomed into our ecumenical organization that believes in the power of love to change lives. We offer a program that helps individuals by developing and setting goals in the five areas mentioned above. In addition, Fresh Start assists with housing, home ownership, education, employment, and entrepreneurial incubation.
WHY DO WE NEED FRESH START?
In addition to converting individuals from being a financial drain on taxpayers, to being taxpayers themselves, many of the men and women incarcerated are parents. These are Mothers and Fathers of children who have the ability to make changes that will affect future generations. When the cycles of generational drug abuse, poverty, and criminal behavior are stopped, men and women will have the resources, education, and energy to nurture growth and success for their own children. We believe that by investing in this population and directing our time and resources to uplifting, educating, and embracing; we will reduce the recidivism rates and change lives and families for good.
Recidivism among offenders is extremely high: Currently nearly 70% of offenders in the State of Utah return to incarceration after their release.
“The math on these sorts of initiatives is simple,” says Adam Gelb, a public-safety specialist at the Pew Center on the States: A day in prison costs $79 on average; a day on probation costs $3.42. “States can substantially beef up supervision in the community and do it at a fraction of the cost of a prison cell,” he says. (Wall Street Journal March 20, 2010).
Board of Directors
David Donaldson
Executive Director and Founder
While volunteering in the Utah County Jail as LDS clergy, Dave was inspired to find a solution for those who were leaving the jail system with no resources or support on the outside. He often drives around with sleeping bags in his truck to give to those who are without shelter. Dave's mission is to help those who are broken find hope. Dave's says that everything he has experienced in life has led him to this purpose. His background is in real estate development and construction. He sat on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity where he led many fundraisers and wrote their original mortgage documents. He is an accomplished teacher and public speaker. His resume includes over three decades as an entrepreneur, Seminary and Institute teacher in the LDS Church Education System, Contractor, Realtor, and a Qualified Intermediary.
Linda Donaldson
Director of Women’s and Children’s Outreach and Co-Founder
Linda has a passion for helping women and children. Her goal is to see that women can strengthen themselves so that their future and their children’s future is one filled with hope. She herself was at one time a single mom and knows the struggles of addiction. She is currently a mentor to several women and works with the women at the Utah County Jail and Timpanogas Facility in Draper. She has a degree in Child Development as well as Environmental Health and Safety and is currently obtaining her Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certification. In addition Linda is a Fatherhood Educator for Utah State University. This role has her working with correctional staff, AP&P throughout the state of Utah; as well as teaching inmates the importance of Fatherhood at various correctional institutions.
Lee Johnson Ph.D.
Board Member
Lee is a professor at Bringham Young University and a Therapist. His research focus is on examining the relationship between physical exercise, and improved sleep, and reduced stress on marital and family outcomes; emotional regulation process in clinical couples and families; and the therapy alliance. Lee is a father and husband. Lee works with helping students become therapist. Lee also works with research and clients on the effects of trauma and healing.
Susan B. Larsen
Board Member
A 30-year banking professional and graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington in 2005. Susan has been a producer and manager in both local and regional retail and commercial banking. Susan has served on numerous advisory boards and committees for non-profits in Utah, including: Seekhaven Family Crisis Center in Moab Utah, that provides emergency services, legal counseling, personal & family counseling, housing and support services to victims of domestic violence in the Grand and San Juan Counties. People Helping People in Salt Lake & Provo Utah, whose mission is dedicated to reducing the number of children living in poverty by teaching low-income women, primarily single mothers, how to earn an adequate income through stable employment that pays a living wage Utah Valley University Department of Community & Continuing Education in Orem Utah, to reach out to the community to assist in additional learning and certification courses to expand knowledge and employment opportunities.
Project Read in Provo Utah, seeks to prevent and alleviate adult illiteracy in Utah County by providing resources and one-on-one tutoring to help individuals improve their literacy skills. Utah Bankers Association in Salt Lake City UT is the professional and trade association for Utah’s commercial banks, savings banks, and industrial loan corporations. It serves and advocates the interests of its members. Each year members serve on UBA boards, committees, and take part in combating fiscal illiteracy by education Utah’s consumers.
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER
Chris Raliegh
LDS Corrections Advisory Board Member
Chris has a passion for fostering meaningful connections to bring about healthy changes for both himself and others. This pursuit has spanned over three decades eventually leading Chris to "Fresh Start, A Haven for Hope and Healing." With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a Master’s Degree in Educational Development, Chris has spent 25 years in the classroom teaching the principles that surround and nurture connection. He has spread this message of hope to large audiences around the country as well as within Utah's Jails and Prisons. Chris is the father of six children and grandfather to four grandchildren.
Dan Workman
Addiction Recovery Advisory Board Member
Dan Workman was born in Utah to a devout Mormon Family. After spending two years in Puebla, Mexico serving and honorable Mormon Mission, he suffered a crisis of faith and subsequent downward spiral into the world of parties and drugs. He tells his full story of rebellion, ruin and redemption in his book "Black Tar Mormon" to show that addiction does not discriminate......but neither does hope. Dan now devotes his time to inviting others to recovery. He is the founder of "Quitters Prosper" and "Keep Hoping People." He also works as a board member with 10,000 Beds and as an Interventionist with Haven Health.
Team Members
William Sant
Head of Media
Will graduated from BYU in 2020 with a degree in Economics. He currently runs his own Marketing Consulting business. Will began volunteering with Fresh Start at their builds, but wanted to do more. Will helps with the website, marketing materials, content writing, and social media.