My name is Michael Hardenbrook and I represent Fresh Start Café and Recovery. Fresh Start Café is currently being developed as a nonprofit organization that will serve as the primary source of income for a three-quarter transitional living facility, Fresh Start Recovery.
In recent years, the prison system has become increasingly overcrowded by approximately 18% with nearly 86% of individuals in the Iowa Department of Corrections incarcerated for crimes in some way related to Substance Use Disorder.
1 out of 3 people in residential drug treatment centers across Iowa will not find transitional living due to lack of 3/4 houses. Our mission is to help reduce recidivism and lower nonviolent crime associated with drug and alcohol use by providing individuals with structured, supportive living environments that set them up for long-term success.
At Fresh Start, we firmly believe that people can change and that recovery is possible. We embrace the idea that “the opposite of addiction is NOT sobriety, but the opposite of addiction is connection”. Through our café, we aim to create a space and connect people from all walks of life and come together, because something as simple as coffee has the power to connect souls across the world.
We are currently in the early stages of building this organization and are seeking support to help cover startup costs. If this mission speaks to you, we would be deeply grateful for your donation and support in bringing this vision to life.
