About Fresh Hope
Fresh Hope was founded in July 1999 by John and Karen Bartlett who live and work fulltime at ‘Fresh Hope’ on an unpaid volunteer basis. ‘Fresh Hope’ is the first rehabilitation center in Queensland to establish a program where substance dependant mothers can keep their children with them throughout their detoxification program. This unique rehabilitation program recognises that the added strain placed on mothers separated from their children while undergoing rehabilitation is a major barrier to a successful lifelong recovery. The ‘Fresh Hope’ model has proven to be successful and effective with 80% of graduates living independent, productive and drug free lives.
Some of our mothers who have successfully participated in the Fresh Hope program had experienced long-term drug addiction. Mothers have entered into the program with:
- 8 years Heroin and Amphetamines addiction (Successfully completed program)
- 10 years Heroin and Amphetamines addiction (Successfully completed program)
- 4 years Heroin addiction (Successfully completed program)
- 17 years Amphetamine and alcohol abuse, as well as production and selling of the drug (Successfully completed the program)
'Fresh Hope’ works to:
- Offer hope to a generation of mothers and children suffering drug and alcohol abuse by providing a family style rehabilitation home
- Empower mothers to develop a drug free, healthy lifestyle
- Break the generational cycle of addiction and abuse by keeping children with their mothers
- Prevent the emotional trauma of separation between mother and child
Fresh Hope believes that separating mothers from their children for drug/alcohol rehabilitation is detrimental to both the mothers and their children’s success. Fresh Hope is a residential rehabilitation center operating like a family. When the mothers and children enter Fresh Hope, they are linked into the Fresh Hope family. Like any other family the members of the Fresh Hope family learn to balance chores, children, work and play.
The Fresh Hope Vision
Vision:
To offer Fresh Hope in a loving and caring family environment to mothers, suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and their children, who have lost hope.
Mission statement:
To provide education and suitable programs for mothers suffering drug and alcohol abuse and to provide them and their children the opportunity to find their destiny in life and achieve their goals in a healthy and drug free environment, thus breaking the generational cycle of addiction and abuse for future generations.
Objectives:
- To assist mothers in leading an addiction free life
- To form and maintain the bond between mother and child during rehabilitation, establishing effective parental involvement within family models
- To assist each mother to develop a work ethic and enhance their life skills, enabling them to become effective community members
- To assist mothers and children to develop healthy, wholesome friendships with peers, developing skills for future healthy relationships
- To establish residential homes throughout the state using the present successful model of ‘Fresh Hope’
- To train and equip people with suitable skills to staff future residential homes
- To raise awareness of ‘Fresh Hope’ in the community ensuring the continuance of the services provided by ‘Fresh Hope’
The Fresh Hope Team
John and Karen Bartlett, as the founders and co-directors of ‘Fresh Hope’, live and work full time at ‘Fresh Hope’ as House Parents.
Karen Bartlett works with the mothers and their children as they progress through their rehabilitation, teaching them the life skills required to establish an addictive free lifestyle, bonding with their children, building a work ethic and developing healthy friendships in preparation for a successful return to the community as a respected citizen.
Karen has a Masters in Counselling and a Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling.
John Bartlett works as the office administrator and serves as the father figure in the house. All mothers and children who enter the ‘Fresh Hope’ program have been abused by men, at some stage. This makes John’s role imperative in providing a positive male role model in their lives.
John has a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, which includes training in counselling. He is also a qualified Justice of the Peace and Civil Marriage Celebrant. John’s experience has been in specialized youth work.
Lee Collins is in training to take over the next Fresh Hope house. Lee holds a Certificate III in Community Services and is currently completing her Diploma in COunselling. Lee is also a fulltime, unpaid staff member at Fresh Hope.
Our volunteers provide services in the areas of craft, transporting children to school and childcare, cooking and kitchen duties, outdoor activities, general support, grandparent roles to the children, and ex graduates (mothers who have already completed the ‘Fresh Hope’ program) who offer peer support and encouragement for current residents.
Volunteer Training: On commencement at ‘Fresh Hope’ volunteers are made aware of the policies and procedures of ‘Fresh Hope’ and receive in-house training throughout their volunteer period. Volunteers with specialized knowledge have received their training through University or Colleges before becoming part of the ‘Fresh Hope’ family. Training is conducted in a professional manner in preparation for the day when finances will permit the employment of paid staff as the organization expands.
The thirteen member committee, from diverse occupations within the community, meets monthly to support and attend to the practical needs of the organization.
