Helping men and their families
recover from addiction.
If you’re struggling with addiction, you’re in the right place.
We know it may not feel like it right now, but trust us—change can start right here. Since 1992, Fresh Start has been helping individuals and their family members recover from addiction, find the courage to change and learn to use the tools they need to live happy productive lives in recovery.
You can find out more about our programs and our facility here on our website. When you’re ready to make the decision that can save your life, or the life of a person you care about, contact us.
Fresh Start Recovery Centre is accredited through Accreditation Canada, having been peer-reviewed and found to meet the highest level of consistent quality-of-care and protocol in dealing with those we serve.
There’s no better time to start a new life than right now.
MISSION: “Fresh Start is recovering lives by Housing, Treating and Supporting people affected by addiction”
VISION:“Every Individual - Recovery for Life”
Men looking for treatment
Providing a long-term treatment solution uncovering hope and healing through a 12 -16 week intensive program.
“We are excited to announce and extend an invite to you and yours for our 6th Annual Panel Discussion, “25 years, One Life at a Time..... Just the Tip of the Iceberg”. Happening Monday, April 30th, 2018 starting at 5:30 pm we will provide a light meal and refreshments with Panel Discussion to follow starting at 7:00 pm. The evening’s theme is in recognition and celebration of Fresh Start Recovery Centres’ Silver (25th) Anniversary. This year’s panel features people who have found courage through adversity, exude hope and humour, and practice grace under fire. Please help us extend a warm welcome to Calgary’s Police Chief Roger Chaffin, Karen Gosbee, Tom Jackson and Jebb Fink.
Celebrating our silver anniversary, the evening is sponsored by Fleetwood Jewellery Inc. We will be raffling 5 semi precious stones, each set and strung on a sterling silver necklace from their jewellery collection. All proceeds will go to help more men and families get the help they need. These necklaces are valued between $350 and $750. Each necklace comes with a Certificate of Appraisal. Raffle Tickets are $20 each please email pat@freshstartrecovery.ca or call 403-387-6266 ext 525 to get your tickets. Tickets will have 'limited availability' and we will have tickets to purchase before the panel if they are still available. The draw will be made at our Annual Panel Discussion following the speakers. We will notify winners if they are not in attendance. We are so grateful to Fleetwood Jewellery Inc. and you, for your support through the years.
Last but not least please RSVP to kate@freshstartrecovery.ca and you will be sent parking instructions for the evenings event. We look forward to seeing you.”
I am an alcoholic. I drank alcoholically all the time. That is an excellent name for my condition. It helps to know the name of the problem, but it does not fix it. I have to have a spiritual awakening to fix it, and I can achieve that by doing the steps. The steps have one promise and one promise only. The result of these steps is a spiritual awakening. That will fix the alcoholic problem.
I suffer from Narcissistic Injuries all the time. That is an excellent name for my sensitive nature. Narcissistic Injury – a psychological term - taking personally utterly indifferent and objective events. I do that when my sense of self is fragile and when I depend on life going my way all the time. It helps to have a name, but that does not fix it. I have to do something to fix it.
Having a name for something, especially a problem is beautiful. It just helps. It can steer to the correct treatment or solution. Or at least away from the wrong remedies or solutions.
But it does not fix the problem, fixing requires action.
I am an alcoholic. I drank alcoholically all the time. That is an excellent name for my condition. It helps to know the name of the problem, but it does not fix it. I have to have a spiritual awakening to fix it, and I can achieve that by doing the steps. The steps have one promise and one promise only. The result of these steps is a spiritual awakening. That will fix the alcoholic problem.
I suffer from Narcissistic Injuries all the time. That is an excellent name for my sensitive nature. Narcissistic Injury – a psychological term - taking personally utterly indifferent and objective events. I do that when my sense of self is fragile and when I depend on life going my way all the time. It helps to have a name, but that does not fix it. I have to do something to fix it.
Taking the steps fixes alcoholism. What fixes Narcissistic Injury? I have only found one solution to these injuries, and that is service. Service in AA, service in life, service at home, service with my children, service - a specific action that will benefit someone else. And that starts with a thought, thinking about the people around me, looking assiduously for something that would help them, make things easier for them, fill a need of theirs. To be thoughtful about someone other than me. That alone might solve the problem, but no, the action is necessary.
Like the Cub Scout helping the lady across the street, thinking about it will not be enough. I have to stop, go out of my way, offer assistance, listen carefully to make sure the old broad wants to cross the street, then extend my arm and help her with the traffic. Complex, but simple.
Doug M. offers service by cleaning sinks where ever he is. Hotels, coffee shops, locker rooms and his own bathrooms at home all benefit from his attention. Service. Chris helps a wheelchair-bound invalid with visits and errands. Service. David volunteers to open up a meeting. Service.
I buy flowers for my wife. Service, maybe, it could be self-interested thoughtfulness.
I have seen self-centred judgmentalism in myself and many of the fellows I work with over the years. It shows up in my inventories. It is a defect of character that manifests itself most strongly in Narcissistic Injuries. The only solution is service; at least that is the only solution I have found.
I am humbled daily by the courage of others who despite their fears make a choice to live in the solution. This is why I continue to work at Fresh Start Recovery Centre, I have seen people make these changes and am grateful to be a part of this bigger process.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What is your own background with Fresh Start Recovery?
Jennifer Kent-Charpentier: I have been involved with Fresh Start for over 10 years now, I have been a part of the addiction counselling team from the start of my employment.
Jacobsen: How did you find them and become involved with them?
Kent-Charpentier: I was at a social event and someone was asking me about my work experience and unbeknownst to me a gentleman was walking by and stopped when he heard me talking and asked about my work history. He introduced himself as Stacey Petersen and stated he was the Executive Director of Fresh Start Recovery Centre, he suggested I forward him a resume as he was looking for new employees. I had been working in addictions for quite some time and when my husband and I decided to start a family I took several years off to raise our children. I was thinking about working again however I was not convinced I wanted to get back into working in addictions as I had spent many years already in the field. Turns out I had a friend who worked at Fresh Start and I asked her opinion about the validity of sending over my resume. She told me that if Stacey suggested it, it was sincere. Honestly, I hesitantly sent my resume as I knew Fresh Start was a men’s only facility and I had never worked exclusively with men and really didn’t know if I wanted too. Shortly after I submitted my resume Stacey called me for an interview and before I was a block away he offered me a job and the rest is history.
Jacobsen: When you reflect on your own life, what lead you to an interest and life involvement with Fresh Start Recovery?
Kent-Charpentier: It was sheer coincidence, or serendipity, perhaps both. I believe that the universe set me on the path I am on today. Any hesitation I may have had was quickly relieved when I got to witness the work that was happening at Fresh Start. The staff were and still are compassionate, mindful, aware, not hiding behind policies, timelines and agendas. People are treated with kindness and respect not shame and intimidation. We not only work with the person that struggles with substance use, but we work with families and community because we know that everyone deserves healing.
Jacobsen: Regarding your own position as the program director, what tasks and responsibilities, and difficulties and enjoyments, come with the position?
Kent-Charpentier: The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating and providing structure and guidance to the counseling team, assisting counseling team with individualized case management, group therapy & bio-psychosocial assessment services including group & family counseling for residents/participants within the facility. The biggest difficulty is the tragedy of the lives lost to the disease, this never gets easier. However, the joy of seeing someone recover and reconnect with themselves and their families is wonderful.
Jacobsen: What are some ways people can become involved and help out with Fresh Start Recovery?
Kent-Charpentier: There are a lot of ways to become involved and help out. The best thing to do is contact these two staff: Nicole@freshstartrecovery.ca and Wayne@freshstartrecovery.ca. Wayne is the Director of Fund Development and one of Nicole’s responsibilities is volunteer coordinator.
Jacobsen: What are some of the heartwarming stories that you have come across in your time at Fresh Start Recovery? What has been one of the most drastic, positive life turnarounds that you have seen in your time there?
Kent-Charpentier: There are so many wonderful stories involving men and just as many that are about family and friends. Every story starts with one person who feels hopeless and lost but with the help of a recovery community, treatment, education and renewal of their faith, amazing changes occur for everyone. Sometimes the most beautiful changes involve someone learning how to set healthy clear boundaries for themselves and others, and really understanding that they are not alone. This is beautiful to witness in others when they find hope and an inner strength to keep moving forward.
Jacobsen: Any final thoughts or feelings in conclusion?
Kent-Charpentier: I am humbled daily by the courage of others who despite their fears make a choice to live in the solution. This is why I continue to work at Fresh Start Recovery Centre, I have seen people make these changes and am grateful to be a part of this bigger process.
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I am an alcoholic. I drank alcoholically all the time. That is an excellent name for my condition. It helps to know the name of the problem, but it does not fix it. I have to have a spiritual awakening to fix it, and I can achieve that by doing the steps. The steps have one promise and one promise only. The result of these steps is a spiritual awakening. That will fix the alcoholic problem.
I suffer from Narcissistic Injuries all the time. That is an excellent name for my sensitive nature. Narcissistic Injury – a psychological term - taking personally utterly indifferent and objective events. I do that when my sense of self is fragile and when I depend on life going my way all the time. It helps to have a name, but that does not fix it. I have to do something to fix it.
Having a name for something, especially a problem is beautiful. It just helps. It can steer to the correct treatment or solution. Or at least away from the wrong remedies or solutions.
But it does not fix the problem, fixing requires action.
I am an alcoholic. I drank alcoholically all the time. That is an excellent name for my condition. It helps to know the name of the problem, but it does not fix it. I have to have a spiritual awakening to fix it, and I can achieve that by doing the steps. The steps have one promise and one promise only. The result of these steps is a spiritual awakening. That will fix the alcoholic problem.
I suffer from Narcissistic Injuries all the time. That is an excellent name for my sensitive nature. Narcissistic Injury – a psychological term - taking personally utterly indifferent and objective events. I do that when my sense of self is fragile and when I depend on life going my way all the time. It helps to have a name, but that does not fix it. I have to do something to fix it.
Taking the steps fixes alcoholism. What fixes Narcissistic Injury? I have only found one solution to these injuries, and that is service. Service in AA, service in life, service at home, service with my children, service - a specific action that will benefit someone else. And that starts with a thought, thinking about the people around me, looking assiduously for something that would help them, make things easier for them, fill a need of theirs. To be thoughtful about someone other than me. That alone might solve the problem, but no, the action is necessary.
Like the Cub Scout helping the lady across the street, thinking about it will not be enough. I have to stop, go out of my way, offer assistance, listen carefully to make sure the old broad wants to cross the street, then extend my arm and help her with the traffic. Complex, but simple.
Doug M. offers service by cleaning sinks where ever he is. Hotels, coffee shops, locker rooms and his own bathrooms at home all benefit from his attention. Service. Chris helps a wheelchair-bound invalid with visits and errands. Service. David volunteers to open up a meeting. Service.
I buy flowers for my wife. Service, maybe, it could be self-interested thoughtfulness.
I have seen self-centred judgmentalism in myself and many of the fellows I work with over the years. It shows up in my inventories. It is a defect of character that manifests itself most strongly in Narcissistic Injuries. The only solution is service; at least that is the only solution I have found.
I am humbled daily by the courage of others who despite their fears make a choice to live in the solution. This is why I continue to work at Fresh Start Recovery Centre, I have seen people make these changes and am grateful to be a part of this bigger process.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: What is your own background with Fresh Start Recovery?
Jennifer Kent-Charpentier: I have been involved with Fresh Start for over 10 years now, I have been a part of the addiction counselling team from the start of my employment.
Jacobsen: How did you find them and become involved with them?
Kent-Charpentier: I was at a social event and someone was asking me about my work experience and unbeknownst to me a gentleman was walking by and stopped when he heard me talking and asked about my work history. He introduced himself as Stacey Petersen and stated he was the Executive Director of Fresh Start Recovery Centre, he suggested I forward him a resume as he was looking for new employees. I had been working in addictions for quite some time and when my husband and I decided to start a family I took several years off to raise our children. I was thinking about working again however I was not convinced I wanted to get back into working in addictions as I had spent many years already in the field. Turns out I had a friend who worked at Fresh Start and I asked her opinion about the validity of sending over my resume. She told me that if Stacey suggested it, it was sincere. Honestly, I hesitantly sent my resume as I knew Fresh Start was a men’s only facility and I had never worked exclusively with men and really didn’t know if I wanted too. Shortly after I submitted my resume Stacey called me for an interview and before I was a block away he offered me a job and the rest is history.
Jacobsen: When you reflect on your own life, what lead you to an interest and life involvement with Fresh Start Recovery?
Kent-Charpentier: It was sheer coincidence, or serendipity, perhaps both. I believe that the universe set me on the path I am on today. Any hesitation I may have had was quickly relieved when I got to witness the work that was happening at Fresh Start. The staff were and still are compassionate, mindful, aware, not hiding behind policies, timelines and agendas. People are treated with kindness and respect not shame and intimidation. We not only work with the person that struggles with substance use, but we work with families and community because we know that everyone deserves healing.
Jacobsen: Regarding your own position as the program director, what tasks and responsibilities, and difficulties and enjoyments, come with the position?
Kent-Charpentier: The Program Manager is responsible for coordinating and providing structure and guidance to the counseling team, assisting counseling team with individualized case management, group therapy & bio-psychosocial assessment services including group & family counseling for residents/participants within the facility. The biggest difficulty is the tragedy of the lives lost to the disease, this never gets easier. However, the joy of seeing someone recover and reconnect with themselves and their families is wonderful.
Jacobsen: What are some ways people can become involved and help out with Fresh Start Recovery?
Kent-Charpentier: There are a lot of ways to become involved and help out. The best thing to do is contact these two staff: Nicole@freshstartrecovery.ca and Wayne@freshstartrecovery.ca. Wayne is the Director of Fund Development and one of Nicole’s responsibilities is volunteer coordinator.
Jacobsen: What are some of the heartwarming stories that you have come across in your time at Fresh Start Recovery? What has been one of the most drastic, positive life turnarounds that you have seen in your time there?
Kent-Charpentier: There are so many wonderful stories involving men and just as many that are about family and friends. Every story starts with one person who feels hopeless and lost but with the help of a recovery community, treatment, education and renewal of their faith, amazing changes occur for everyone. Sometimes the most beautiful changes involve someone learning how to set healthy clear boundaries for themselves and others, and really understanding that they are not alone. This is beautiful to witness in others when they find hope and an inner strength to keep moving forward.
Jacobsen: Any final thoughts or feelings in conclusion?
Kent-Charpentier: I am humbled daily by the courage of others who despite their fears make a choice to live in the solution. This is why I continue to work at Fresh Start Recovery Centre, I have seen people make these changes and am grateful to be a part of this bigger process.
On February 14, 2013 I updated my Facebook status to say how good life was and how lucky I am to have met the man of my dreams and how grateful I am for having two healthy beautiful kids. Just three short hours later, my world came crashing down when I learned that my husband was addicted to methamphetamines.
On February 14, 2013 I updated my Facebook status to say how good life was and how lucky I am to have met the man of my dreams and how grateful I am for having two healthy beautiful kids. Just three short hours later, my world came crashing down when I learned that my husband was addicted to methamphetamines.
How could I miss the signs that were mounting over the past year? I felt so alone. Who can I talk to? Who would understand this mess? I felt i couldn’t talk to my friends or my parents for fear of their judgment. I felt like I had nowhere to turn.
We found some help for my husband John at Fresh Start. This was the beginning of his journey of treatment and recovery. For me, I found myself stuck in the thoughts of anger, blaming and resentment. I heard about a program there called the Family Healing Program and decided this was MY next right thing. It was a game changer. I learned about the disease of addction and how it impacted me and my life. I met others who were having similar feelings as me. I made some friends in that group and I realized that I was not alone. I learned that John‘s addiction was not my fault and that there were other support programs like Al-Anon to help me, and others like me, learn to take care of themselves. John just celebrated five years of being clean. For me, I am doing my work on my codependency and healing. We are both still growing and our relationship is better than it’s ever been. Our two young daughters are looking forward to swapping cards with the two most important valentines in their life, their mom and dad. If you wish to help this Valentines day you can Click to donate . Thank you!
