Everyone Deserves
A Fresh Start

Supporting our brothers and sisters in the Bootheel through practical programs and initiatives

GET INVOLVED!

Current Programs:

Fresh Start offers countless programs for you and your family in the Southeast Missouri Bootheel area. From basketball camps to Strengthening Families, we are dedicated to the growth and development of the Bootheel community. Register today to get involved!

Summer
Camp

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Youth Basketball

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Tutoring Program

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Summer Food Program

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Strengthening Families

Learn More

Fathers on
the Move

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Alive
and Well

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SOC-Saving Our Community

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FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Upcoming Events

Fresh Start offers events for families and loved ones. Check out what we currently have to offer.

If you need more information or have questions, please reach out directly to our team through the CONTACT US page.

Fathers and Families Festival

Saturday, May 13, 2023; 11am-3pm – Mississippi County

Where: Charles R Williams Park
Corner of Lafayette and Elm Street
Charleston, MO 63834
Activities:
Face-painting, Door Prizes, Bouncy Houses
FREE Food
FOR ALL AGES!

View Flyer

GET TO KNOW OUR WHY

About Us

Here at Fresh Start, our desire to give individuals a chance for a better life goes much further than our name. We have a long list of programs and community events that seek to educate, empower, and uplift our beloved Bootheel community.

Our Vision

We have a strong emphasis on children and families as we make sure that we provide them with the tools that will enhance their ability to lead a productive life. This is mission work; therefore, we recognize the need to allow the creator to lead our footsteps in all endeavors.

Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Mississippi County through individuals, families, services and community-based programming that leads to a life of self-sustainability.

“It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

“It’s never too late to become who you want to be. I hope you live a life that you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

Learn more about the programs we offer and take the FIRST STEP towards a better future.

OUR TEAM

Meet our Staff

Our amazing team of regular and part-time volunteers are committed to helping others. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information!

Lester Gillespie

CEO & Director

lestergillespie@yahoo.com

Kimberly Capone

Office Manager/
Administrative Assistant

kcapone@freshstartselfimprovementcenter.org

Charles Rush

Community Outreach
Specialist

Daisy Hall

Accounting

Nicole Johnson

Kitchen Staff

Pamela Gillespie

Kitchen Supervisor

Don Patton

Fathers on the Move Program Consultant

dp10007@midwest.net

Trey Johnson

Fathers on the Move Facilitator