 In May 1986, after nine months in rehab, John Walls went home to his wife Bonnie. John returned to his profession as a roofer and never forgot about his experiences and friendships he formed in recovery. During this time, John was always concerned about the recovering addicts not having a place to live. John began bringing people home to help them recover from addiction. By 1989, John opened his first recovery house at 3309 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. He knew the struggles and insecurities that came with recovery and he was passionate about not leaving anyone to face this on their own. He made it his mission to help as many men and women as possible. John would always welcome the newcomer by putting his hand out saying “The War Is Over”.
John’s zest and determination for life never faltered or failed him. He faced his final battle with cancer still helping others until the end when he was called to his eternal home on April 30, 2003.
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Many great ideas begin as a small seedling and Fresh Start is a classic example. As John recovered from his own addiction and wanted to help others, he and his wife Bonnie (CEO of Fresh Start) took recovering addicts into their own home. They did this for 4 years from 1985 to 1989 until they were actually able to purchase and operate the first Fresh Start home in the Frankford section of Philadelphia.
The audio visual presentation on this page describes the vision and mission of Fresh Start, and includes much footage of John Walls. Fresh Start is John's legacy. He passed on April 30, 2003. John was a giant among men and we continue to live by his example and vision. Many decisions at Fresh Start are still made by answering the question "How would John do this?" What greater tribute could there be?
Currently Fresh Start can offer housing to as many as 150 recovering addicts at our 9 locations in the Kensington and Harrowgate sections of Philadelphia. Fresh Start offers recovery housing programs specifically geared to Men, Women, Veterans and the Latino community.
"Today I know that if John Walls didn't come to the hospital that night and say what he said I would not have realized I had a problem with alcohol. I have been sober for 18 years just because John Walls woke me up."
-Phil M.
John Walls personally got me out of jail. Since that time I wanted to work with him and understand why he did it because I didn't deserve it. There were hundreds of times in the 2½ years we worked together that he helped others; and that's how I found out the most important thing about John. HE REALLY CARED. I know he did because I was there. When he did something for somebody, John always told them, "It's always a pleasure." And we still carry on that attitude and tradition at Fresh Start today!"
-Bob Costigan
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