 Fresh Start has partnered with the Philadelphia VA Medical Center (PVAMC) and the Coatesville VA Medical Center since 1999 to offer supportive housing and services to homeless and/or chemically dependent Veterans. It is our experience that many of the veterans who present for treatment at Fresh Start suffer from a myriad of problems relating to their homelessness or addictions. Our service model is delivered in a very safe, clean, and structured atmosphere which affords each veteran the opportunity to work with their Fresh Start care managers and VA staff to begin to restore their self-dignity and self-sufficiency.
Fresh Start uses an integrated model in which case managers:
- Provide initial triage and assessment Coordinate medical and mental health care with the local VAMC
- Access drug and alcohol counseling
- Track progress, motivation, and participation
- Access both VA and community-based resources
- Provide necessary vocational, educational, and financial training and support
- Access housing opportunities and linkage to housing assistance agencies
 As a result of their homelessness and/or addictions many veterans often have many medical, legal, vocational, social, and financial repercussions. They often find themselves back in the community before they are able to holistically address their situations. Fresh Start has succeeded in helping their veterans return to self-sufficiency, return to the community, and succeed. In FY 2006, 73.6% of the total number of veterans admitted to the Fresh Start program in Philadelphia remained abstinent from drugs and alcohol during their stay; and 71% of the veterans admitted were discharged to safe and more permanent housing. The current successful completion rate for our veterans entering our program is 68%. 100% of the veterans who have successfully completed the Fresh Start program have moved on to safe and more permanent living situations.
For more information contact Jeffrey Pittner at 215-427-2096.
Coatesville VA Medical Center has partnered with "Fresh Start" to provide needed services to veterans. This new program will be located on VA grounds, specifically Building 10.Fresh Start is a community-based, value-focused organization serving the needs of the disadvantaged and the Philadelphia community for the past 18 years. Fresh Start understands first hand that issues related to drug and alcohol addiction extend well beyond the boundaries of any individual, neighborhood, community, organization, or social system. Addiction and its myriad of related problems require commitment and cooperation in order to achieve positive, measurable, sustainable change for the addict and the community.
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