Recovery is reliant on servant leadership, and as we learn and grow, we are responsible to pay it forward. We feel this responsibility and know we cannot deny help to someone else that has asked for help. We share our stories to offer each other lessons of hope. It was because so many people had helped us get our lives on track that we searched for a way to help others through a career in public service. We try to apply these same lessons to share and pay forward the support we’ve received throughout our recovery journey.
Juan Hernandez – Executive Director
Juan’s non-traditional background gives him a unique insight into running a sophisticated organization like A Fresh Start. He started at aA Fresh Start in 2006 as a client, with 33 days sober and a whole lot of desire to work the program. Fully committed to his own recovery, he was offered the position of House Manager a few times before finally accepting the role. He has served at every level, from House Manager to Operations Manager until being named Executive Director in August of 2010.
Under his supervision Fresh Start has grown by nearly 110%. As Executive Director of Fresh Start, Juan has played a key role overseeing the successful recovery of many individuals. His experience at every level, including that of a client allows him insight that very few have. He’s constantly looking for ways to better help those he serves. Today he’s driven by gratitude.
Dustin Dillow – Operations Manager
With just over 30 days sober Dustin came to A Fresh Start in November of 2014 as a resident. His initial plans were to stay for 30 days to get “back on his feet”. By working with supportive managers and residents Dustin learned the importance of working a recovery program and living life in recovery. He was offered an assistant manager position in early 2015 then shortly after became a full time manager. In that same year Dustin decided to retire from being a professional chef and started working for A Fresh Start as an intake coordinator. While working for A Fresh Start Dustin has been an intake coordinator, maintenance manager and now The Operations manager.
As Operations manager Dustin has created a manager training program, updated policies and rules, overseen the opening of two new locations and played a key role in the development of individuals in recovery. Dustin is currently finishing his B.A. in psychology and will continue on with his masters in clinical counseling. Today Dustin credits his life to the people of A Fresh Start and continually works to give back what was given to him…courage, strength and hope.
"Recovery is my reality. This is the only order I can rely on in the chaos of addiction, because I know I am flawed. I know am not perfect. There's no such thing as perfection, only reality. But I know I am loved, I love and I have learned to accept. I've accepted my reality. This is my life. This is my truth. I can't accept anything less than that. Life really is too short. I choose this life. This is living. One single day at a time. Smile, because why not? Be happy, for it takes more effort to be angry. Live, but really live. Be everything, or be nothing. But be."