2013-2014 Annual Campaign DONORS (July 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014)

BENEFACTOR $1,000 – $ 2,499 Gemini SalonMary MaloneyMeridith RohrbaughJan SeitzRita Wilkins

PATRON $500 – $999 Bank of AmericaNancy BlumbergBarbara & Bill Buckley Joseph & Julie DuganClaire McElweeSherry ReadSandy ScheibeJane Taylor Renee Villano

SPONSOR $250 - $ 499 Anna Lee BachtellGail ChickerskyGreat Dames, Inc.Linda DrakeShakti Harris Claudia HughesJanice Julian Claibourne Smith Beverly StewartValerie A. Woodruff

SUPPORTER $100 – $249 Phyllis & Norman AerensonRichard & Virginia ApplebyHelen & Bernard BalickLouis & Patricia BartosheskyLouis & Harriet BernemanJay & Nancy BlumbergMary BoudartJennifer BrownRichard & Margaret CarterRonni CohenDawn Career InstituteMoira DonoghueNeshama Lynn FaulknerPhyllis FeibusLauren FieldGemini Janitorial ServicesShawn & Rosemary Goodier Lorri & David GraysonDeborah Grubbe

Sarah & Greg HarrisonLaura HatcherJoyce Koria HayesDeborah HornMarilyn HyteGinny Kucharski Travis & Rebecca LasterGregory LavelleJudy LewisHarold LynchGeraldine Burke & Genevieve MarinoPatricia McGeeClaire R. MorseM. Yvonne NassRichard & Mary NennoJustina PedanteMichael & Brenda PomianoskiJudith A. PowellSuzanne ProudJeffrey Wolken & Marion QuirkLinda RatchfordAnne North ReedSusan RicciardiDee RichardsonElnora RigikCarol Arnott RobbinsNancy RoseCharles SalzenbergDeva ScheelStacey Haddock Schiller Suzanne ShealyTimothy SladeScott & Tracee SmithFrank & Jean SobonyaA. Leslie StanfordJack VarsalonaJenny Watson Linda WhiteheadMargery J. WindolphToni Young

FRIEND up to $99Kelley AndrewsRobert & Kathy AndrzejewskiNancy ArnostiSheila Boyer*Pauline BrittinghamDebra Alesantrino & Julie BurkeyMary E. Cannon

Michael & Jane CastleHua Davis*Paula Minnick & Chris DonnellySheila DonoghueWilliam & Carolyn DoyleAnne EidschunJennifer FordAlexa GirardiRalph & Anna GoldrickMelissa GonvilleJerome & Susan GrossmanMaria & Enrique HernandezNicholas Johnson & Pamela HuxtableJanice V. JessupLeslie JohnsonSarah KenneyJohn & Jean KerriganMarta A. KessingerEvelyn Kotsis JoinerRegan W. GareyJeanne Griffith LeslieJohn & Gayle LobleyBarbara LongyearRachel MarkowitzElizabeth McDonough*Suzanne McKaskill*Sheila McLaurin*Donald W. Nicholson & Associates, Ltd.Marianne O’RourkeLinda & Joseph OutlawKristen PetroPat PonzoMarguerite H. PrueittCaptain & Mrs. Eugene SeitzPhyllis ShepardGerri & Wayne SnavelyBarbara, George & Edward Stockburger Paul & Jean StofaJoyce & Gustin TavaniZelijka UlanPeggy VavallaSandra WalkerKaren J. WeinerStanley Wilcox Judy WintersBarbara YalisoveAlice YuDeborah ZeccolaHelen Zumsteg

Mission StatementThe Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is the charitable arm of Wilmington Women in Business, Inc. Its mission is to provide incentive to adult women who face (or have faced) personal and economic challenges and are seeking to improve opportunities for themselves and their families through education. We award annual scholarships based on need and provide mentoring support through WWB members. Candidates must be enrolled in a two- or four-year degree undergraduate program at an accredited Delaware college or university.

GRANTS

“I love the fact that it wasn’t just about giving money to us for a scholarship. Fresh Start was truly interested in seeing me succeed and graduate. The mentoring helped

motivate me to complete my goal of graduating.

Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation really cares about its investment.”

Bonita Penn, BSN, RN

< 3% Administrative Expenses

> 97% Scholarship Program

Financial Statement June 30, 2014

Improving the lives of women through education n www.freshstartscholarship.org

Established by Wilmington Women in Business

ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014The Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation

Provides one-on-one mentoring to our Scholars

Has awarded more than $550,000 in scholarships

Directs 97¢ of every dollar to the scholarship program

Has no paid staff; we are volunteers

Has achieved a 70% graduation rate

Scholars have attained a current average GPA of 3.55

Chichester DuPont Foundation $ 5,000 Christiana Rotary $ 500 Christmas Shop $ 750 Fund for Women $ 6,000 JPMorgan Chase Foundation $ 4,500 Laffey-McHugh Foundation $ 7,000 Milton & Hattie Kutz Foundation $ 4,000 TD Charitable Foundation $ 5,000

Special thanks to King Design for sponsoring design services and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware for sponsoring printing services for this annual report.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Scholarships are funded by corporate and individual contributions to the scholarship program, fundraising events, grants and bequests to our scholarship endowment fund with the Delaware Community Foundation. You can help by sharing information about this scholarship program with others, encouraging candidates to apply, attending fundraising events and making contributions to the scholarship fund. Checks should be made payable to the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and sent to: Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Attention: Treasurer P.O. Box 7784 Wilmington, DE 19803

All contributions are tax deductible.

For more information, call 302-397-3440 or visit www.freshstartscholarship.org

2013-2014

Board of Directors

President Rita Wilkins

Vice President Barbara Buckley

Vice President Sandy Scheibe

Vice President Jenny Watson

Treasurer Dee Richardson

Secretary Jeanne Griffith Leslie

Directors

Nancy BlumbergPauline BrittinghamMoira Donoghue Lynn Faulkner Ginny Kucharski Anne North ReedJudy Lewis Kristen Petro Meridith Rohrbaugh

Founder & Past President Mary Maloney

Advisory Board

Tina BetzFred Dawson Sharon Kelly Hake Jan Jessup Janis Julian The Hon. Gregory LavelleClaire McElwee Bonnie T. Meszaros Claibourne Smith Jack P. VarsalonaPeggy Vavalla

Directors Emeritae

Joyce Koria Hayes, Esq. Judith Powell Beverly Stewart

Bonita is now working on her master’s degree as an

Advanced Practice Nurse at Wilmington University, has served on a medical mission trip to Africa in

2013 and recently became a member of the Fresh Start

Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors.

INCOME

Annual Campaign, net $ 19,530 Signature Event, net $ 45,342 Grants $ 32,752 In-kind Income $ 9,624 Investment Income, net $ 12 Total Operating Income $ 107,258

EXPENSES

Scholarship Program $ 66,712 Administrative Expenses (see Note1) $ 2,053 Total Operating Expenses $ 68,765

NET OPERATING INCOME $ 38,493Net Assets Beginning Net Assets (exclusive of Endowment Fund, see Note 2) $ 56,857 Ending Net Assets (exclusive of Endowment Fund, see Note 2) $ 80,350 Endowment Fund Balance (restricted until 2024) $200,963Total Net Assets $281,313

NOTES1. Fresh Start’s Board of Directors set a goal years ago to keep administrative expenses at or below 3% of income. The table below shows that we achieved this goal in 2013-2014. 2013-2014 Operating Income $ 107,258 Administrative Expenses $ 2,053 Percentage 1.9 %2. In 2009, the Board of Directors of Fresh Start set up an Endowment Fund using the GIFT (Global Investment Foundation for Tomorrow) model to assure the sustainability of our program well into the future. A portion of the earnings can be withdrawn starting in 2024. 3. In addition, Fresh Start collaborates with the Helen L. and Douglas C. Eliason Scholarship Fund at Delaware Community Foundation in managing four scholarships funded annually by this donor-advised fund. In 2013-2014, the value was $10,000.

MEASURING IMPACT Like the ever expanding ripples created when one small pebble is dropped into a pond, Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation has had a far reaching impact on many women and their families for the past 18 years. Thanks to the generous support of friends of Fresh Start, businesses, corporations, foundations and our dedicated volunteers, we have awarded over $550,000 in scholarships to 144 women, many of whom have not only fulfilled their own dream of a higher education, but are also inspiring others to do the same.

Many of our Scholars are first in their families to receive a college education. As non-traditional students, many are single mothers holding full or part time jobs; each faces unique personal and financial challenges. The one thing they all have in common is the enormous sense of pride and accomplishment when they finally reach their goal…a college diploma! We help our Scholars during their journey by providing not just tuition, but also mentors who support and encourage their efforts.

“Fresh Start believed in me when I did not believe in myself. My mentor has been a role model and has assisted in opening many doors for me. Without the financial and emotional support of Fresh Start, I would not have been able to achieve my goal of a college education.”

To further determine the success of our program, we have strengthened the measurement process which will help quantify new opportunities presented to our graduates as well as the ripple effect that it has had on their families’ lives. For example: Have they secured a better, higher paying job? Do they envision a clearer professional career path? Were they able to purchase a home in a safe neighborhood? This valuable feedback will help us continue to refine and improve our scholarship and mentoring programs.

In addition to measuring current impact, The Fresh Start Board of Directors has undertaken a strategic planning process that will assess needs, unique strengths and opportunities. This will allow us to build on our current vision and shape it for the future so that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of women and their families through education.

Thank you for helping us make our Scholars’ dreams a reality.

Rita S. Wilkins, President

* Scholars who donated

“It’s Showtime!” Raises More Than $45,000 for Scholarships

Deerfield was alive with action when the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation hosted its 2013

signature event, “It’s Showtime! An Evening of Entertainment.” More than 300 guests enjoyed Master of Ceremonies Nat Measley from The Fun Dept., and the music of Club Phred. Featured artists included: A Broad’s Way; Tina Betz; Autumn Kidwell and Daniel Collins, University of Delaware ballroom dancers; the magic of Davos; Echo Shi Volla, coloratura soprano; Alice Yu, pianist; and the Wilmington Children’s Chorus. Fresh Start Scholars, Margo Hicks, Lisa Wanamaker and Carlina Reynolds spoke about the opportunities afforded them as scholarship recipients and placed special emphasis on the value of their mentors.

KELLY BOWDEN Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Elementary Education

I am the first one to graduate from college in my family,

so I am really excited and proud.

SARESA COOPER Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Organizational

DynamicsAs an entrepreneur, I’m working on a business plan to teach business skills to public school

children.

DOROTHY GUYTON University of Delaware

Bachelor’s Degree Sociology

It has been an exciting ride, and I am grateful

to FSSF for helping me to complete this great accomplishment!

CONNIE PATTERSON Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Finance

I look forward to the years ahead. I am

truly blessed!

MELANIE SCHOLZDelaware Technical

Community College Associate’s Degree Dental Hygiene

I am looking forward to earning my

bachelor’s degree and starting my new job as a

dental hygienist.

FERRAN TOLSTON Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Behavioral Science

I plan to earn a master’s degree in social work,

and to also study sonography to become

an ultrasound technologist.

SHANNON WATSON Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Criminal Justice

My oldest daughter got to see me graduate,

and that was a moment I will not forget.

Scholars Attend 2013 Recognition Dinner

This year’s scholars were recognized at the Wilmington Women in Business meeting held on October 16, 2013.

n Received over $76,000 in scholarship aid n Included 14 returning Scholars and 16 new Scholars n Included 18 mothers to 47 dependent children n Attended 7 different colleges and universities in Delaware n Studied over 17 different majors in the fields of education, healthcare, social services and business

NAME HOMETOWN COLLEGE MAJOR Michala A. Millsboro, DE Delaware Technical Community College NursingAmanda B. Smyrna, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceMarina B. Fankford, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationKelly B. Laurel, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationTracey B. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceLeah B. Milford, DE Delaware Technical Community College NursingSaresa C. New Castle, DE Wilmington University Organizational DynamicsCindi E. Newark, DE Wilmington University Information Systems Mgt.Brigette E. Wilmington, DE Delaware Technical Community College Radiology TechnologyVickie F. Camden, DE Delaware State University Social WorkKelli G. New Castle, DE Wilmington University Organizational DynamicsDorothy G. Newark, DE University of Delaware SociologyMichelle H. Wilmington, DE Delaware Technical Community College Nuclear MedicineSabina H. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Organizational DynamicsStella H. Wilmington, DE Delaware Technical Community College Human ServicesShaquilla H. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Accounting/FinanceLyndsay H. Georgetown, DE Delaware Technical Community College Office AdministrationRebecca J. Claymont, DE Widener University PsychologyRalandre L. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationJane L. Newark, DE Delaware Technical Community College NursingMeaghan M. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationJessica M. Elkton, MD Delaware Technical Community College Criminal JusticeDeanna N. Newark, DE Goldey Beacom College Criminal JusticeConnie P. Fruitland, MD Wilmington University FinanceMelanie S. Hartly, DE Delaware Technical Community College Dental HygieneTikima S. Dover, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceLena T. Middletown, DE Wilmington University NursingFerran T. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceElizabeth W. Milton, DE Delaware Technical Community College Early Care & EducationEbony W. Wilmington, DE Springfield College Human Services

Survey reveals higher confidence, better jobs

In June we sent a survey to 22 Fresh Start graduates (2012-2013) to collect qualitative and

quantitative data to compare and contrast their experiences before and after graduation. The response rate was more than 70% and the results were extremely positive. Highlights include:

n 87.5% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the Fresh Start sholarship contributed to their being able to complete their college degrees.

n Prior to earning their degrees, only 6% of respondents said that they held professional or career-level employment. After graduation, this percentage rose to 75%.

n 87.5% reported an increase in self-confidence as a result of earning their degrees;

n The most highly rated benefits of their relationship with Fresh Start included improved networking skills, interest in giving back to the community and appreciation for the value of education.

BARBARA BUCKLEYVP, Scholarship ProgramsChair, Scholar Selection

Survey Comments

Here are a few selected comments from our survey. To view the survey and read all of the comments, please visit our website.

Q. What did you value most about receiving the Fresh Start Scholarship?

Being part of the Fresh Start program, I felt included in a group of people who genuinely wanted me to succeed.

The financial help was invaluable for me. I could not have succeeded without it.

I value the confidence that they had in me even when I didn’t have it in myself. I value the chance they gave me to further my education and show my daughter that it is worth doing.

Q. Tell us something about your personal and professional goals that you believe you can now attain.

I have finally started a career path and I feel like I have the ability to continue to grow professionally. I had reached my highest potential without furthering my education and now I see more possibilities.

Professionally, I will complete my graduate degree and become an advanced practicing nurse. I would also like to become more involved with giving back to the community and helping others. I will raise my son with better opportunities than I had, show him the value and importance of education and become more financially secure.

Save the date ! “It’s Showtime”

November 6, 2014 6-9 pm Deerfield

Visit our website and click on “events”

Spotlight on Mentoring

A Fresh Start Mentor is someone who is willing to give some time to act as a personal coach to a woman to help her achieve the goal of academic

success and to reach graduation.Our mentors nurture by offering guidance, advice, and most of all, encouragement.

Tina Betz, Honorary Chair Daryl Graham, Mary Maloney and Fresh Start President Rita Wilkins.

Honorary Chair Sharon Hake with husband, Glen.

2013-2014 Fresh Start Mentors

U of D ballroom dancers Autumn Kidwell and Daniel Collins.

Margo Hicks spoke about opportunities she experienced as a scholarship recipient.

Outgoing Board Members…

On behalf of the Fresh Start Board of Directors we would like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Fresh Start board members for their years of service to our mission of improving the lives of women through education. Your dedication has truly inspired us and it’s been an honor to serve with you.

Nancy Blumberg Chair, Strategic Planning & Chair, Scholar Database

Moira Donoghue Chair, Governance & Chair, Grants

Anne North Reed Co-Chair, Communications/ PR/ Social Media/ Speaking Engagement

Dee Richardson Treasurer & DCF Liaison

Dee Richardson with scholar, Melanie Scholz.

Incoming Board Members and Advisory Board Members In January 2014, we welcomed new board and advisory board members:

Board MembersLynn Faulkner, Co-Chair, Mentors Kristen Petro, Co-Chair, Communications/ E-Newsletter, Chair, Grants & DANA Representative Meridith Rohrbaugh, Co-Chair Communications/ Website/ IT

Advisory Board Members

Fred Dawson, ChFC, CLU, Executive Vice President Bassett, Dawson, and Foy, Inc. Sharon Hake, CEO, Great Dames Inc.

Thank you for accepting our invitation to serve on our board and advisory board and contribute to the growth of Fresh Start. We look forward to working with you.

Rita Wilkins, President and The Fresh Start Board of Directors

2014 Fresh Start Graduates

“In their own words. . .”

Photos courtesy of Lindy Powers Photography

“It’s Showtime!” Raises More Than $45,000 for Scholarships

Deerfield was alive with action when the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation hosted its 2013

signature event, “It’s Showtime! An Evening of Entertainment.” More than 300 guests enjoyed Master of Ceremonies Nat Measley from The Fun Dept., and the music of Club Phred. Featured artists included: A Broad’s Way; Tina Betz; Autumn Kidwell and Daniel Collins, University of Delaware ballroom dancers; the magic of Davos; Echo Shi Volla, coloratura soprano; Alice Yu, pianist; and the Wilmington Children’s Chorus. Fresh Start Scholars, Margo Hicks, Lisa Wanamaker and Carlina Reynolds spoke about the opportunities afforded them as scholarship recipients and placed special emphasis on the value of their mentors.

KELLY BOWDEN Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Elementary Education

I am the first one to graduate from college in my family,

so I am really excited and proud.

SARESA COOPER Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Organizational

DynamicsAs an entrepreneur, I’m working on a business plan to teach business skills to public school

children.

DOROTHY GUYTON University of Delaware

Bachelor’s Degree Sociology

It has been an exciting ride, and I am grateful

to FSSF for helping me to complete this great accomplishment!

CONNIE PATTERSON Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Finance

I look forward to the years ahead. I am

truly blessed!

MELANIE SCHOLZDelaware Technical

Community College Associate’s Degree Dental Hygiene

I am looking forward to earning my

bachelor’s degree and starting my new job as a

dental hygienist.

FERRAN TOLSTON Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Behavioral Science

I plan to earn a master’s degree in social work,

and to also study sonography to become

an ultrasound technologist.

SHANNON WATSON Wilmington University

Bachelor’s Degree Criminal Justice

My oldest daughter got to see me graduate,

and that was a moment I will not forget.

Scholars Attend 2013 Recognition Dinner

This year’s scholars were recognized at the Wilmington Women in Business meeting held on October 16, 2013.

n Received over $76,000 in scholarship aid n Included 14 returning Scholars and 16 new Scholars n Included 18 mothers to 47 dependent children n Attended 7 different colleges and universities in Delaware n Studied over 17 different majors in the fields of education, healthcare, social services and business

NAME HOMETOWN COLLEGE MAJOR Michala A. Millsboro, DE Delaware Technical Community College NursingAmanda B. Smyrna, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceMarina B. Fankford, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationKelly B. Laurel, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationTracey B. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceLeah B. Milford, DE Delaware Technical Community College NursingSaresa C. New Castle, DE Wilmington University Organizational DynamicsCindi E. Newark, DE Wilmington University Information Systems Mgt.Brigette E. Wilmington, DE Delaware Technical Community College Radiology TechnologyVickie F. Camden, DE Delaware State University Social WorkKelli G. New Castle, DE Wilmington University Organizational DynamicsDorothy G. Newark, DE University of Delaware SociologyMichelle H. Wilmington, DE Delaware Technical Community College Nuclear MedicineSabina H. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Organizational DynamicsStella H. Wilmington, DE Delaware Technical Community College Human ServicesShaquilla H. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Accounting/FinanceLyndsay H. Georgetown, DE Delaware Technical Community College Office AdministrationRebecca J. Claymont, DE Widener University PsychologyRalandre L. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationJane L. Newark, DE Delaware Technical Community College NursingMeaghan M. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Elementary EducationJessica M. Elkton, MD Delaware Technical Community College Criminal JusticeDeanna N. Newark, DE Goldey Beacom College Criminal JusticeConnie P. Fruitland, MD Wilmington University FinanceMelanie S. Hartly, DE Delaware Technical Community College Dental HygieneTikima S. Dover, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceLena T. Middletown, DE Wilmington University NursingFerran T. Wilmington, DE Wilmington University Behavioral ScienceElizabeth W. Milton, DE Delaware Technical Community College Early Care & EducationEbony W. Wilmington, DE Springfield College Human Services

Survey reveals higher confidence, better jobs

In June we sent a survey to 22 Fresh Start graduates (2012-2013) to collect qualitative and

quantitative data to compare and contrast their experiences before and after graduation. The response rate was more than 70% and the results were extremely positive. Highlights include:

n 87.5% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the Fresh Start sholarship contributed to their being able to complete their college degrees.

n Prior to earning their degrees, only 6% of respondents said that they held professional or career-level employment. After graduation, this percentage rose to 75%.

n 87.5% reported an increase in self-confidence as a result of earning their degrees;

n The most highly rated benefits of their relationship with Fresh Start included improved networking skills, interest in giving back to the community and appreciation for the value of education.

BARBARA BUCKLEYVP, Scholarship ProgramsChair, Scholar Selection

Survey Comments

Here are a few selected comments from our survey. To view the survey and read all of the comments, please visit our website.

Q. What did you value most about receiving the Fresh Start Scholarship?

Being part of the Fresh Start program, I felt included in a group of people who genuinely wanted me to succeed.

The financial help was invaluable for me. I could not have succeeded without it.

I value the confidence that they had in me even when I didn’t have it in myself. I value the chance they gave me to further my education and show my daughter that it is worth doing.

Q. Tell us something about your personal and professional goals that you believe you can now attain.

I have finally started a career path and I feel like I have the ability to continue to grow professionally. I had reached my highest potential without furthering my education and now I see more possibilities.

Professionally, I will complete my graduate degree and become an advanced practicing nurse. I would also like to become more involved with giving back to the community and helping others. I will raise my son with better opportunities than I had, show him the value and importance of education and become more financially secure.

Save the date ! “It’s Showtime”

November 6, 2014 6-9 pm Deerfield

Visit our website and click on “events”

Spotlight on Mentoring

A Fresh Start Mentor is someone who is willing to give some time to act as a personal coach to a woman to help her achieve the goal of academic

success and to reach graduation.Our mentors nurture by offering guidance, advice, and most of all, encouragement.

Tina Betz, Honorary Chair Daryl Graham, Mary Maloney and Fresh Start President Rita Wilkins.

Honorary Chair Sharon Hake with husband, Glen.

2013-2014 Fresh Start Mentors

U of D ballroom dancers Autumn Kidwell and Daniel Collins.

Margo Hicks spoke about opportunities she experienced as a scholarship recipient.

Outgoing Board Members…

On behalf of the Fresh Start Board of Directors we would like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing Fresh Start board members for their years of service to our mission of improving the lives of women through education. Your dedication has truly inspired us and it’s been an honor to serve with you.

Nancy Blumberg Chair, Strategic Planning & Chair, Scholar Database

Moira Donoghue Chair, Governance & Chair, Grants

Anne North Reed Co-Chair, Communications/ PR/ Social Media/ Speaking Engagement

Dee Richardson Treasurer & DCF Liaison

Dee Richardson with scholar, Melanie Scholz.

Incoming Board Members and Advisory Board Members In January 2014, we welcomed new board and advisory board members:

Board MembersLynn Faulkner, Co-Chair, Mentors Kristen Petro, Co-Chair, Communications/ E-Newsletter, Chair, Grants & DANA Representative Meridith Rohrbaugh, Co-Chair Communications/ Website/ IT

Advisory Board Members

Fred Dawson, ChFC, CLU, Executive Vice President Bassett, Dawson, and Foy, Inc. Sharon Hake, CEO, Great Dames Inc.

Thank you for accepting our invitation to serve on our board and advisory board and contribute to the growth of Fresh Start. We look forward to working with you.

Rita Wilkins, President and The Fresh Start Board of Directors

2014 Fresh Start Graduates

“In their own words. . .”

Photos courtesy of Lindy Powers Photography

2013-2014 Annual Campaign DONORS (July 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014)

BENEFACTOR $1,000 – $ 2,499 Gemini SalonMary MaloneyMeridith RohrbaughJan SeitzRita Wilkins

PATRON $500 – $999 Bank of AmericaNancy BlumbergBarbara & Bill Buckley Joseph & Julie DuganClaire McElweeSherry ReadSandy ScheibeJane Taylor Renee Villano

SPONSOR $250 - $ 499 Anna Lee BachtellGail ChickerskyGreat Dames, Inc.Linda DrakeShakti Harris Claudia HughesJanice Julian Claibourne Smith Beverly StewartValerie A. Woodruff

SUPPORTER $100 – $249 Phyllis & Norman AerensonRichard & Virginia ApplebyHelen & Bernard BalickLouis & Patricia BartosheskyLouis & Harriet BernemanJay & Nancy BlumbergMary BoudartJennifer BrownRichard & Margaret CarterRonni CohenDawn Career InstituteMoira DonoghueNeshama Lynn FaulknerPhyllis FeibusLauren FieldGemini Janitorial ServicesShawn & Rosemary Goodier Lorri & David GraysonDeborah Grubbe

Sarah & Greg HarrisonLaura HatcherJoyce Koria HayesDeborah HornMarilyn HyteGinny Kucharski Travis & Rebecca LasterGregory LavelleJudy LewisHarold LynchGeraldine Burke & Genevieve MarinoPatricia McGeeClaire R. MorseM. Yvonne NassRichard & Mary NennoJustina PedanteMichael & Brenda PomianoskiJudith A. PowellSuzanne ProudJeffrey Wolken & Marion QuirkLinda RatchfordAnne North ReedSusan RicciardiDee RichardsonElnora RigikCarol Arnott RobbinsNancy RoseCharles SalzenbergDeva ScheelStacey Haddock Schiller Suzanne ShealyTimothy SladeScott & Tracee SmithFrank & Jean SobonyaA. Leslie StanfordJack VarsalonaJenny Watson Linda WhiteheadMargery J. WindolphToni Young

FRIEND up to $99Kelley AndrewsRobert & Kathy AndrzejewskiNancy ArnostiSheila Boyer*Pauline BrittinghamDebra Alesantrino & Julie BurkeyMary E. Cannon

Michael & Jane CastleHua Davis*Paula Minnick & Chris DonnellySheila DonoghueWilliam & Carolyn DoyleAnne EidschunJennifer FordAlexa GirardiRalph & Anna GoldrickMelissa GonvilleJerome & Susan GrossmanMaria & Enrique HernandezNicholas Johnson & Pamela HuxtableJanice V. JessupLeslie JohnsonSarah KenneyJohn & Jean KerriganMarta A. KessingerEvelyn Kotsis JoinerRegan W. GareyJeanne Griffith LeslieJohn & Gayle LobleyBarbara LongyearRachel MarkowitzElizabeth McDonough*Suzanne McKaskill*Sheila McLaurin*Donald W. Nicholson & Associates, Ltd.Marianne O’RourkeLinda & Joseph OutlawKristen PetroPat PonzoMarguerite H. PrueittCaptain & Mrs. Eugene SeitzPhyllis ShepardGerri & Wayne SnavelyBarbara, George & Edward Stockburger Paul & Jean StofaJoyce & Gustin TavaniZelijka UlanPeggy VavallaSandra WalkerKaren J. WeinerStanley Wilcox Judy WintersBarbara YalisoveAlice YuDeborah ZeccolaHelen Zumsteg

Mission StatementThe Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization, is the charitable arm of Wilmington Women in Business, Inc. Its mission is to provide incentive to adult women who face (or have faced) personal and economic challenges and are seeking to improve opportunities for themselves and their families through education. We award annual scholarships based on need and provide mentoring support through WWB members. Candidates must be enrolled in a two- or four-year degree undergraduate program at an accredited Delaware college or university.

GRANTS

“I love the fact that it wasn’t just about giving money to us for a scholarship. Fresh Start was truly interested in seeing me succeed and graduate. The mentoring helped

motivate me to complete my goal of graduating.

Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation really cares about its investment.”

Bonita Penn, BSN, RN

< 3% Administrative Expenses

> 97% Scholarship Program

Financial Statement June 30, 2014

Improving the lives of women through education n www.freshstartscholarship.org

Established by Wilmington Women in Business

ANNUAL REPORT 2013 - 2014The Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation

Provides one-on-one mentoring to our Scholars

Has awarded more than $550,000 in scholarships

Directs 97¢ of every dollar to the scholarship program

Has no paid staff; we are volunteers

Has achieved a 70% graduation rate

Scholars have attained a current average GPA of 3.55

Chichester DuPont Foundation $ 5,000 Christiana Rotary $ 500 Christmas Shop $ 750 Fund for Women $ 6,000 JPMorgan Chase Foundation $ 4,500 Laffey-McHugh Foundation $ 7,000 Milton & Hattie Kutz Foundation $ 4,000 TD Charitable Foundation $ 5,000

Special thanks to King Design for sponsoring design services and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware for sponsoring printing services for this annual report.

HOW YOU CAN HELP Scholarships are funded by corporate and individual contributions to the scholarship program, fundraising events, grants and bequests to our scholarship endowment fund with the Delaware Community Foundation. You can help by sharing information about this scholarship program with others, encouraging candidates to apply, attending fundraising events and making contributions to the scholarship fund. Checks should be made payable to the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, Inc., and sent to: Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation, Inc. Attention: Treasurer P.O. Box 7784 Wilmington, DE 19803

All contributions are tax deductible.

For more information, call 302-397-3440 or visit www.freshstartscholarship.org

2013-2014

Board of Directors

President Rita Wilkins

Vice President Barbara Buckley

Vice President Sandy Scheibe

Vice President Jenny Watson

Treasurer Dee Richardson

Secretary Jeanne Griffith Leslie

Directors

Nancy BlumbergPauline BrittinghamMoira Donoghue Lynn Faulkner Ginny Kucharski Anne North ReedJudy Lewis Kristen Petro Meridith Rohrbaugh

Founder & Past President Mary Maloney

Advisory Board

Tina BetzFred Dawson Sharon Kelly Hake Jan Jessup Janis Julian The Hon. Gregory LavelleClaire McElwee Bonnie T. Meszaros Claibourne Smith Jack P. VarsalonaPeggy Vavalla

Directors Emeritae

Joyce Koria Hayes, Esq. Judith Powell Beverly Stewart

Bonita is now working on her master’s degree as an

Advanced Practice Nurse at Wilmington University, has served on a medical mission trip to Africa in

2013 and recently became a member of the Fresh Start

Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors.

INCOME

Annual Campaign, net $ 19,530 Signature Event, net $ 45,342 Grants $ 32,752 In-kind Income $ 9,624 Investment Income, net $ 12 Total Operating Income $ 107,258

EXPENSES

Scholarship Program $ 66,712 Administrative Expenses (see Note1) $ 2,053 Total Operating Expenses $ 68,765

NET OPERATING INCOME $ 38,493Net Assets Beginning Net Assets (exclusive of Endowment Fund, see Note 2) $ 56,857 Ending Net Assets (exclusive of Endowment Fund, see Note 2) $ 80,350 Endowment Fund Balance (restricted until 2024) $200,963Total Net Assets $281,313

NOTES1. Fresh Start’s Board of Directors set a goal years ago to keep administrative expenses at or below 3% of income. The table below shows that we achieved this goal in 2013-2014. 2013-2014 Operating Income $ 107,258 Administrative Expenses $ 2,053 Percentage 1.9 %2. In 2009, the Board of Directors of Fresh Start set up an Endowment Fund using the GIFT (Global Investment Foundation for Tomorrow) model to assure the sustainability of our program well into the future. A portion of the earnings can be withdrawn starting in 2024. 3. In addition, Fresh Start collaborates with the Helen L. and Douglas C. Eliason Scholarship Fund at Delaware Community Foundation in managing four scholarships funded annually by this donor-advised fund. In 2013-2014, the value was $10,000.

MEASURING IMPACT Like the ever expanding ripples created when one small pebble is dropped into a pond, Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation has had a far reaching impact on many women and their families for the past 18 years. Thanks to the generous support of friends of Fresh Start, businesses, corporations, foundations and our dedicated volunteers, we have awarded over $550,000 in scholarships to 144 women, many of whom have not only fulfilled their own dream of a higher education, but are also inspiring others to do the same.

Many of our Scholars are first in their families to receive a college education. As non-traditional students, many are single mothers holding full or part time jobs; each faces unique personal and financial challenges. The one thing they all have in common is the enormous sense of pride and accomplishment when they finally reach their goal…a college diploma! We help our Scholars during their journey by providing not just tuition, but also mentors who support and encourage their efforts.

“Fresh Start believed in me when I did not believe in myself. My mentor has been a role model and has assisted in opening many doors for me. Without the financial and emotional support of Fresh Start, I would not have been able to achieve my goal of a college education.”

To further determine the success of our program, we have strengthened the measurement process which will help quantify new opportunities presented to our graduates as well as the ripple effect that it has had on their families’ lives. For example: Have they secured a better, higher paying job? Do they envision a clearer professional career path? Were they able to purchase a home in a safe neighborhood? This valuable feedback will help us continue to refine and improve our scholarship and mentoring programs.

In addition to measuring current impact, The Fresh Start Board of Directors has undertaken a strategic planning process that will assess needs, unique strengths and opportunities. This will allow us to build on our current vision and shape it for the future so that we can continue to make a difference in the lives of women and their families through education.

Thank you for helping us make our Scholars’ dreams a reality.

Rita S. Wilkins, President

* Scholars who donated