Lincoln, NE — September 26, 2026 — Fresh Start, a Lincoln nonprofit supporting women experiencing homelessness, has received an unexpected $10,000 gift after a local resident nominated the organization to her employer's charitable giving program.
Havelock resident Deb Fritz submitted Fresh Start to Crum & Foster's Charitable Impact Committee, which accepts nominations from employees nationwide and awards $10,000 grants to small, locally based charities in employees' home communities. Ms. Fritz, who knew of Fresh Start's work in the community, nominated the organization without its knowledge.
“I nominated Fresh Start because I am a firm believer in the empowerment of women and assisting them when life altering issues occur. I have donated clothing and other items since moving to Havelock in 2021 and will continue to do so in the hopes that it brightens even one woman’s future. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my nomination was accepted by the Charitable Impact Committee and am honored and proud to be a part of Crum & Forster for the past 23 years, whose philanthropy over the years knows no bounds.”
Fresh Start Executive Director Monica Zinke learned of the gift through a surprise phone call, unaware the organization had even been nominated. "This gift is meaningful in many ways," said Zinke. "The nomination shows our community's support for and belief in our services. One person made one nomination, and look at how many lives will be impacted. Importantly, this investment also shows our residents that our neighbors care about them, and this program, and that people genuinely want to help support them as they strive toward self-sufficiency. We are also grateful for the monetary gift — this amount will really make a difference for our small organization."
Crum & Foster provides property and casualty, and accident and health insurance products through admitted and surplus lines companies, with more than 2,500 employees nationwide.
Fresh Start is a transitional program offering a safe, supportive environment for up to 24 women at a time as they work to re-establish themselves in the community. Through goal-oriented programs and services, Fresh Start empowers residents to overcome obstacles and work toward self-sufficiency. Services are open to women 19 and older who are homeless for any reason; the program specifically serves women without minor children in their custody, a population that often faces longer waits for aid. Over its 35-year history, Fresh Start has served more than 2,000 women and maintains a constant waitlist for services. Fresh Start is the only program in Nebraska to be accredited through the National Association of Recvoery Residences (NARR).
For more information about Fresh Start, visit www.freshstarthome.org or contact:
Angie Taylor | Development Coordinator | (402) 475-7777 | angiet@freshstarthome.org
