Volunteers of America OHIN - Fresh Start Recovery Center

Hands-On Family and Parenting Support

This family-focused approach includes 24/7 support, childcare, and family coaching so that mothers do not have to choose between treatment and active parenting. Services also include parenting and life-skills training, pregnancy and childbirth education, and structured recovery support designed to strengthen families during a critical time.

Staff Committed to Clients’ Families and Lived Experiences

All staff are trained in trauma-informed and gender-responsive care, often delivered through motivational interviewing, group therapy, one-on-one counseling, and family therapy. Staff are also equipped to recognize warning signs of abuse, ensure crib safety, and provide age-appropriate activities for children. Services also integrate medications for addiction treatment (MAT) and connections to medical and psychiatric care, ensuring that recovery is supported alongside maternal and child health.

Empowering Mothers to Be Independent Following Treatment

The program provides advocacy in Department of Child Services cases, Family Court, and Criminal Court, helping mothers navigate these systems while staying engaged in treatment. Planning for aftercare and community reintegration is built into the program, with support for housing, employment counseling, continuing care, and connections to community resources. These services aim to provide stability for both mothers and their children beyond residential treatment.

Client Reviews

Clients share mixed but often powerful experiences at Fresh Start Recovery Center in Indianapolis. Many describe life-changing support, peer community, and family-friendly care. Others point to inconsistent rules, needed staff improvements, and cleanliness issues as areas needing improvement.

• Staff & Care Experience (60% positive): Some staff members are remembered as compassionate and life-changing, though many reviews cite inconsistent behavior and communication. "Some staff was very unprofessional, but most who really cared stood out and was there to help me every step of the way."
• Treatment Quality & Outcomes (70% positive): Many clients credit the program with helping their lives, offering structure, and preparing them for lasting recovery. However, some reported unsatisfactory conditions or group sessions not running as promised. "This place changed my life. It gave me the structure and time to get back on my feet."
• Facility & Environment (40% positive): A number of clients value being able to have their children with them and the sense of community, but others describe the facility as not clean, safe, or organized. "Able to have my babies with me. Able to take time to recover, learn, grow and make progress."
• Access & Process (35% positive): Some highlight helpful admissions staff and responsiveness, while others describe long waits, poor coordination, and frequent rule changes.
• Support & Community: Peer connection and group work are praised as meaningful elements. Some reviewers, though, felt progress would have been furthered by more stability and encouragement from staff. "The groups were helpful, I learned a lot, I've been sober going on 6 months."