A FRESH START TO BE FEATURED IN VENDOR VILLAGE

JAMESTOWN, NY — The third-annual Chautauqua Gran Fondo is set for Aug. 26, 2017 at Webb’s Resort in Mayville, NY. The mission of the event is to promote health and well being for cyclists of all skill levels while raising funds and awareness for local charities.

Among the local organizations to be featured in Vendor Village at this years event include A Fresh Start (AFS), a local non-profit committed to making a difference in our community. Bringing awareness and support to those trying to escape addiction, this organization was formed in the wake of a tragedy. Alex Foulk, a beloved member in the Jamestown area, lost his battle with addiction in 2016. With the rapid increase of substance abuse in the area, AFS was formed out of the duty to help support community members facing similar addictions.

To assist with transitional housing in this community, the founders of A Fresh Start have joined forces with the Buffalo/Niagara Oxford Houses to open a chapter in Jamestown and in February 2017, The Alex House was created. An Oxford House is a home that recovering individuals reside featuring an environment supportive of recovery from addiction. Each house is self-run and self-supported following a standardized system of democratic operation.

A Fresh Start meets every Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 410 E. Fourth St., Jamestown.  For more information visit afreshstart.org or find them onFacebook.