Addiction is a national crisis, and it’s affecting lives across Georgia. Fresh Wind Recovery Ministry, a nonprofit residential recovery ministry for men and women who struggle with substance abuse, is tackling this issue head-on.
Since January 2024, students in the University of Georgia’s Institute for Leadership Advancement (ILA) have partnered with Fresh Wind — using their leadership skills to help expand the non-profit’s outreach and donor engagement.
One team of ILA scholars — including finance and MIS graduate Robert Black, international business and MIS graduate Maddie Pierce, finance graduate Carly O’Brien and marketing graduates Charlotte Ferrell and Martha Downey — focused on Fresh Wind’s Annual Fundraising Banquet.
They identified local businesses that could be potential donors, designed flyers with QR codes, contacted local companies and improved the organization’s donation processes. Their outreach and creativity increased donations by roughly $2,000. While the fundraising increase was significant, their most notable accomplishment was the substantial increase in community brand awareness, as well as Fresh Wind’s ongoing partnership with ILA.
In March 2025, ILA students hosted their own Spring Gala in support of Fresh Wind, raising $5,000 — enough to fully fund Phase 1 recovery for five clients.
“That’s five people who now have the chance to heal, rebuild, and live in freedom,” said Anna Grace Winkler, operations manager for Fresh Wind.
This year, ILA Scholars — including real estate majors Tom DeLoache, John Stim and Reagan Ritchie and marketing majors David Blake and Ellie Singerling — have taken on the task of improving Fresh Wind’s digital presence. They are redesigning the organization’s website to better serve their current needs.
“We need a site that tells our story and draws in community support,” said Winkler. “The students are helping us expand our donor base at a critical time. We expect our number of clients to be three times larger in 2025 than in 2023.”
The ILA team is also developing business cards and marketing materials for use in community outreach, with the goal of having everything ready for Fresh Wind’s next banquet.
Fresh Wind Recovery Ministry is growing and is poised to help more clients succeed in recovery. Partnering with ILA has brought new energy, strategy and visibility to their mission, Winkler said.
From building a more professional digital presence to expanding community outreach, ILA students have made a tangible and lasting impact on Fresh Wind’s growth.