About

ABOUT Fresh start

We empower teens through a therapeutic transitional recovery process—combining in-home support, structured accountability, and personalized care to foster lasting transformation.

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— reconciliation — recovery — reconciliation — rec








Leading the Way:

Proven Solutions for Teen Addiction Recovery

Our certified program, supported by Teen Challenge and ReadyNow Recovery, combines expert therapeutic practices with personalized support to guide teens toward lasting recovery and success. We offer a structured, supportive environment where teens can develop essential life skills and rebuild their futures.

MEET OUR EXPERTS:

Dedicated to Your Teen’s Success

Get to know the passionate professionals behind our program who are committed to providing compassionate support and expert guidance. Our team combines experience, empathy, and dedication to help teens achieve lasting recovery.

Brandon Shank

FOUNDER, CEO

Brandon is dedicated to helping teens navigate recovery, drawing on years of pastoring and mentoring youth through Teen Challenge. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Exegetical Teaching and Preaching from Liberty University and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Evangel University. In 2014, he planted Palms Church in Virginia Beach, where he continues to lead with a vision for growth and impact in the community. A dedicated coach, sports fanatic, and avid baseball lover, Brandon also founded the Pups baseball program in 2022, expanded it to six teams, served as the President of Virginia Beach Little League from 2023-2024, and is the founder and CEO of Virginia Beach Academy.

Buddy Rivera

Executive Director

Buddy is a dynamic leader with a strong background in both ministry and business. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Business Administration, focusing on Entrepreneurial Innovation Technology (E.I.T.)., and additionally, earned his MBA from Old Dominion University. As a credentialed minister within the Assemblies of God, Buddy has dedicated over a decade to ministry, serving five years as the Children's Pastor and five years as the Youth Pastor at Palms Church, where he also served on the Board of Trustees.
Before stepping into his role as Executive Director, Buddy was the Assistant Vice President of Operations at Movement Mortgage. In this role, he oversaw two of the company's fastest-growing regions, generating over $1 billion in sales annually. His unique blend of ministry experience and business acumen positions him to lead with both spiritual and strategic insight at Fresh Start Academy.

TESTIMONIALS

Our Why - stories of Transformation

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“The day that my son got baptized was one of the happiest days of my life.

During worship, my son suddenly went to Pastor Brandon who was singing a short distance from us. I learned that my son had sought out Pastor Brandon to let him know that he wanted to get baptized! It wasn't too long later that I saw my son standing in line to get baptized by Pastor Buddy. After an enthusiastic handshake and hug, he went under the water and came up triumphant and resolute in his commitment to follow Jesus! This joyful day was just one out of many, many days and situations before and after that day where, as Lead Pastor and Youth Pastor, Brandon Shank and Buddy Rivera were there for him. They walked with him, mentored him, and declared the promises of God over his life. They helped install a solid foundation in his heart and helped build him into the man he is today. I will always be eternally grateful and have the utmost respect for Buddy Rivera and Brandon Shank for the positive impact they had on our lives.

GET IN TOUCH:

We’re Here to Help

Have questions or need more information? Our team is ready to assist you with any inquiries and provide you with the support you need. Reach out to us to start your teen's journey to recovery.

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