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A new mental health advocacy business opened in downtown Suffolk on W. Washington Street.

Fresh Start Day Support had its grand opening on April 4 and is an extension of Senior First Family Services. Mayor Michael Duman, Councilman John Rector, and state caseworkers were in attendance.

“They all came out and supported, and I was so happy,” owner Tilfany Brown said. “You know, just to see that the community was excited.”

Brown said Senior First Family Services focuses on providing care for individuals with disabilities and places them in residential homes “so that they can get the care and the help they need to be supported throughout their life.”

Fresh Start Day Support is focused more on community engagement. It serves a gathering spot for people with disabilities where they can go out in supervised groups and participate in various events and outings.

Brown added she hopes to also host free community events at Fresh Start such as movie nights, painting events, and hosting a Christmas toy drive.

As someone who was born and raised in Suffolk, Brown said, “it feels wonderful” to be able to give back to her community. 

Within the next six months, Brown said she hopes to open a Center Base in northern Suffolk that will provide a place for people who aren’t comfortable participating in community events to gather. 

The Center Base will have social workers on site to assist with anything anyone may need help with.