Celebrate CareerPoint Healthcare Graduates

Pictured (left-right): Back row - Manizha, Natalie, and Jose. Front row - Jainae and Shakira.

Over a span of six weeks, five incredible young adults—Shakira, Jainae, Natalie, Manizha, and Jose—took bold steps toward their futures through Operation Fresh Start’s CareerPoint Healthcare program. 

From earning CPR certifications to mastering resume writing and interview skills, they’ve worked hard to gain the experience and confidence needed to launch their careers.  

More than just career prep, this program built confidence, friendships, and a support system that will last a lifetime. 

Jainae shared: “At first, I doubted myself. Now, I use my resume as a guide and feel prepared for anything.” 

Nicole, CareerPoint Coordinator, said: “They came in as individuals but are leaving as a team.” 

Join us in celebrating their achievements and read more about their journey below! 

Keep an eye out for the next CareerPoint Cohort starting in June! It will focus on young adults interested in childcare! 

New Licensed Drivers!

Pictured (left-right) Savannah, Jacklynn, and Elian with their temporary licenses!

Congratulations to our recent Drive program participants for earning their driver's licenses!

These young adults have all taken the responsibility and initiative to achieve this big milestone as they progress towards their personal and professional goals!

Another Drive Cohort Begins!

As participants from the previous Drive Cohort continue to earn their license, a new cohort began Monday, April 21!

The OFS Drive program, in partnership with 4 Lakes Driving School, follows a structured curriculum that covers the five stages of Driver's Education. This includes:

• Eight two-hour class meetings
• Studying and passing the learner’s permit test
• Five behind-the-wheel lessons
• Taking the road test until participants pass and receive their driver's licenses

Beyond driving skills, OFS brings in local collaborators to teach participants essential life skills related to driving and car ownership. Experts from the Madison Police Department, UW Credit Union, and American Family Insurance share valuable insights on insurance, car loans, and what to do if pulled over.

The Drive Program is available at no cost to young adults aged 18-24 in Dane County, combining free driver's education with career exploration opportunities.

Conservation Academy Partners with Dane County Parks for Prescribed Burns

Our Conservation Academy crews teamed up with Dane County Parks to conduct prescribed burns at Stewart Lake County Park, CamRock County Park, and Lake Farm County Park!

Prescribed burns are powerful land management tools that help restore native ecosystems, reduce invasive species, and promote long-term habitat health. Our crews got hands-on experience while making a real impact in these beautiful local parks.



Huge thanks to Dane County Parks for the partnership and guidance—and shoutout to our amazing participants for showing up ready to work and learn!

Pictured (left-right) Conservation Academy Participants Kaylee, Don, and Kai, pose for a picture with their drip torches at Stewart Lake County Park.

Build Academy Constructs Tree Nursery for Severson Learning Center

David's Build Academy Crew built a tree nursery for the Severson Learning Center in Cambridge!

There will be acorns from native heritage oak trees planted in the nursery until they are big enough to be transported.

This is a great partnership that we have with the Dane County Tree Board. We partner to build these tree nurseries at various sites across Dane County each year.

The Severson Learning Center is an 80-acre farm that Oscar Severson donated to the Cambridge community. Today, it is used to teach a wide variety of lessons to all students in the Cambridge School District.

David's Build Academy crew petting the farm animals at the Severson Learning Center in Cambridge.

Special Thank You to Amit Peled and the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra! 

We were honored to welcome world-renowned cellist Amit Peled to OFS last month.

Amit captivated our staff, participants, community members, and Goodman Community Center students and staff with his incredible storytelling, teaching us about the history of the cello and sharing inspiring memories from his childhood.



We would also like to extend a huge thank you to Brittany Sinclair, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra’s Community Engagement & Education Coordinator, for partnering with OFS as part of their community collaboration and generously donating tickets to see Amit perform with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra at the Overture Center. Music has the power to connect and inspire, and we are so grateful for this experience.

Brittany Sinclair, the WCO’s Community Engagement & Education Coordinator, introduces Amit Peled at OFS.

Thank you Iconica!

A Huge Thank You to Iconica!

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Iconica for joining our Build Academy and Legacy Construction crews on-site in Sun Prairie! Not only did they spend time with our hardworking crews, but they also brought out their food truck to serve up a delicious lunch.

Our participants are constructing single-family homes in Sun Prairie, gaining hands-on experience, and building brighter futures. Having the support of community partners like Iconica makes all the difference!

Thank you for your generosity and fueling our crews with great food and encouragement!

🎓 Legacy Graduations 🎓

Congratulations to Desiyah on graduating from Legacy and receiving her high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!

Desiyah's transformation during her time at OFS has been nothing short of inspiring.

“She showed up every day, ready to work… whether in 90° heat or negative temps, Desiyah was there," her supervisor, Taylor, said. "She pushed through the discomfort and embraced every challenge—and turned her weaknesses into strengths.”

Desiyah reflected on her journey:

“My first time coming to OFS, I was shy and nervous… now I talk too much! I want to thank Taylor, who made my bad days good and my sad faces happy. And thank you to my crew, my family, and everyone who supported me.”

Now, she’s headed to work at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County and planning to enroll at Madison College for business—with a $2,600+ AmeriCorps Education Award and a certificate in Pre-Apprenticeship Readiness in Conservation and Urban Forestry already in hand!

Desiyah, your dedication, growth, and leadership have left a mark on all of us. We’re so proud of you and can't wait to see what you do next!

Congratulations to Kenny on graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!

Kenny’s journey through OFS has been one of resilience, growth, and leadership. As Conservation Supervisor Taylor shared:

“When I think of Kenny today, I think of someone who isn't scared to speak their mind. I think as someone who's a leader. I think of someone who hates the cold but still shows up every day. I think of someone who has a strong mindset and someone who has goals. I know Kenny is going to be someone who's going to do big things with their life.”

His supervisor, Ian, said:

“He was dedicated. He had solid attendance throughout his term, and after the OFS day, he would go and work another job, and he would go home and take care of his siblings. He has grown not just his conservation skills but also his leadership skills and the way he approaches life. I watched him step into adulthood with confidence in himself and decision-making.”

Kenny spoke about the impact OFS had on him:

“I didn’t really care about school—if I’m being honest—until I came here. OFS gave me the opportunity to try something different.”

Kenny, we’re proud of your growth, drive, and ability to show up as your true self.

Congratulations to Cam on graduating from Legacy and receiving her high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District! 

Cam’s commitment at Operation Fresh Start was outstanding. With 100% attendance, unwavering dedication, and a drive to grow personally and professionally, she showed what it truly means to commit to your future.

As her supervisor, Danny, shared, Cam has "an unquestionable sense of self."

"You are Cam, take it or leave it," he added. "Because of that, you've gained a lot more respect from everyone in this building."

Cam said that Danny's crew helped her build confidence and trust others.

"Being on Danny's crew helped me find a new passion for conservation and helped me come out of my shell," she added.

From felling trees with a chainsaw to leading by example on-site, Cam consistently proved her strength, passion, and authenticity. She’s a powerful voice, a reliable teammate, and someone who shows up—every single day.

"You were one of the first out of the van, and you didn't take a break until it was break time," Danny said. "It was just everything that as a supervisor, I am hoping for my participants."

Cam continues her journey with Conservation Academy, ready to take her love of the outdoors and passion for learning even further. With her The Corps Network service under her belt, a pre-apprenticeship certificate in conservation and urban forestry, and an AmeriCorps Education Award, she’s well on her way to an amazing future.

We’re so proud of you and excited that you are continuing your journey in Conservation Academy!

Congratulations to Aidan on graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from Madison Metropolitan School District! 

When he first joined the program, he was quiet and unsure if it was a good fit. However, Aidan proved himself to be hardworking time and time again—showing up, working hard, and growing into a true leader.

"Aidan is someone I could always count on to show up, no matter how big the task or how small," his Legacy Supervisor Taylor said. "He's dedicated, reliable, and has a clear understanding of my expectations. From day one, Aiden showed up fully prepared."

Through dedication, reliability, and a mindset shift from “I have to do this” to “I get to do this,” Aidan flourished. He embraced every challenge, developed a passion for conservation, and ultimately earned a spot in Conservation Academy, where he’ll continue building his skills in prescribed burns, pesticide application, and chainsaw certifications.

"Aidan is someone who never complained and he just did the work," Taylor said. "He constantly demonstrated an incredible work ethic and always asked questions when needed. Over time, he genuinely became passionate about the work that we do."

Aidan’s growth was evident to everyone—his supervisors, teachers, and family, who watched him transform from a hesitant young adult into a confident, skilled professional. He even became the go-to person on-site when leadership was needed.

"Before this, I was a lonely kid who didn’t know who he was," Aidan said. "This program helped me spread my wings and show the world who I really am."

Today, we celebrate Aidan not just for what he’s accomplished but for the person he has become.

We’re so proud of you and excited to see what you accomplish next in Conservation Academy!

Congratulations to Janayah on graduating from Legacy and receiving her high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District! 

From day one, Janayah brought determination, skill, and an unshakable work ethic to our crew. Whether mastering new tools, leading projects, or pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, she showed us all what it means to be focused, hardworking, and resilient.

"You can lead people, and you can stay on task," her crew supervisor, Miles, said. "It was a huge advantage to have you on our side... I could just put new people with you and say, 'show them the way'."

Her quiet strength turned into leadership, and her impact on this team will be felt long after she moves on. She built more than just structures—she built confidence, independence, and a path forward. And while she’s off to school to pursue her passion for cosmetology, we know she’ll continue to thrive in whatever she sets her mind to.

Many of her crewmates expressed gratitude for Janayah's experience in explaining and demonstrating tasks on site.

"If we were meeting Janayah's standards, then I know we met Miles' standards," Legacy Construction participant Lamareon said.

Janayah also earned an AmeriCorps Education Award for further education from her YouthBuild Global service and a pre-apprenticeship in carpentry from the state of Wisconsin!

Janayah, we are so proud of you. You leave behind big shoes to fill, but you’ve also inspired others to step up and carry on the example you set. We’ll miss you, but we’re cheering you on every step of the way!

🎓 Academy Graduations 🎓

On March 26, we celebrated Alec’s incredible achievement—his graduation from Conservation Academy at Operation Fresh Start and his exciting next step: joining Dane County Parks!

"Thank you to all of the staff here at OFS for being one of the greatest support systems a student could ask for," Alec said. "Thank you, Cory and Faith, for always welcoming me. You have helped me set and achieve my goals and taught me the importance of celebrating those victories."

Graduating from Conservation Academy is no small feat. It takes grit, resilience, and dedication—braving extreme weather, mastering certifications, and continuously learning new skills. Alec rose to every challenge and exceeded expectations at every turn.

In Conservation Academy, Alec:

• Earned EVERY available certification: Wildland Fire, Pesticide, Chainsaw, OSHA, CPR, and his Pre-Apprenticeship in Urban Forestry.
• Developed quiet yet powerful leadership skills—always leading by example
• Committed to conservation with an unmatched work ethic and passion for the environment.
• Awarded the Conservation Gear Scholarship to start his career fully equipped.

"Alec has come to embody and realize his own quiet sense of leadership, and that's a style of leadership that often gets overlooked," Conservation Academy Supervisor Jake said. "Alec is proof that there are many types of leadership, and if you know yourself and you recognize your own strengths and your talents, and you accept those and you nurture them, there's a lot that you can accomplish."

Jake added that Alec is one of the hardest workers he's worked with in his entire career in the natural resources field.

"Thank you, Jake, for always believing in me and being there for me in times of need," Alec said. "You've taught me so many important things about conservation, but also valuable life lessons like knowing when to ask for help and the importance of coming up with a plan."

Alec, we are beyond proud of your journey. Your dedication, growth, and perseverance are inspiring. As you move forward with Dane County Parks, we know you’ll continue making a lasting impact!

Congratulations to Devin, for completing Build Academy and securing a job with Bauer Builders!

Devin’s journey through Legacy and Build Academy has been one of growth, grit, and nonstop determination.

From day one, Devin impressed his supervisors with his commitment, focus, and passion for the trade. As Gene, his Tier 2 Supervisor, said:

“Devin has proven how effective he is for Operation Fresh Start, for his new employer Bauer, and most of all—for his family. His achievements have been outstanding.”

He went from learning drywall on his first day to performing like a seasoned pro by the end of the week. According to his Tier 1 Supervisor, David:

“It was self-evident he’d move up quickly. Bauer Builders got a good one.”

Devin tackled every challenge head-on, juggling parenting and carpentry like a champ. From a Legacy graduate to a skilled employee, Devin has truly built his future from the ground up.

"I really like Operation Fresh Start," Devin said. "They gave me a lot, offered a lot, and (helped me) turn my life around."

We are incredibly proud of you, Devin. Your hard work speaks volumes—and this is just the beginning!

We're thrilled to celebrate Kai’s incredible journey—from joining Conservation Academy with zero outdoor experience to landing a job at LundinTree and becoming a standout young professional in the field!

Over the past nine months, Kai has shown unmatched growth, curiosity, and determination. As his supervisor Jake shared:

“Once Kai found something he was passionate about, he went after it like few others. He stepped into leadership, asked great questions, and came back stronger after every challenge.”

From being a self-described "computer kid” to now a conservation pro, Kai earned an impressive list of credentials, including:

• Chainsaw Safety Certification
• Pesticide Applicator License
• Wildland Fire Certifications
• OSHA-10
• Pre-Apprenticeship in Urban Forestry
• $500 Conservation Gear Scholarship to help launch his new career!

Cory, OFS Conservation Director, shared:

“Kai wrote a thank you letter that moved through Dane County Forestry all the way to leadership. It was genuine, heartfelt, and a perfect reflection of the kind of person Kai is.”

Kai reflected on his transformation, saying:



“Before OFS, I stayed inside, didn’t take care of myself… now I’m active, focused, and proud of where I’m going. I’m grateful for this program and everyone who supported me.”

Your dedication, humility, and passion for tree care will take you far. We’re proud to call you an OFS graduate and can’t wait to see how high you climb (literally)!

We’re proud to celebrate Danny, for graduating from the Build Academy progam and has officially joined the team at Sergenian's Floor Coverings!

Danny brought dedication, humor, and focus to every job site. As Build Academy Program Coordinator, Faith Neumann shared:

"Your positive attitude, steady determination and eagerness to learn have truly set you apart, whether it was framing a wall or solving a problem. You brought energy and positivity every single day."

Reflecting on his journey, Danny said:

“This program gave me the tools and the confidence to move forward. I’m just happy I was able to learn as much as I could here."



We’re excited to see where this next chapter leads. You’ve earned it, Danny—congrats on a job well done!

Congratulations to Nia for completing Build Academy and being hired at Sergenian's Floor Coverings!

Nia brought energy, consistency, and determination to every project. As Build Academy Coordinator, Faith Neumann noted:

“Your leadership, attention to detail, and resilience have been inspiring. You've built confidence, a sense of purpose, or wherever the journey takes you.”

Nia reflected:

“I was at a point in my life where I just wanted somebody to believe in me, and I knew Operation Fresh Start had those people who would give me the strength and the courage to keep going.”

We’re incredibly proud of you, Nia. Your future in the trades is bright!

Celebrating National Volunteer Week!

OFS recognized April 20-26 as National Volunteer Week, highlighting all of our wonderful volunteers who power OFS with their time, talents, and dedication.

Our amazing volunteers dedicate their time and energy to make an incredible impact on the young people we serve. Whether serving on the board, mentoring, tutoring, on a committee, helping in the library, assisting with construction, or supporting behind the scenes, they are a vital part of the OFS community.

During our 2024 fiscal year, our volunteers contributed a total of 1,589 hours—supporting our staff, mentoring participants, tutoring, serving on committees, and lending a hand wherever it was needed most.

Every hour made a difference, and every effort helped build brighter futures. Thank you for being part of our mission and our community!

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