Participant Signing Spotlight | |
Spring is hiring season!
For our Build Academy and Conservation Academy participants, this time of year is popular for hiring. We’re excited to spotlight three participants who have already taken that next step, securing jobs and putting their skills into action!
| Stella: City of Madison Engineering | | |
Congratulations, Stella, on getting hired by the City of Madison Engineering as a Level II Ecologist!
OFS held a signing day as participants and staff celebrated Stella with her family, community partners, city employees and even the City of Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway and Deputy Mayor Katie Crawley!
“I’m really delighted that Stella is going to be coming to the city to work with us,” Rhodes-Conway said. “It’s our partnerships with places like Operation Fresh Start that allow us to bring in a diverse workforce, well-trained for great opportunities. These partnerships have helped us hire absolutely excellent people like Stella."
Stella's supervisor, Jake, saw Stella's growth up close:
“She showed up every day ready to learn and ready to work. Stella is someone who has built opportunities for the people who will come after her. She wanted to make people feel like they had a place in the outdoors, and she's done that.”
For Stella, discovering her new passion was simple:
“Nature has always been intertwined in my life. In Conservation Academy, I found a deeper connection with the land… this is what I want to do with my life.”
Additionally, Stella plans to attend UW-Stevens Point in the fall to further her conservation career.
Join us in celebrating Stella!
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Congratulations, David, on getting hired by JP Cullen as a Mason Apprentice!
From day one, David stood out for his reliability and drive:
“From the moment David stepped onto a job site, it was clear he was someone you could count on," Program Coordinator Faith said.
"He set the tone for what it means to be dependable.”
His impact was clear:
“The positive attitude… the wanting to learn… You were in it, figuring it out every step of the way," David's supervisor, Joe, said.
What really sets him apart?
“He doesn’t have the strongest skill set yet, but he has the drive," Mental Toughness Trainer Mike said. "He has the vision. And he’s going to get there.”
David reflected on his time at Operation Fresh Start.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support… not just helping me as a worker, but helping me grow as a person.”
This is what it’s all about. Showing up, putting in the work, and building a future.
Congratulations, David! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
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Congratulations, Clark, on getting hired by Dave Jones as a Plumber Pre-Apprentice!
Clark showed up with commitment and consistency, missing just one (planned) day the entire program. As his supervisor Gene shared:
“Nothing mattered to him about the cold (weather)… he was focused, he wanted to learn, and he asked questions.”
That mindset carried through everything he did—not just in his own work, but in how he showed up for others.
“He went above and beyond... teaching new participants and helping lead the crew,” Gene said.
Clark’s growth didn’t happen overnight. It came from pushing through challenges, building confidence, and staying committed to his goal. As his supervisor Joe reflected:
“You care much more than most… you care about doing a good job, getting it right, and being there for others.”
And Clark never lost sight of what he was working toward. In his own words:
“I’m really, really glad that they were able to accept me.”
Now he’s stepping into the career he set his sights on and we couldn’t be more proud.
Clark, your hard work, leadership, and determination have set you up for success. We can’t wait to see what you build next!
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Congratulations to Jonathan for completing the Legacy Program and earning his high school diploma from the Sun Prairie Area School District!
Strength is not measured only by physical ability, but also by growth, resilience, and character. Throughout his time at Operation Fresh Start, Jonathan consistently demonstrated determination and reliability.
“He kept his head down and did the work," his Supervisor, Taylor, said. "I could always count on him.”
His growth extended far beyond the job site, reflecting a deeper level of perseverance and self-awareness:
“Your strength isn’t just physical, it’s in your willingness to ask for help, to grow, and to keep showing up,” Taylor added.
Despite challenges, Jonathan remained committed, and his effort and character did not go unnoticed. Reflecting on his journey, Jonathan shared:
“I really appreciate everyone at OFS. They helped me grow not just as a worker, but as a person.”
Jonathan leaves the program with the skills, confidence, and resilience to continue building his future. We are proud to celebrate his important milestone!
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Congratulations to Ollie for completing the Legacy Program and earning her high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!
Right off the bat, Ollie showed what it means to keep going, no matter the challenge. As her Supervisor Taylor shared so powerfully:
“One word defines Ollie: resilience. No matter the challenge… she stayed the course.”
Through heat, cold, mud, and moments that would have made anyone quit, Ollie kept showing up fully present and determined.
Even in the toughest moments, she brought light. That mindset didn’t just carry her through; it lifted everyone around her.
Ollie reflected on her journey with honesty and strength:
“I had some tough days… but I definitely accomplished a lot. I learned a lot. I grew… and I gained a lot of peace.”
And perhaps the most powerful reminder she gave:
“It doesn’t stop here. It’s only bigger and better.”
She also received an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award and a State Pre-Apprenticeship in Conservation and Urban Forestry.
We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see where your journey leads next!
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Congratulations to Niyah for completing the Legacy Program!
During Niyah's time at OFS, she completed over 1,000 hours of AmeriCorps service, earned a pre-apprenticeship in Conservation and Urban Forestry, and earned her diploma from Madison Metropolitan School District, but her impact goes far beyond that.
As her supervisor, Jade shared:
“Niyah is someone who keeps her head down, shows up ready to work, and gets it done… small but mighty.”
Through hot summers, freezing days, and tough conditions, she never backed down:
“Not many people could have done what you did," Jade said. "Coming back day after day, ready to work hard.”
Niyah’s quiet leadership spoke volumes, setting the standard for those around her.
“I didn’t think I was gonna do it… But I did.”
That perseverance, that courage, and that belief in herself are what this moment is all about. We are so proud of you!
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Congratulations to Maliyah for completing the Legacy Program and earning her high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!
Maliyah’s journey is one of growth, accountability, and quiet strength. As her supervisor, Taylor shared:
“She turned her attendance around… that doesn’t happen by accident. That’s a decision.”
Through early mornings, long days, and real-life responsibilities, Maliyah kept showing up:
“She carries her challenges quietly… and yet keeps moving forward. There’s a quiet strength in that.”
The best way to describe her? In Maliyah's own words:
“I’m a Rottweiler.”
Fierce. Loyal. Strong. And full of heart.
Maliyah reflected on her journey with honesty and courage:
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was getting comfortable with being uncomfortable… and knowing there’s always room to learn.”
That mindset is exactly what got her here.
Maliyah, we are so proud of you. Your future is bright, and this is just the beginning!
| | More Than Training: How CareerPoint Prepared Eight Women for Healthcare Careers | | The CareePoint Healthcare graduates at the Overture Center. Pictured (L-R): (1st row) Janiece and Jazmin. (2nd row) Karen and Damani. (3rd Row) Daishelle and Shay. (4th row) CareerPoint Coordinator Nicole Knox and Kaleah. Not pictured: Olandriya. | | |
In our latest blog, we highlight how CareerPoint is helping open doors for young professionals pursuing careers in healthcare. This story follows a cohort of eight women who gained more than just technical skills. They built confidence, community, and a clear path forward.
From hands-on training to real career opportunities, this program is creating lasting impact.
Read how these women are stepping into the healthcare field and building brighter futures.
| | Shoutout to our newest Drive Cohort! | | All eight participants in our March Drive Cohort passed their learner's permit test! Additionally, they just completed their second of five behind the wheel lessons on their journey to earn their licenses! | | OFS Joins Habitat's Community Conversation on Affordable Housing | | Pictured (L-R): Panelist Becky Binz from the City of Sun Prairie, moderator Jim Malewitz from Wisconsin Watch, and panelists Tiffany Malone from Own It: Building Black Wealth, Brian McMahon from Operation Fresh Start, and Eric Willman from Veridian Homes. | | |
Operation Fresh Start’s Executive Director, Brian McMahon, recently joined a panel hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Dane County for "Turning the Key to Homeownership," a community conversation focused on expanding access to affordable housing.
The event brought together leaders from business, government, and the nonprofit sector to discuss barriers to homeownership and real solutions for Dane County. It was a great event and a valuable opportunity to connect across sectors and highlight how workforce development and housing are deeply connected.
Conversations like this move ideas into action, and strengthen the partnerships needed to ensure more people have a safe, affordable place to call home!
| | Partnering with Community Restorative Court to Create Second Chances | | The Dane County Community Restorative Court Staff (L-R): Program Leader Donnetta Foxx, Social Worker Riley Bremmer, Social Worker Rebeca Repaal, Social Worker Supervisor Stephanie Marino, Data Analyst Michele Johnson, Program Leader Teresa Tellez-Giron, and Program Leader Jackie Hammond. | | |
What happens when accountability is paired with opportunity? In our latest blog, we highlight the partnership between Operation Fresh Start and the Dane County Community Restorative Court, an approach that gives young people a chance to repair harm, avoid deeper involvement in the justice system, and move forward with purpose.
Through this collaboration, participants build skills, reconnect with their community, and take meaningful steps toward education and employment. It’s a model rooted in second chances and real outcomes.
Read the full story to see how this partnership is helping young adults choose a different path forward!
| | You’re Invited: Build Academy Home Celebration! | | |
Join us as we celebrate the completion of a home built by Operation Fresh Start participants through our Build Academy program.
This milestone represents months of hard work, skill-building, and growth, culminating in a home that will serve a family in our community.
📍 1061 Kamperschroer Way, Sun Prairie, WI
📅 May 28, 2026
🕝 Tours at 2:30 PM | Program at 3:00 PM
Come see the finished home, meet the team behind the build, and celebrate what’s possible when young adults are given the opportunity to succeed.
We hope to see you there!
| | Save the Date: 2026 Annual OFS Gala | | |
The 6th Annual OFS Gala is Thursday, September 17, 2,026, from 5-8 p.m. at the Monona Terrace! This year's theme will be Celebrating Partnerships, reflecting the many meaningful and longstanding relationships that make our work possible and support the young people and community we serve.
Contact our Development Director, Jody Weyers, if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities!
| | Donate through Amazon Wishlist | | |
Warmer days are coming and our crews can use your help!
As we head into the summer season, our construction and conservation crews are out in the elements every day, building affordable housing and restoring our natural spaces.
To keep everyone safe, healthy, and ready to do this important work, we’re looking to stock up on a few essentials.
Top needs right now are bug spray and sunscreen.
These simple items make a huge difference when you’re working long hours outdoors in the heat, sun, and tall grasses. Every donation supports our crews as they serve the community and the environment.
Thank you for helping us protect the people who are out there making a difference every single day!
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Thank you for helping OFS empower emerging adults on their path to self-sufficiency! | | ✉️ Did a friend forward this to you? Sign up for monthly newsletters! | | | | |
