We are so grateful for the ongoing support of the 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation, as this is their sixth year in supporting OFS with a matching gift opportunity.

Thanks to this matching gift opportunity, every dollar you give will be matched, helping us empower twice as many emerging adults to achieve self-sufficiency and build a brighter future.

Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of our community’s youth. Donate starting September 1st to maximize your impact!

OFS Block Party!

🎓CareerPoint Graduation🎓

This summer, Lydia Partee, Operation Fresh Start’s CareerPoint Coordinator, led a group of young professionals through the Essential Skills CareerPoint Curriculum: a six-week comprehensive program designed to enhance interpersonal communication, emotional intelligence, and customer service skills. This holistic approach aims to prepare participants not only for their immediate roles but also for long-term career growth.  

The four young professionals, Latange, Aniyah, Isis, and Tremane, graduated from the program on July 24. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including product knowledge, typing skills, and the importance of customer service.  

The 2024 Summer CareerPoint graduates interviewing with professional partners at the American Family Insurance DreamBank on July 24.

Lydia partnered with esteemed organizations such as Lake Ridge Bank, Summit Credit Union, UW Credit Union, Johnson Financial, and American Family Insurance to offer workshops that provided insights into company cultures, entry-level positions, and navigating challenging customer interactions. The four young adults interviewed with these companies at the conclusion of the program. 

In addition to workplace skills, CareerPoint also addressed critical issues like workplace harassment, with sessions led by the Rape Crisis Center, and voter education in collaboration with the City of Madison. Participants were also introduced to financial literacy and budgeting through thrifting exercises, further equipping them with practical life skills. 

Summer Trades Academy

🎓Graduation🎓

Operation Fresh Start (OFS) celebrated the graduation of six participants in the Summer Trades Academy on July 25, marking the culmination of a transformative six-week program designed to introduce recent high school graduates to the construction trades.  

The program, a collaboration between OFS and WRTP Big Step, provides young adults, ages 18-24 who have earned their high school diploma or equivalent, with hands-on experience and exposure to various trades, setting them on a path to promising careers. Each participant received a $100/week stipend during the six weeks. 

The six graduates, including Evelyn, Tatyana, Esáu, Leo, Eddie, and Dietrich, have shown exceptional commitment and eagerness to learn. Evelyn and Leo are joining OFS Build Academy, and Leo is expressing a particular interest in carpentry. Tatyana has secured a position as a cement mason with Parisi Construction, starting immediately. Esáu plans to pursue a business degree, Eddie has received a letter of introduction for the laborers, and Dietrich is also joining the Build Academy while looking to become a cement mason. 

🚴‍♂️ EUA Bike Ride 🚴‍♂️

OFS staff and board members assisted with a hydration station on the course and others supported by riding in the event, including our executive director, Brian McMahon. Afterward, bikers, sponsors, and volunteers enjoyed a networking dinner and silent auction.

Thank you so much to the generous donors for their contributions. We are also very grateful to EUA for selecting us alongside Journey House Construction and Design Academy and Valley Kids Foundation!

4th Annual OFS Gala

Building Transformational Relationships

Thursday, September 26, 2024, will be Operation Fresh Start’s 4th annual Gala! It will take place at the Goodman Community Center Brassworks Building.

This year, OFS is celebrating the transformational relationships that empower participants in our flagship program, Legacy. In this program, participants earn their high school diploma and other credentials while completing paid work in construction and conservation that directly benefits their community. Most importantly, they develop meaningful relationships with crew supervisors, teachers, transitions coordinators, and many others that last well beyond program completion.

We would like to give a BIG THANK YOU to all of our event sponsors.

If you are interested in attending, we have very limited seating still available, please email Jody Weyers, Development Director, at jweyers@operationfreshstart.org for more information.

Grainger Toolkit Donation

What an exciting visit last week from Grainger branch managers and some of their safety team to tour and deliver special gifts to OFS YouthBuild Legacy Participants! 

Grainger generously donated toolkits to our participants to aid them in their affordable housing construction work as part of a national partnership with YouthBuild USA. Our participants were so thankful to receive the high-quality personalized tools. The toolkit included a hammer, tape measurer, ear plugs, safety glasses, screwdriver, and a personalized note from Grainger employees!

“Our partnership with YouthBuild is all about empowering the next generation to succeed in the skilled trades and manufacturing logistics, which closely reflects the needs of the communities we serve,” said Elizabeth Valdez, Senior Community Impact Specialist, Grainger. "We’re proud to gift a personal toolkit to upcoming YouthBuild graduates from Dane County to help them confidently step into their new careers.”

We want to give a big thank you to Grainger for taking the time to meet with us and for building on our partnership with this incredibly generous gift!

🎓 Academy Graduations 🎓

Congratulations to Joseba from Build Academy for signing with JP Cullen and joining the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters.

OFS Build Academy Coordinator Faith Neumann said, "Joseba has been nothing but a breath of fresh air to work with since he joined our program."

Joseba came to OFS with two goals, to get his driver's license and start a job.

His supervisor, Rod, said, "His coworkers trust him and enjoy spending their workdays with him. Supervisors know that if they give him a task, he’s going to get it done. He’s got incredible aptitude, but it’s his character and the trust he’s built that got him hired. He makes OFS proud."

A JP Cullen representative said that Joseba shows up every day on time with a great attitude. His willingness to learn and strong work ethic are exactly what they’re looking for in an apprentice.

Congratulations, Joseba! We're excited to see all the amazing things you'll achieve! 🎉👏

Congratulations to Nicky for graduating from the OFS Build Academy and signing with Cleary Building Corp.!

Nicky completed his CPR/First-Aid training, OSHA 10 training, earned his driver’s license, and his pre-apprenticeship in carpentry.

Reflecting on his time at OFS, Nicky shared, "I got a lot of life skills out of here. I was struggling with stuff at home, and this place gave me all the support I needed. Working here got me through a lot."

Nicky found his stride despite initial nerves: "I was socially awkward and anxious at first, but working with the crew helped me grow. This experience has been huge for me—I finally feel like I know what I want."

“Nicky’s leadership and care were truly appreciated,” his Build Academy Supervisor, Joe, said. "You cared, you wanted to do it right, and you made it happen. We miss having you on the crew, but we know you’ll do great things."

Joe recalled working in freezing temperatures in winter and Nicky would bring the crew hot chocolate.

“That's just the guy he is,” Joe said. “So continue to be that person, and you’re going to go far.”



We’re proud of you, Nicky! Keep up the good work at Cleary!

🎓 Legacy Graduations 🎓

Congratulations to Aniya on graduating from the OFS Legacy Program!

Aniya’s Crew Supervisor, Taylor, said that she has shown unmatched commitment and dedication to the program since day one. She quickly became the conservation crew's go-to sweeper, meticulously ensuring that nothing was missed on site. With her keen eye for detail and relentless energy, Aniya was always the first one out of the van, tools in hand, ready to jump into work.

Aniya earned her high school diploma with Madison Metropolitan School District through our Legacy program. Additionally, she received an AmeriCorps Education Award for further education and her pre-apprenticeship readiness training certificate from the state of Wisconsin in Conservation and Urban Forestry.

“I trust Aniya wholeheartedly, and even in my absence, I know she is working diligently and helping others stay on track,” Taylor said. “She is someone who motivates and supports those around her. She is someone who truly cares for the well-being of her crew mates and always supports them.”

We’re thrilled that Aniya has decided to enroll in a second term at OFS, where she is planning to advance her skills with power tools, plant identification, and money management, while continuing to grow her leadership skills and get a jump start on her career plans.

Aniya has also secured an internship with the University of Wisconsin-Madison College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Labs—an exciting step toward her future career!

Aniya gave special thanks to her teachers, Justin and Laura, for igniting her love for reading and supporting her every step of the way.



Aniya, we’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see all you achieve next. Thank you for being such an inspiration, and here's to your bright future ahead!

Welcome new OFS staff

Consider a Lasting Legacy with Planned Giving

As you reflect on the values and causes that have shaped your life, consider leaving a legacy that will continue to make a difference for generations to come. By including Operation Fresh Start in your estate plans, you can help ensure that future generations of young adults receive the education, mentoring, and job training they need to achieve self-sufficiency and build brighter futures.

Planned giving allows you to support Operation Fresh Start in a way that aligns with your financial goals and personal values. Whether it’s a bequest in your will, a gift of stock, or a charitable trust, your thoughtful planning can create a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people.

Imagine the difference your legacy could make—a young person completing their education, gaining valuable work experience, and stepping confidently into a successful career, all because of your generosity.

If you would like to learn more about how you can include Operation Fresh Start in your estate plans, or if you’ve already made arrangements, we would love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure that your commitment to empowering youth will continue to thrive long into the future.

Thank you for considering a gift that will change lives for years to come.

Jody Weyers, Development Director, Operation Fresh Start

jweyers@operationfreshstart.org

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