"We are a community that believes young people are not problems to be solved. They are assets to be invested in. And when we come together, opportunities grow. Confidence grows. Skills grow. Purpose grows. And when one young person moves forward, our entire community moves forward with them. That is what Building Futures Together means to me." - Brian McMahon

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Operation Fresh Start hosted the Building Our Futures Together 2026 Gala at the Monona Terrace! We thank the 307 people who attended to celebrate OFS participants, staff, award recipients, and partners. Thank you to our sponsors, community supporters, and volunteers for showing up and believing in our work and our participants!

The gala highlighted the transformative impact of OFS’s programs on emerging adults in Dane County, celebrating the achievements of participants in the Legacy, Academy, and Empowerment Programs, and honoring the dedication of staff, community partners, and supporters. Through inspiring stories, award presentations, and recognition of both individual and collective accomplishments, the event showcased how education, mentorship, and hands-on training empower young people to build brighter futures and strengthen the community.

Group photo of OFS current and former staff, board members, and participants at the gala.

Legacy Participant of the Year

Nahndo Medina Rodriguez

When Nahndo joined Norm's Legacy construction crew, he was shy and quiet. However, Nahndo quickly grew into a leader. For him, leadership wasn't about speaking loudly, but about leading by example, showing everyone else what hard work and discipline look like. Now he is in Tier 2 Build Academy, where his strong work ethic has again established him as a leader amongst his peers.

"Before Operation Fresh Start, I wasn't thinking about my career, but now I graduated high school and I'm in Build Academy working towards a career in construction," Nahndo said. "I've learned to speak up and ask for help. Showing up matters. I learned something new everyday."

Academy Participant of the Year

Norberto Trigueros



Norberto came to OFS in 2025, determined to succeed in the trades. He never called in sick, always maintained a positive attitude, and consistently demonstrated dedication, loyalty, and a deep commitment to his family and others. This led to him earning a Masonry Apprenticeship with Findorff.

"When I first joined OFS, I was struggling, but Joe (Build Academy Supervisor) took the time to talk to me one-on-one, corrected me, and all it took was that one conversation to turn my life around," Norberto said.

"I also want to thank the wonderful people I work with at Findorff for changing my life for the better."

Empowerment Programs

Participant of the Year

Danasia McNeal

Danasia is a proud graduate of the CareerPoint Early Childhood Education program and a wonderful example of determination, perseverance, and purpose. Over the past year, she earned her driver's license, purchased her own vehicle, and began her career at Reach Dane, quickly advancing to lead her own classroom. Known to her students as "Ms. D," she creates a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to learn.

"I'm thankful that my dedication and growth was recognized, and I truly appreciate all the opportunities and support Operation Fresh Start has given me," Danasia said.

Charles Jackson

Transformation Award

Mack Rimson



Mack is a true example of having determination and heart. Joining OFS in 2022, he quickly became known for his kindness, positive attitude, and willingness to take on any challenge. During his time at OFS, Mack earned his driver's license and graduated from Build Academy. Today, Mack is thriving at L&W Supply, where his reliability and strong work ethic continue to shine. His perseverance and commitment to family make him a deserving recipient of this honor.

"Right out of high school, I always wanted to do construction," Mack said. "OFS helped me start my career, and I am very grateful for that."

Leadership Award

Jim Schumacher - Epic



Jim is a humble leader who gets things done and has been a tremendous champion for OFS and our young people. In his role overseeing Epic's global building efforts, Jim has connected our Build Academy crews with leading construction firms and employers on major projects at Epic's Verona Headquarters, providing hands-on training, industry exposure, and career connections.

Jim also facilitated OFS gaining access to Epic’s former headquarters, creating new opportunities to serve more young people on the west-side of Madison. Jim believes everyone deserves a chance, and his commitment to young people is helping build the future our community needs.

"Many people have given me an opportunity and led me when I thought I deserved less," Jim said. "I was being led by great leaders when I had no desire. My goal has been to ensure that others are afforded the same opportunities that I was given. Operation Fresh Start has provided another avenue for me to give back."

Community Collaboration Award

Anesis



Since 2016, Anesis Therapy, founded by Myra McNair, has provided culturally sensitive, visionary mental health care to Dane County. One of the many things that sets Anesis apart is that its staff reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, and we at OFS are proud to be part of that community.

As we walk alongside our young people on their journey to self-sufficiency, it's imperative that we have conversations with them about the importance of taking care of their mental health and connect them with an organization that understands their experiences.

"This partnership with Operation Fresh Start has been so meaningful," Myra said. "It's about more than delivering services. It's about creating an environment where young people feel seen, heard, and valued. It is about helping them feel that they are understood and cared for. What I like about OFS is that they know young people need support in other ways... careers matter, but their mental health matters as well."

Jim Sanders Heart of the Mission Award

Elizabeth Lynch

Elizabeth has been part of the bedrock of OFS for more than 20 years. As our Accounting Assistant, she's made the finance office a place where staff and participants know they'll find solutions. For Elizabeth, the answer is never "we can't do that," but rather, "let's figure out a way." Beyond her detail-oriented bookkeeping, she's always gone the extra mile to help participants grow, guiding them through everything from opening a bank account to building credit and purchasing their first car. She lives the mission of OFS every day, one solution at a time.

"I'm here for every participant that walked through the door," Elizabeth said. "I'm here for every partner that ever worked for Operation Fresh Start. I'm here for the board of directors who keep pushing to make this organization a strong presence in this community. I'm here for the staff who work in the heat, the cold, and the rain. You have all encouraged me to keep going, keep my commitment to those young people, to continue to build the OFS community, and continue to doing the work even when it's overwhelming."

Connie Ferris Bailey Cornerstone Award

JP Cullen

JP Cullen became a true partner to OFS, bringing expertise, resources, and a willingness to help wherever needed. They have strengthened our construction training, provided real-world training and job-shadowing opportunities on major projects at Epic and UW Health, and hired OFS graduates into apprenticeships.

They have welcomed OFS into their organization, engaged their staff, served on OFS committees, and generously invested in our young people. Their partnership is helping expand opportunities and build brighter futures for the young people we serve.

"OFS is changing all of our lives in remarkable ways," Laura Cullen said. "This recognition reflects one of our core beliefs: partnership. We feel incredibly inspired and proud to be connected to this organization. We hear directly from the participants how much OFS means to them and how it is changing the direction of their lives. OFS crews have been part of our JP Cullen team at UW Health and Epic. They all have a positive attitude and a willingness to try anything."

Thank you Melissa Behling, The Dog Edit for event photos!

Thank you!

Thank You, State Senator

Melissa Ratcliff!

Thank you to Senator Melissa Ratcliff from District 16 for sharing your wonderful remarks at our Gala!

"Operation Fresh Start doesn’t define young people by where they started, the challenges they’ve faced, or the mistakes they’ve made. It asks a different question: 'Where do you want to go and how can we help you get there?' That is the kind of Wisconsin I know, that I grew up with and that I know Operation Fresh Start helps build."

Thank You to our emcee,

Dan Terrio!

Thank you to Dan Terrio, Area Extension Director for the UW Extension, for volunteering to be our emcee again this year!

Dan recently joined UW Extension after working for Milwaukee County for five years. He has 25 years of experience in public speaking, freelance event planning, organizational fundraising, marketing, leadership, and organizational development.

Ways to Donate

Jeff Russell, OFS Board President (left) with Jill and Pete Lundberg.

Every dollar helps provide guidance, education, and hands-on experience that empowers emerging adults to build brighter futures. Together, we can open doors of opportunity and change lives.

Thank you to everyone for believing in our mission and those who gave generously at the Gala or plan to in the months ahead!

If you'd like to see the impact of your support firsthand, we warmly invite you to come for a tour, join us for a graduation or volunteer with our crews!

We'd like to thank 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation for a $25,000 match through September 30, 2026! You still have today to be part of the match!

2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation is the community outreach arm of 2nd Market Capital Advisory Corporation. They created the foundation in 2018 to provide support to organizations committed to improving the lives of young people in our community.

They believe the best way to enable all children to succeed in school, careers, and life is to provide access to educational and economic opportunities.

Thank you 2MC Foundation for this very generous gift for the eighth year in a row. We appreciate their commitment and dedication to emerging adults in our community!

Save the Date: OFS 7th Annual Gala, September 30, 2027!

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