Left-Right: (Back) Carlos Rubio (Dane County Parks/OFS Alum), Shane Otto (Dane County Parks Botanist/Naturalist), Nick Holden (Dane County Parks/OFS Alum), Cory Rich (OFS Director of Legacy and Conservation), Brian McMahon (OFS Executive Director), (Front) Ian Williams-Lohr (OFS Legacy Conservation Crew Supervisor, OFS Alum), and Ryan Brockner (Former OFS Conservation Supervisor).

Thursday, September 26, 2024, Operation Fresh Start hosted the Building Transformational Relationships Gala at Goodman Community Center! We thank the 200 people who attended to celebrate OFS participants, staff, and award winners. Thank you to our sponsors, community supporters, and volunteers for showing up and believing in the work and our participants!

The gala highlighted OFS's flagship AmeriCorps program, Legacy. Legacy participants work towards earning their high school diploma and take real-world steps toward their career plans. In addition to completing academic work, our participants spend most of their time learning hands-on employment training as YouthBuild members, building affordable housing or improving Dane County and City of Madison parks and other natural areas through conservation projects as Corps Network members. 

While all of our nine programs help emerging adults start life-sustaining careers, these programs especially help them navigate life through mentorship, self-confidence, and personal accountability.

With the communities support, OFS will continue its legacy of empowering emerging adults in Dane County! Scroll on to view our award winners, pictures, and additional highlights!

Legacy Participant of the Year

Kasion Grayson

“I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was having Kasion on my crew. He is the epitome of someone you would want working on your team," Kasion's OFS Legacy Conservation Supervisor Ian said.

After graduating from OFS, Kasion got a job working at Reach Dane, a local organization that provides high-quality early childhood services.

“I think his move to Reach Dane is fantastic. It fits him working with kids—he’s so kind, understanding, and patient," Ian said.

Academy Participant of the Year

Keenih Allen-Wallace

"A year ago I could not imagine myself here today accepting this award. Being in an environment where I was held accountable and meeting me where I was at, while at the same time being pushed to where I could be, supported me in building discipline, drive, passion, good work ethic, love for community, and capacity as a professional." Keenih said.

Empowerment Programs

Participant of the Year

Breeah Hawkins

"CareerScape pushed and pulled me in many directions regarding career possibilities but ultimately landed me in healthcare, where I now proudly represent UW Health as a medical assistant. Being with OFS set me up to handle this position, where not only am I the first face my patients see, but I’m often their first real conversation at the clinic. Accepting this award honors my resilience and the will to never give up on myself," Breeah said.

Leadership Award

Erich Eifler

"This past year, our participants showed an average growth of three grade levels in reading and writing and 25 credit-deficient juniors graduated within four years. This success can be traced back to Eric's steadfast commitment and vision. He's been pivotal in ensuring our programs meet the diverse needs of our students. Eric's passion for education, dedication to emerging adults, and ability to inspire those around him is contagious," said Executive Director Brian McMahon.

Charles Jackson

Transformation Award

Ian Williams-Lohr

"Growing up, I had some struggles in school," Ian said. "I had a learning disability called dyslexia, which made school a little bit more difficult for me."

Not only did Ian overcome his hurdles as an OFS participant, but he returned to OFS as a crew supervisor in 2023.

"I’d like to thank all the staff members who nominated me for this award, and a big shout out to my crew members—they keep me motivated," Ian said.

Community Collaboration Award

UW Credit Union

"UW Credit Union has been more than just a financial partner to us. They've leveraged their community connections, shared the incredible talents of their staff, and opened doors to new partnerships. Most recently, they've taken a step further by hiring a participant from OFS, showing their deep commitment to fostering opportunities and growth in our community." said Jasmine Banks, Deputy Director of Empowerment and Strategic Planning.

Connie Ferris Bailey Cornerstone Award

Dane County Parks

"When we launched Conservation Academy in 2021, Dane County Parks was the first major organization to step up, signing on as our initial contract partner. Their involvement helped open doors for others to see the potential of our vision, developing pathways into the Conservation and Natural Resource Management workforce for young adults. They've hired several of our program graduates into life-changing jobs," said Cory Rich, Director of Legacy and Conservation.

Thank you to our emcee, Ali Muldrow!

Ali is a parent of three little girls, she is a partner, she is the treasurer of the MMSD Board of Education, and the Wednesday host of a "Public Affair" on WORT 89.9 FM. She is the Executive Director for WAF, a state-wide nonprofit that works to promote reproductive health and abortion access. She was the 2018 recipient of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award. She was also the Inaugural recipient of the Progress Center’s Collaborator of the Year award, and she has been voted Madison‘s favorite activist twice.

Thank you Melissa Behling for event photos!

Double Your Impact

Jody Weyers, OFS Development Director with Simon Bowler, Chief Communication Officer, from 2nd Market Capital Advisory Corporation

At the gala, 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation announced a $25,000 match through December 1, 2024!

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 sixth year in a row. We appreciate their commitment and dedication to emerging adults in our community!

Help us reach our match! Every donation received now through December 1 will have double the impact thanks to this match.

Thank you, Festival!

Thank you to Festival Foods for their generous donation of more than 200 delicious killer brownies for dessert!

Thank You To All Sponsors

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