December 2024 ♥ Thank you for reading and click here to support! | |
Building Bat Boxes with TC Energy | |
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OFS Legacy Conservation Crews installed three bat boxes at Edna Taylor Park in Madison, funded by a grant from TC Energy. These funds were provided to OFS to support environmental improvements following TC Energy’s maintenance around their right-of-way through the Madison Parks. The grant enabled OFS and the City of Madison Parks to collaborate on this project while providing valuable training opportunities for youth conservation crews.
Three OFS crews participated in designing and building 12-foot-tall collapsible wooden poles, installing the poles securely into the ground with gravel, and mounting the bat boxes at the top. The project emphasized teamwork, as transporting the 4”x6” beams to the worksite required multiple crew members to work together. Crew members also gained hands-on experience with power tools, such as drills, while attaching the bat boxes to the beams and installing the hardware for the collapsible poles.
These bat boxes will provide vital habitat for bats, whose numbers have decreased due to habitat loss from urbanization. Each box will house up to 75 bats (225 bats in total) and provide numerous benefits to the environment and the community. Bats eat large numbers of insects, including mosquitos, helping reduce the spread of disease and creating a more comfortable environment for the public.
This project improved the local environment and provided The Corps Network members with practical skills and collaborative work experience, reinforcing their growth and development in conservation and construction.
Thank you, TC Energy, for helping us empower youth while making our community a better place to live!
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Two Degrees of Separation: Jo Fernandez | |
Two Degrees of Separation is a new column we started in September dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of OFS alumni who are making a difference in the community. Through Two Degrees of Separation, we aim to celebrate these connections and illustrate the lasting impact OFS has on individuals and the communities they serve, as well as highlight that people in Dane County are within two degrees (versus six) away from an OFS connection. | |
Mindful Cleaning: How an OFS Alum is Transforming the Industry | |
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When most people think of a cleaning service, they envision someone quickly tidying up an already organized home, but for Jo Fernandez, owner of Mindful Cleaning Co., the purpose of her business goes beyond superficial cleaning.
Driven by her own experiences with ADHD and a chronic illness, Jo developed a cleaning service that prioritizes comfort and support over perfectionism—encouraging clients to welcome her into their spaces as they are, without any pre-cleaning.
As someone who has dealt with depression, Jo understands that just thinking about cleaning your house can be overwhelming. Her approach evolved from her challenges working with other cleaning companies, where a high-stress, fast-paced environment didn’t align with her desire for thoroughness and care.
“I lasted a week at a cleaning job before I quit,” Jo recalled. “It was too rushed, and I wanted to ensure I was doing a thorough job.”
This disconnect inspired her to create a service where clients can feel genuinely comfortable and supported, knowing she is there to help without judgment.
Based in Madison, Jo primarily serves clients throughout Dane County, but she’s willing to travel farther if needed. With a small yet growing client base, Jo customizes her services to each individual, whether they need a one-time deep clean, help with decluttering, or a regular cleaning schedule.
“Every client is unique, and I tailor my approach to fit exactly what they need,” she said.
She recognizes that her services aren’t a substitute for therapy or mental health assistance, but Jo believes her business provides a service that those professional services can’t.
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We're so proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the November cohort in the Drive Program!
Over two weeks, these individuals have given their all, preparing for the permit test and building the skills they need to succeed behind-the-wheel.
We're excited to announce that they completed the classroom portion of the program, and many of them have passed their permit tests!
Now, they are hitting the road for behind-the-wheel lessons!
Thank you to all our participants for making this cohort so special. You’ve set the bar high, and we're excited to see all the incredible things you'll achieve next!
We thank 4 Lakes Driving School for partnering with us and creating this opportunity for young adults to earn their licenses.
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Congratulations to Andre and Kallyn from the September Drive Cohort on earning their driver's licenses! Andre came to Drive as an OFS participant enrolled in the Build Academy program, and Kallyn came to Drive as a current UW-Madison student. Congrats to you both! | |
SAVE THE DATE:
OFS Open House - January 23, 2025
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Thank you 2MC Foundation! | |
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Thank you to the 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation (2MC Foundation) and our incredible community for driving transformational change in the lives of emerging adults!
We are deeply grateful to 2MC Foundation for their $25,000 challenge grant and to everyone who rose to the occasion to help us meet our goal. When you invest in Operation Fresh Start, you’re investing in the future of our entire community. Together, we’re creating opportunities where every young adult can succeed and thrive.
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Operation Fresh Start was honored to be a charity partner of the 18th annual EUA Beyond Design Bike Tour in August!
Thank you to the OFS staff, board members, and past board members who helped volunteer at a hydration station or signed up to ride to benefit OFS. We would also like to thank the many businesses who provided some wonderful items and experiences on our behalf for the silent auction!
Thank you, EUA, for choosing us to be part of this incredible event.
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Thank you to DEWALT for your wonderful donation of tools!
Tom Sobieski, a trades specialist with DeWalt, met with OFS staff to review our tool needs and went above and beyond, donating 80% of our needs list, saving us $3,000 and partnering with Advanced Fastening Supply for a BOGO deal, saving another $2,000.
With our construction crews growing from one to seven in just three years, this generosity helps us equip our participants with the tools they need to succeed.
Thank you, Tom, DeWalt, and Advanced Fastening Supply, for investing in our mission and empowering young adults!
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Thank you Faith Technologies! | |
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Thank you so much to the Madison Faith Technologies team members for choosing Operation Fresh Start again this year for your local giving campaign.
We deeply appreciate your generous $1,000 gift of support. We also thank you for coming over for a tour to learn more about how your funds will impact the lives of our young people and the community!
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Thank You to Hann's
Christmas Farm!
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We’re feeling extra festive this season thanks to the generous folks at Hann's Christmas Farm, who donated a beautiful tree to Operation Fresh Start!
Your kindness is helping us spread holiday cheer to our participants and staff, creating a warm and welcoming space for all.
Thank you for supporting our mission and making this season bright!
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United Way Internal Campaign | |
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It was so rewarding to have led the OFS internal campaign for the United Way of Dane County this year!
This was an amazing opportunity to continue learning more about the important work the United Way does in our community. We are excited to have raised over $160 for the United Way through our staff and participant coin challenge and over $800 through staff pledge forms!
This was a great way to give back to an organization that we are so proud to partner with, and we are grateful for all the support they have shown us. Great job, everyone!
-Nina Zarrillo, Development Specialist
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(Left-right): Marco Barbosa, United Way Loaned Executive, and Nina Zarrillo, OFS Development Specialist. | | |
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Congratulations to Trey on graduating from Legacy and receiving her high school diploma!
On Tuesday, Nov 26, we celebrated Trey, who graduated ahead of schedule and started in December! 🎉 Trey has earned the title of Facilities Maintenance Worker-Trainer with the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District!
Trey’s supervisor, Miles, said that from day one, she has shown incredible resilience and growth. Despite facing personal challenges and loss, she came to the program committed to improving herself—working on self-confidence, patience, and motivation. She didn’t shy away from the hard work, using those challenges to fuel her drive for personal growth.
“I remember her first day on the crew... building raised beds for a community center," Miles said. "It wasn’t easy for Trey, but she pushed through, asking to work through lunch to learn."
Trey’s journey wasn’t just about learning new skills—it was also about emotional growth. She worked hard to build patience, and through tough conversations and moments of reflection, she grew into an incredible leader. The amount of self-awareness and maturity she’s shown has been inspiring for everyone around her.
Trey shared some words of wisdom at her graduation.
"Show up every day,” she said. “Believe in yourself. You’re capable of anything you put your mind to."
In addition to her diploma, she earned a pre-apprenticeship readiness training certificate in carpentry and an AmeriCorps Education Award for further education from her YouthBuild Global service hours.
Trey, we’re beyond proud of everything you’ve accomplished, and we know you will do amazing things in this next chapter of your life. We’re going to miss you, but we know you’re going to continue shining. Congratulations on this huge achievement—this is just the beginning!
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On Wednesday, December 11, we celebrated David for graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from MMSD!
David’s energy, determination, and genuine heart left a lasting impact on everyone around him.
"From the moment he joined our crew, his presence was known with his loud personality and his infectious energy," David's supervisor, Taylor, said. "David made every day on-site unforgettable. You always knew when David was around, his presence was undeniable, and his ability to shift the mood of the crew just by showing up is something I'll always admire."
Taylor added that she watched him "grow immensely" as an individual and a leader.
"It's been a very long journey coming to OFS," David said. "It was tough, but I made it, and I'm very happy that I got through it with everybody, especially my crew - they helped me so much. I really appreciate you guys at OFS."
Additionally, David earned an AmeriCorps Education Award for his Corps Network service hours, which he can use for further education, and a pre-apprenticeship certificate in urban forestry from the state of Wisconsin.
Congratulations David!
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On Thursday, December 12, we congratulated Skyler, a hardworking and determined young man, for graduating OFS Legacy and earning his high school diploma from the Mount Horeb Area School District!
From fixing tools on-site with his mechanical skills to learning new trades and overcoming challenges, Skyler's journey is nothing short of inspiring.
Skyler came to OFS with mechanical experience working on his grandpa's farm. His crew supervisor, Tom, said that they would often lean on Skyler to repair tools and machines on site.
"If something broke down, we would get Skyler, and he'd probably fix it," Tom said.
Starting at OFS, Skyler saw this as his last shot to earn a diploma—and he made the most of it!
"The first couple of weeks at OFS, I was really struggling, trying to meet new people and just realizing what was going on here," Skyler said. "After some time, I met new friends and heard their stories about why they came to OFS."
Through perseverance and the support of his crew and mentors, Skyler grew into a skilled worker and a confident individual ready to take on the future.
"Tom's crew helped me improve, like working through the snowfall and sloppy mud," Skyler said. "He also helped me open up about how I truly felt, knowing I wouldn’t get judged."
Skyler leaves OFS with his high school diploma , a pre-apprenticeship certificate in carpentry, and an AmeriCorps Education Award for his YouthBuild Global service.
Skyler set an example, showing us the power of resilience and community.
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On Monday, December 16, we had the incredible honor of celebrating Tori for graduating from the OFS Legacy Program and earning her high school diploma from MMSD!
Throughout her time at OFS, Tori showed up every single day with determination, growth, and an unwavering drive to become the best version of herself.
“At no point during her term was Tori coasting," her supervisor, Nate, said. "She showed up every day with a desire to get better, to help those around her, and to keep learning.”
Tori’s story is one of resilience and strength. She shared openly about overcoming challenges in her life, facing addiction head-on, and making the courageous choice to keep moving forward—toward her education, her career, and a brighter future.
Through OFS, she gained skills, confidence, routine, and a powerful sense of purpose. In addition to her diploma, Tori earned a pre-apprenticeship certificate in urban forestry and an AmeriCorps Education Award.
Tori’s impact on her team and OFS as a whole cannot be overstated. Her authenticity, care for others, and no-nonsense attitude brought her crew closer together and set an example for everyone around her.
Nate joked about Tori’s habit of asking questions so profound that even he didn’t have the answers.
“It’s rare to work with someone who challenges you and inspires you at the same time,” he said. “But Tori did just that.”
Tori leaves behind a legacy of hope and growth as she moves into her own apartment and begins studying phlebotomy at Madison College.
“After OFS, I finally have hope for my future, and that is thanks to everyone in this building,” Tori said.
Congratulations, Tori! Your OFS family is so proud of you, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish next.
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Conservation Academy Success | |
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At Operation Fresh Start, we’re always excited to see our graduates excel, and Chris’ story is a shining example of hard work and dedication leading to success.
Chris joined the Conservation Academy in the fall of 2023, where he quickly immersed himself in hands-on conservation work. Starting with seed collection, he progressed to winter tree identification and chainsaw training, earned his Wildland Firefighter certification in the spring, and mastered herbicide application by late spring. These experiences gave him vital skills, including chainsaw handling, prescribed fire management, plant identification, and certifications.
After completing the program in May 2024, Chris and his partner decided to move to Sheboygan. With help from his OFS supervisor, Jake, he secured a position at Hoppe Tree Service in June.
“Chris came in with a level of maturity and focus that is great to see,” Jake said. “He had a clear vision and hit the ground running. He stepped up as a leader from very early on in his term. Chris has strong values and cares about the land and those around him.”
Chris thrives as a groundsman at Hoppe, operating heavy equipment, managing brushes, and working with a meticulous, supportive crew.
Chris credits the Conservation Academy with sparking his passion for outdoor work and giving him the foundational skills needed to be a professional.
“Trying to get into this field is hard, but OFS helps you gain the experience you need,” Chris said. “OFS also taught me there’s always more to learn."
From the camaraderie of working with his crew at OFS to building a career he loves, Chris’ journey underscores the transformative power of hard work, support, and skill-building opportunities.
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Christ (right) with DNR Conservation Warden Austin Schumacher (left). | |
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Since joining Operation Fresh Start in 2021, Nick has shown immense growth, determination, and a strong commitment to improving his community and the environment.
After completing his high school diploma through our Legacy Program in 2021, Nick returned in 2023 for our Conservation Academy, where he gained hands-on experience and crucial certifications in areas like pesticide application and chainsaw operation.
"Nick took his opportunity here seriously," Conservation Academy Supervisor Jake Norman said. "He worked hard, asked questions, and really thought about what he wanted his future to look like and what steps to take to get there. During his time on the crew, he was always dependable and just a real pleasure to have in the program."
His hard work and dedication led him to a role with the Dane County Parks system, where he became a Land Restoration Specialist (LTE). He's been an integral part of the team, from controlled burns in the spring to weed management, seed collection, and tree cutting throughout the year.
In fact, one of Nick's favorite aspects of his work is cutting trees—he describes it as a “puzzle, where every tree is different,” and the satisfaction of safely bringing down a giant tree is unmatched. But it's more than just about the trees for him—he finds deep fulfillment in restoring the land, maintaining green spaces, and doing his part to help the world.
This month marks the end of his current role with the county, but he's already moving on to a new challenge: a position with the park’s Forestry Department. He’s excited to continue his work and further develop his expertise as he pursues a career as an arborist.
His goal is to gain even more experience with trees and eventually move into restoration work involving trees and other plants while working with prairies and woodlands.
Thanks to his time at OFS, Nick feels well-prepared for his new role.
"OFS holds a high standard," he said. "It taught me the right things and instilled a strong work ethic. They gave me a reason to get up every morning.”
Today, he's thriving—taking urban forestry courses at Madison College, working toward his certification as an arborist, and already making a big impact in his community. He also credits OFS for helping him avoid the path he feared, providing him with the support and opportunities that kept him on track.
"All of us at OFS are incredibly proud of Nick and the work he has done and the changes he has made since first joining OFS," Jake said. "I always look forward to catching up with Nick and can’t wait to see what he can build for himself in the future.
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Recent Conservation Academy participants (left-right) Chris, Keenih and Nick. | |
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Operation Fresh Start will be closed Wednesday, December 25, through Wednesday, January 1, for the holiday break!
If you’d like to make a year-end donation, please visit operationfreshstart.org/donate. To make a gift in person, you can call Jody Weyers, Development Director, at 920-619-8387.
If you are a participant and need assistance, please call Cory Rich at 608-206-2876.
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🎄 Make a Difference This Holiday Season 🎄
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As the year comes to a close, your support can spark a brighter future for young people in our community. Your end-of-year gift helps provide life-changing opportunities and ensures our programs continue to transform lives. Give the gift of hope and possibility today—because everyone deserves a fresh start.
We also want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for our amazing community, participants, alumni, supporters, and staff. Together, we’ve made 2024 a year of growth, resilience, and incredible accomplishments.
From all of us at Operation Fresh Start, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with peace, love, and laughter. May the new year bring fresh opportunities, cherished moments, and continued success for everyone.
Thank you for being part of the OFS family. Here’s to a bright and hopeful 2025! 🌟
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Thank you for helping OFS empower emerging adults on their path to self-sufficiency! | |
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