December 2025 ♥ Thank you for reading! | | OFS Partners with STEP-UP Solar to Launch Solar Training Initiative | | |
This month, a dedicated group of OFS participants completed 40 hours of Commercial & Residential Solar Installation Training — an incredible milestone toward entering one of the fastest-growing career fields in the nation.
Under the expert guidance of Matt McCarthy, Director of Workforce Training at STEP-UP Solar, participants spent the week learning hands-on skills, safety practices, and real-world installation techniques that prepare them for high-demand, living-wage jobs.
This was the first cohort of many to come as OFS commits to investing in the solar industry. A huge thank you to Matt and Step Up Solar for partnering with OFS to provide this transformative opportunity for young people. Together, we’re helping build strong careers and a more sustainable future!
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We’re honored to be featured in Madison Commons in an article by Kat Hans, highlighting how Operation Fresh Start helps young adults build stability, earn credentials, and step confidently into their futures.
Kat captured the heart of our mission and lifted the voices of the young people working hard to create new opportunities for themselves.
A huge thank-you to Kat Hans for telling this story with care, and to Madison Commons for elevating the impact happening here in Dane County.
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Pictured (L-R): Congratulations to Shaniyah, Nariyah, and Kimberly!
These three incredible young women are some of the recent participants in our Drive Program who have earned their driver’s licenses! Their determination, hard work, and commitment to independence paid off in a big way.
We would also like to extend a very special thank you to our longtime partner, 4 Lakes Driving School, for making these milestones possible year after year. Your support helps young people gain confidence, mobility, and access to opportunity.
| | The recent snow has provided enough coverage for our conservation crews to start their burn season. A highlight for many participants, crews are clearing out and burning brush piles all month across the Dane County Parks and City of Madison Parks. | | Legacy participant, Caleb, tends a burn pile at Prairie Moraine Dog Park. | |  | Legacy crews tend burn piles at Stewart Lake County Park with the Stewart Lake friends group. | | | | |
On December 4, we celebrated Daishelle, a young woman whose strength, grit, and growth have inspired every one of us at Operation Fresh Start.
From braving early mornings, cold days, hot summers, and long work hours, to going home and stepping into her most important role as a mom, Daishelle showed up with commitment, courage, and heart. Her son was at the center of her “why,” and her determination never wavered.
“She exhibited more growth and change than anyone else I’ve ever had on my crew," her supervisor, Danny, said. "She cared about growth for herself. She wanted to be a better person and a better role model for her son.”
- She pushed through challenges.
- She showed incredible accountability and maturity.
- She brought joy, humor, and positivity to her crew every single day.
- She advocated for herself and for others.
- And now… she’s officially a high school graduate!
Her supervisors and peers shared story after story of her resilience, her leadership, and her willingness to do the hard work. Whether talking with volunteers, appearing in interviews, or encouraging teammates, she was a bright voice for the mission and a reminder of what’s possible with belief and effort.
Daishelle has earned her:
“Operation Fresh Start was one of the best choices I could have ever made," Daishelle said. "Nothing is too much when you’re chasing something you really need and want.”
Congratulations on your graduation, your growth, and the beautiful future you’re building for yourself and your son.
| | Alvin earns Charles Jackson Tools Scholarship! | | |
We’re thrilled to share that Alvin, a dedicated participant in OFS Build Academy, has been awarded the Charles Jackson Tool Scholarship! This $300 scholarship helps young people entering the trades purchase the essential tools and equipment they need to succeed — and Alvin is already putting it to good use as he begins his new career.
Alvin recently accepted a position with Blattner Energy and officially joined the Laborers Local 464!
His hard work, focus, and commitment to building a strong future are truly inspiring.
Congratulations, Alvin! We’re proud of you and excited to see where this journey takes you!
| | Thanks for your Giving Tuesday support! | | |
Operation Fresh Start is excited to announce that we exceeded our $2,500 Giving Tuesday Match, supported by Westphal & Company, Inc., and raised a total of $5,675!
Your combined support will help young adults earn their diplomas, gain job skills, and take meaningful steps toward self-sustaining careers.
We’re incredibly thankful for partners like Westphal who believe in the power and potential of the young people we serve. Thank you to everyone who donated, contributed to an amazing day of impact!
| | Thank You Evjue Foundation! | | |
We’re grateful to the Evjue Foundation, the charitable arm of The Capital Times, for awarding $5,000 to Operation Fresh Start in support of our Drive Program. This investment helps remove transportation barriers, opening the door to education and employment opportunities for young adults in our community. Thank you for believing in opportunity and access!
View where they gave the rest of the $700,000 below!
| | Thank you CLA Foundation! | | We are honored to be chosen as one of the nonprofits again this year by the CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) Foundation. OFS was one of 168 nonprofits that received a portion of $2 million. Thank you for supporting our mission to empower young people towards thriving careers! | | Thank you Hanns Christmas Farm! | | A big shoutout to Hanns Christmas Farm, which supports OFS with a tree that participants can enjoy decorating each year! | | Our dedicated participants at Operation Fresh Start are braving the cold to pursue their career goals outdoors. However, to keep their spirits high and their bodies warm, we urgently need your support! By checking out our Amazon Winter Wishlist, you can help us provide essential gear that ensures comfort and empowers these young adults to keep pushing forward and improving our community. | | As we close out the year, your generosity can make a lasting difference. An end-of-year gift helps ensure more young people have access to the education, mentoring, and job training they need to build stable, independent futures. Your support today fuels fresh starts tomorrow—thank you for believing in the potential of every young person we serve. | |
Happy Holidays from all of us at Operation Fresh Start! Thank you to our participants, alumni, staff, partners, and supporters for being part of our community. We’re grateful for you and excited for what’s ahead!
OFS will be closed December 24 - January 4 for the holiday break.
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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! | | | | |
