January 2025 ♥ Thank you for reading and click here to support! | |
Celebrating OFS's Expansion Built by Emerging Young Adults | |
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Operation Fresh Start (OFS) was full of energy on Thursday, January 23 as nearly 100 community members, leaders, and partners joined participants and staff to celebrate a momentous achievement at our home on Milwaukee Street: the completion of a transformative building expansion for OFS. This milestone reflects not only the growth of the organization, but the countless lives it continues to impact through its innovative programs.
The event opened with heartfelt words from Brian McMahon, Executive Director of OFS, who set the tone for the day:
"We're celebrating more than just the completion of this building. We're celebrating the people, partnerships, and vision for a brighter future."
A Vision for the Future
OFS’s expanded facilities now feature additional classrooms and office space as well as revitalized training areas to support its mission of empowering young adults. The building stands as a symbol of hard work, dedication, and the community's investment in its youth.
Governor Tony Evers, unable to attend in person, sent a statement praising OFS's transformative impact:
“Operation Fresh Start has done so much for our state’s workforce and economy, and I’m glad we were able to support this expansion with a $3.3 million grant. But we know this wouldn’t be possible without the young people who have dedicated time, labor, and hard work to build this facility. This project is further proof that our young people are building the future of our state—one brick at a time.”
This expansion was made possible through a $3.3 million Workforce Innovation Grant awarded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), highlighting the state’s commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled workers.
Operation Fresh Start’s Build and Conservation Academy program is one of 12 statewide programs funded through the Workforce Innovation Grant in January 2022. This initiative addresses regional workforce challenges by offering industry-focused instruction that leads to family-supporting employment for individuals aged 18–24 in the construction and land management fields. To date, 144 young adults have completed programming during the current 2.5-year grant cycle.
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Guests received a tour of the building and had the opportunity to learn about our programs. | |
Special Thanks to Our Outgoing Board Members! | |
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Operation Fresh Start extends its heartfelt gratitude to Lau Christensen, Bea Christensen, and David Lonsdorf for their incredible service on our Board of Directors.
David has served on the board of directors and development committee for seven years and worked for 10 years teaching and educating OFS participants in conservation work as part of the Prairie Moraine Friends group. He has also led OFS land restoration efforts in Badger Mill Creek, Wilke Gorge, and the Ice Age Trail.
Lau and Bea have served on the board of directors for nine years and on the development committee for 10 years. Among their noteworthy achievements, Lau and Bea spearheaded the Capital Campaign and were instrumental in successfully raising $4.5 million to purchase a new home for OFS. Additionally, we thank them for their leadership as the co-board chairs from 2019-2021.
David Lonsdorf and Lau and Bea Christensen have committed to being lifelong advisors, advocates, and supporters of the organization and the young people we serve and we convey our deepest gratitude for their distinguished service to OFS and the community. We wish them well in all future endeavors.
Their legacy of service continues to inspire all of us at OFS. They will be greatly missed!
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(Left-right): David Lonsdorf, Bea Christensen, and Lau Christensen. | |
OFS Legacy Program – By the Numbers | |
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At Operation Fresh Start, we're proud to empower young adults on their path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring, and employment training.
Here’s a quick “By the Numbers” from our FY24 Annual Report to showcase the success our young people earn during their time in the OFS Legacy program. Our work would not be possible without the invaluable partnerships we have with the school districts in Dane County, the largest of which is the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). Each young person who chooses to complete their education with OFS is earning their diploma from their home district!
We share the same vision with the MMSD district – that every young person will graduate from high school ready for college, career, and community.
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Through Thrivent Choice®, clients with membership can contribute to organizations and causes they care about! We are thankful to Thor and his mom, Connie, for choosing to support Operation Fresh Start.
Through this program, Operation Fresh Start was provided a $250 gift card to use for program needs.
Hand warmers are a huge need for our young people working out in the Wisconsin elements on land restoration efforts! With the gift card, we were able to buy 500 pairs of hand warmers. Thank you to Thor and Thrivent for providing this opportunity for your members!
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Congratulations to Kris on graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma!
On January 9, we celebrated Kris’ incredible journey and achievements at OFS as he received his diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!
From the moment Kris joined OFS, he brought resilience, resourcefulness, and determination to the program. While already equipped with many skills, the real transformation came through his personal growth.
"He stepped into this position where he allowed himself to make mistakes and to be uncomfortable, to grow, and that takes a lot of guts," Kris' supervisor Miles said. "Even just making that step is something to be proud of. In doing that, you were able to break those walls down and navigate through them to develop leadership skills on-site and your interpersonal skills continued to be a stronghold on the crew, always bringing great energy."
Kris has shown us all the power of perseverance and vulnerability, breaking down barriers and striving toward your goals with unyielding dedication.
"I just want to thank everybody who made my time here fun," Kris said. "I think OFS is the best way to get your diploma. You are always learning something at OFS."
In addition to his diploma, Kris earned a pre-apprenticeship certificate in carpentry and an AmeriCorps Education Award for his YouthBuild Global service.
We are so proud of the hard work you’ve put into your journey, Kris. Your determination has led to a job at Menards, and we are excited to welcome you back in Build Academy!
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On Monday, January 13, we celebrated Noah for graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from Oregon School District!
Over the past year, Noah’s journey has been remarkable. From stepping up as a leader on his crew to building meaningful connections with staff, volunteers, and city partners, he’s proven to be reliable and driven.
“Noah was someone I could lean on and rely on whenever I had a random thing that needed to be done," his supervisor, Ian, said. "He was definitely my right hand a lot of days, which made my life a lot easier. I’m going to miss that.”
Noah reflected on his time at OFS, proud of the work he did in making the community better.
“I’m proud of everybody here, proud of myself," Noah said. "I’m proud of the work we do for our community, our city. I really do think that this program is a great thing.” We’re all in this together. We’re all here to better ourselves.”
Ian admired Noah’s work ethic and determination: “He knows right from wrong and isn’t scared to speak his mind, even to his boss. A lot of people wouldn’t have the courage to do that.” He ended with, “Noah, you are a confident, determined young man, and I have no doubt you’ll be successful in whatever path you choose.”
Noah said his favorite thing about working with Ian was that they were on similar wavelengths.
"I think we have similar thought processes, and it was just enjoyable to have a strong person that I know I can lean on when I really need it," Noah said. "I appreciate that more than anything. I really couldn’t thank you enough.”
Noah also earned an AmeriCorps Education Award for his service in The Corps Network and a Pre-Apprenticeship Readiness Training Certificate in Conservation and Urban Forestry. We’re excited to see him take his next steps as he joins Conservation Academy!
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Welcome New Board Member! | |
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Baltazar De Anda Santana is a transformative leader dedicated to empowering underserved communities by creating accessible education and workforce opportunities while dismantling systemic barriers to upward mobility. As the founder and former Executive Director of the Latino Academy of Workforce Development, Baltazar grew the organization into a thriving nonprofit, providing pathways to living-wage careers for thousands in fields like technology, manufacturing, transportation, and green energy.
A bilingual immigrant professional, Baltazar’s work reflects a commitment to equity, innovation, and sustainable change. His leadership extends to organizations such as the Wisconsin Bike Federation and United Way of Dane County.
Baltazar also contributes his expertise by serving on the boards of organizations such as Bikes for Kids Wisconsin, Downtown Madison Incorporated, the Meriter Foundation, Destination Madison, and Operation Fresh Start.
Baltazar resides in Madison, Wisconsin, with his husband Mark. Since completing his first Ironman in 2019, he has become a dedicated triathlete and is training for his sixth Ironman race, scheduled for September 7, 2025. Baltazar is also a two-time marathon finisher.
With his vision of fostering equity and opportunity, Baltazar De Anda Santana continues to inspire and empower communities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the resources and support to thrive.
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Lorrie Forde Hurckes, they/them, she/her - Grants Manager
I am excited to be at OFS!
Previously, I was the Executive Director at the Dane County TimeBank, later known as Flywheel Skill Share. We did a lot of community building and mutual aid type of work, along with extensive restorative justice programming in the high schools and across the city.
I most recently did independent contract work with GSAFE, supporting them with organizational culture, organizational structure, and strategic planning needs. I have a background in mental health and spent the earlier part of my career providing care and case management to youth and adults in various settings.
I’m a parent, an artist, a farmer, an activist, and a musician. I love gardening, cooking, spending time with my family, going on adventures, hands-on projects, community building, and plain old hanging out with family and friends. It’s wonderful to be here with all of you!
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Thank you for helping OFS empower emerging adults on their path to self-sufficiency! | |
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