New Westside Location Strengthens Healthcare Career Pathways | |
Operation Fresh Start is excited to announce the expansion of our services with a new secondary location at 5301 Tokay Blvd. on Madison's Westside!
This new space will serve as the home of our upcoming CareerPoint Healthcare cohort, creating greater access to training and career pathways for young adults interested in entering the healthcare field.
Strategically located near Madison's thriving biotech and healthcare hub, including the Research Park area, the new site places participants closer to industry partners, employment opportunities, and the fast-growing life sciences sector. The location reflects OFS's commitment to meeting young adults where opportunities are growing and connecting them to careers with long-term potential.
We look forward to welcoming our next CareerPoint Healthcare cohort to this new space and continuing to empower young adults as they build skills, confidence, and meaningful careers.
| CareerPoint Healthcare Applications Open August 3! | |
Operation Fresh Start's CareerPoint Healthcare program is accepting applications starting Monday, August 3, for young adults ages 18–24 who are ready to explore a career in healthcare.
This six-week professional development program helps participants build workplace skills, earn certifications, connect with employers, and prepare for career-track opportunities in one of Wisconsin's fastest-growing industries.
Participants receive professional development stipends while completing training and certifications, including First Aid/CPR/AED, Respite Care Provider Training, Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and Stop the Bleed. They will also participate in networking opportunities and mock interviews with healthcare employers, including UW Health and UnityPoint Health–Meriter, and learn about educational pathways through Madison College.
This cohort runs September 28–November 5, 2026, with classes held Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 12 pm at OFS's new west-side location at 5301 Tokay Blvd. in Madison. Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 24 and have a high school diploma or GED.
| 2026 Gala Tickets Now Available! | |
Tickets are now available for the 6th Annual OFS Gala!
The gala is Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Monona Terrace! This year's theme is Celebrating Partnerships, reflecting the many meaningful and longstanding relationships that make our work possible and support the young people and community we serve.
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2MC Foundation
$25K Match Update!
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Thanks to the generousity of the 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation, every gift to Operation Fresh Start is being matched dollar for dollar through September 30, up to $25,000!
We're excited to share that we've already raised $13,675 toward the match, but there's still plenty of time to make an even bigger impact.
When you give today, your donation helps double the opportunities available to young adults working toward their education, career, and life goals. Together, we're creating pathways to success and stronger futures for our community.
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed and helped us build momentum. Let's keep it going and unlock the full match!
| | New Date: Celebrate Newest Legacy Open House! | | |
You are invited to celebrate the completion of a newly constructed home built by participants in the OFS Legacy program! The celebration will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 1150 Kamperschroer Way, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
Guests can tour the home beginning at 2:30 p.m., followed by a formal program from 3–3:30 p.m. featuring remarks from elected officials, community partners, OFS leadership, and Build Academy participants.
| | Career Coaching Testimonials | | Through Career Coaching, Fay received the opportunity to job shadow a dental hygienist at Village Smile Care in Mount Horeb. | | |
Fay
"I was at a point in my life where I wanted to pursue a new career path, but I didn’t really know where to start."
That's where OFS Career Coaching came in.
When Fay was ready for a change but unsure of her next steps, Career Coach Aram Donabedian helped her explore opportunities.
"From the very beginning, Aram met me with genuine care, encouragement, and support throughout my journey. He also connected me with people who could help me get started in whatever career path I chose. I will always be grateful to Aram and OFS for the incredible support, guidance, and confidence they gave me."
ZamZam
Our Career Coach, Aram, worked 1-on-1 with ZamZam to find her passion, through OFS, she shadowed an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Encompass Health.
"A huge thank you to Operation Fresh Start for helping me gain the opportunity to shadow an Occupational Therapy Assistant at Encompass Health. It was an incredible experience and further strengthened my interest in pursuing this career path. This experience gave me a better understanding on the impact occupational therapy can have on people's lives. A special shoutout to Aram, my career coach, for all his support and guidance throughout this journey. Your help in making this opportunity possible is appreciated."
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Congratulations to Tramale for completing Build Academy and starting his next chapter as a Laborer Apprentice at JP Cullen!
Tramale’s journey at Operation Fresh Start is a story of growth, accountability, and refusing to quit. He faced challenges, asked for support, kept showing up, and earned this moment through his own hard work.
As Joe shared during Tramale’s graduation, “You flipped the switch. Everyone saw it.”
That change didn’t just impact Tramale — it inspired the people around him. Joe added,
“You are going to continue to keep doors open for the next people.”
Tramale also took a moment to thank the OFS staff who supported him along the way, reflecting on a turning point when he almost gave up:
“Ever since then, I’ve changed.”
And that change is exactly what we’re celebrating today.
Tramale, we are so proud of you. You earned all of this, and we can’t wait to see you continue to grow at JP Cullen!
| | New PSA Created by Big Dreamers United | | |
We're excited to share our new video, created in partnership with Big Dreamers United!
This powerful message highlights the potential of young adults in our community and the life-changing impact of education, mentoring, and paid job training. At Operation Fresh Start, we see every day what happens when young people are given the support, skills, and confidence to pursue their goals.
A huge thank you to Big Dreamers United for donating their time and services, helping us tell this story and shine a light on the dreams, determination, and achievements of the young adults we serve.
| | Thank you Evjue Foundation! | |
We're grateful to The Evjue Foundation, The Capital Times' charitable arm, for its generous $5,000 grant to Operation Fresh Start!
As part of its recent announcement of nearly $2.4 million in grants to support nonprofits and educational institutions across the Madison area, The Evjue Foundation recognized the importance of investing in organizations that strengthen our community. We're honored to be among the recipients.
This support will help OFS continue empowering young adults through education, mentoring, and paid job training as they build bright futures for themselves and our community.
Thank you for believing in the potential of the young people we serve and for supporting opportunities that create lasting impact.
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Join a team dedicated to helping young adults build brighter futures through education, mentoring, and paid job training. Every day at OFS is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in our community.
Whether you're passionate about education, workforce development, coaching, or supporting the next generation, we'd love to hear from you!
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Rose Ruland (she/her)
Accounting Assistant
Rose is already feeling at home with Operation Fresh Start, having grown up exactly one block over from our Milwaukee Street location. The neighborhood brings back many great memories, and she hopes to make many more as the new Accounting Assistant.
Rose worked for the State of Wisconsin/University of Wisconsin-Madison for over 25 years in administration, purchasing, and accounting, taking an early “temporary” retirement in 2016 to travel. Since then, she has worked various part-time roles in accounting, which included working for a non-profit organization at the end of the COVID pandemic. Working for “a purpose” and making a difference for others is most important to her.
If you are out and about in the Madison area and beyond listening to the local bands, you will most likely find Rose on the dance floor. She loves just about any kind of music and has a hard time sitting still. Rose currently has one grandson, who also keeps her moving, and another grandchild on the way soon.
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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! | | | | |
