Launching the "Growing Our Future" Campaign! | |
On March 13, 68 community members, partners, supporters, and staff came together to celebrate the launch of Operation Fresh Start’s Growing Our Future Campaign, and what a powerful moment it was.
Thanks to the generosity and early support from this community, we are now just $100,000 away from reaching our $5.5 million goal. We’re excited to invite the broader community to help us cross the finish line!
This campaign expands OFS programs that support young adults ages 16–24 in earning their high school diploma, gaining job skills, and preparing for meaningful careers. It also strengthens participant stipends, increases program capacity, expands access to mental health and wraparound supports, and opens pathways to careers in high-demand fields.
As Executive Director Brian McMahon shared, “We’re celebrating a community that’s chosen to respond… The gap to closing this campaign is small, but the need is not.”
Thank you for believing in the potential of the next generation.
Interested in joining the campaign? Contact Jody Weyers at jweyers@operationfreshstart.org.
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We are proud to celebrate Bea Christensen, the very first recipient of the Bea Christensen Perseverance Award—an honor named after someone who truly embodies what perseverance means at Operation Fresh Start.
As Board President Jeff Russell shared, “Through decades of life, leadership, and service, Bea has shown what it means to keep going, stay committed, and lead with purpose."
For over a decade, Bea has been a guiding light for OFS, consistently bringing the focus back to what matters most:
“Are we taking care of our young people? Are we helping them? Are we making a difference?”
Her impact goes far beyond the boardroom. Bea shows up again and again for our young people. Whether it’s for graduations, house dedications, or celebrations, she is there, reminding us all that “the greatest expression of love is showing up.”
And she doesn’t just show up, she connects, encourages, and celebrates every young person’s success.
“There are young people that maybe have been forgotten in some ways, but we haven’t forgotten them, and we’ll always be here for them,” Bea said.
Bea, thank you for your unwavering commitment, your leadership, and the love you bring to this community. This award reflects the legacy you continue to build every day.
Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
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Two Former Participants Earn Bea Christenson
Perseverance Award
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Logan’s journey is a true example of perseverance. He came to Operation Fresh Start to earn his high school diploma, and did so with consistency, focus, and a strong work ethic. But he didn’t stop there. Logan continued into Build Academy, balancing 32 hours a week at OFS, a full-time job, and supporting his family at home.
As his Build Academy Coordinator, Faith, shared, “Logan is a young man who embodies perseverance, shows up every single day, and never gives up.”
From working tirelessly on job sites, never stopping, even when others took breaks, to pushing through challenges without excuses, Logan has shown what it means to stay committed to your goals.
Today, Logan is building his future as a mason tender with KMI Construction, turning his hard work into a career.
In his own words, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people I met here at OFS.”
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Lamareon’s journey is a powerful example of what perseverance truly means. As his supervisor, Miles, shared, “He gets up every time, dusts himself off, and makes changes to reach his future goals.”
Even after facing serious challenges, Lamareon continues to move forward with honesty, humility, and determination.
When he learned about the award, Lamareon said something simple but powerful:
“All I can do is wake up and try.”
In his own words, “Perseverance… means continuing to show up even when things aren’t clear and you’re still figuring life out.” As a father, his motivation runs even deeper: “I want my kids to see that no matter how hard life gets, you keep showing up.”
Lamareon’s story is one of growth, reflection, and choosing not to quit. His journey reminds us that sometimes all it takes is an opportunity and the courage to keep going. He is now looking at his options for furthering his education.
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Rooted in Purpose:
Mary McDonough-Sutter’s Stewart Lake Restoration Efforts
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At the heart of the Stewart Lake restoration efforts is a dedicated volunteer whose passion has helped bring this work to life: Mary McDonough-Sutter.
Mary’s commitment to protecting and restoring the natural beauty of Stewart Lake has made her a driving force behind the project as a Dane County Parks volunteer. Working alongside Mary, OFS participants have contributed to restoring the land while gaining valuable skills and a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. Her dedication not only supports the health of the ecosystem but also inspires the next generation to care for and invest in their communities.
Mary’s story is a powerful reminder that lasting impact often begins with individuals who are willing to show up, stay committed, and lead with purpose. Through her efforts, Stewart Lake is not only being restored, but it’s also becoming a place where young people can grow, learn, and see the difference they can make.
We are grateful for volunteers like Mary!
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2nd Annual Women in Construction Week
Career Fair Recap
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Operation Fresh Start proudly hosted its 2nd Annual Women in Construction Week Career Fair on March 5, bringing together 100 job seekers and 28 organizations eager to connect with and hire the next generation of skilled trades professionals.
This event continues to open doors for women pursuing careers in construction and the trades, creating pathways to meaningful, family-supporting careers.
Stay tuned for updates on how many Build Academy participants secured employment opportunities following the event!
A special thank you to IBEW Local 159 for sponsoring this impactful event and supporting the future of our workforce.
| | Celebrating Social Work Month: Nate Good | | |
This Social Work Month, we’re proud to highlight Nate Good, whose dedication to supporting young people at Operation Fresh Start truly embodies what this work is all about.
For the past four years, Nate has balanced a full-time role as a Legacy Conservation Supervisor with pursuing his Master of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth in the service of others.
Now serving as a Participant Resource Coordinator, Nate is helping young people at OFS access critical community resources while continuing to mentor participants out in the field. This unique blend of hands-on work and resource support allows him to build strong relationships and meet participants where they are.
After graduating this May, Nate will step into a full-time role, continuing both of these impactful positions, guiding, supporting, and empowering young people every step of the way.
Thank you, Nate, for your passion, dedication, and the difference you make every day!
| | Apply for CareerPoint Early Childhood Education | | |
Applications are Open for CareerPoint Early Childhood Education!
Young adults ages 18–24 can now apply for CareerPoint, a program designed to prepare young professionals for success and connect them to career-track employment in high-demand industries.
Through this 6-week professional development program, participants will learn new concepts, strengthen workplace skills, and earn a stipend while preparing for careers in Early Childhood Education.
Cohort Dates: April 27 – June 4
Schedule: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Application Window: Open now until April 2
Participants will receive:
- A stipend during weeks 3 and 6
- First Aid & CPR Certification (Adults, Children, Infants)
- Introduction to the Child Care Profession Certification
- Safe Sleep Ambassador Certification
- Abusive Head Trauma Certification
- Mandated Reporter Certification
- A paid work experience with Reach Dane
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18–24 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
Apply today and take the next step toward your career!
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This month, we celebrated Muscab’s graduation from the Legacy program and the completion of his high school diploma, which he received from the Madison Metropolitan School District!
Additionally, Muscab has completed a pre-apprenticeship in Conservation and Urban Forestry and received a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to support his future education.
Muscab’s journey wasn’t always easy. As his supervisor, Taylor shared, “Mo’s story hasn’t always been a straight line, and that’s exactly why it matters.”
When Muscab joined OFS, his work ethic stood out immediately. Taylor remembers that if he was asked to move one log, “I’d turn around and see him carrying three.”
Like many growth stories, Muscab faced setbacks along the way, but instead of giving up, he took time to reflect, worked a full-time job, and committed himself to earning his diploma. When he returned to OFS, he came back focused, disciplined, and determined to succeed, often balancing long days with night shifts while still putting OFS first.
As Taylor said, “When Muscab came back, he proved that he had grown. What once looked like a setback became a setup for something greater.”
Muscab’s ambition is big, his heart for his family is even bigger, and his future is bright. We are incredibly proud to have been part of his journey!
| | Join Habitat for a Community Conversation on Affordable Housing | | |
Operation Fresh Start is excited to be part of an important upcoming community conversation on addressing the affordable housing crisis in Dane County.
Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Dane County, "Turning the Key to Homeownership" brings together leaders from across sectors to explore solutions and collaboration needed to expand access to homeownership. We’re proud to share that OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon will be among the panelists, contributing his perspective on workforce development and housing pathways.
The event will feature a light breakfast and networking at 8 a.m., followed by the panel discussion at 9 a.m. at the TruStage Lighthouse Auditorium.
As housing challenges continue to impact our community, conversations like these are critical to building partnerships and driving meaningful change.
A webinar of the panel discussion will be available for those that can't attend in person. Space is limited, and registration is required to attend!
| | Save the Date: 2026 Annual OFS Gala | | |
The 6th Annual OFS Gala is Thursday, September 17, 2,026, from 5-8 p.m. at the Monona Terrace! This year's theme will be Celebrating Partnerships, reflecting the many meaningful and longstanding relationships that make our work possible and support the young people and community we serve.
Contact our Development Director, Jody Weyers, if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities!
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Our OFS family is sad to share the passing of long-time board member Ed Wing.
From Development Director Jody Weyers:
"I had the pleasure of meeting Ed when I first joined Operation Fresh Start nearly seven years ago, while we were planning activities for the organization’s 50th Anniversary. I am especially grateful that we were able to capture reflections from those early years in his own words, alongside those of the late Connie Ferris Bailey. Those recordings are now treasured pieces of our history and a lasting testament to the people who helped shape OFS."
Below is the link to the 50th anniversary video that features Ed's reflections on OFS history:
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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! | | | | |
