May 2024 ♥ Thank you for reading and supporting us!

Welcoming our new Executive Director: Brian McMahon

(l-r) TJ, Tyla’s son, Tyla, a former OFS participant, and Brian McMahon at the welcome celebration on April 25, 2024, to honor Brian as the next Executive Director of OFS.

We had a wonderful time celebrating Brian McMahon as the new Executive Director of Operation Fresh Start! The gathering witnessed an impressive turnout, comprising of numerous former staff members, past participants, current and former board members, donors, and partners. Pictured below, Brian says a few words alongside Lester and Tyla, two former OFS participants from his first crew.

“We're providing young adults bridges to career track employment and post-secondary opportunities that connect them with family-sustaining careers," Brian says. "These emerging adults are our product, and everyone is an asset in our community. We know that we cannot do this work alone. Community support is vital. We rely on our business partners, our employer partners, our project partners, education partners, national partners, workforce development partners, community organizations, partners, volunteers, and donors and funders to fulfill our mission. You are our community. Thank you for being our outer web of relationships.”

This is an exciting time at Operation Fresh Start! If you would like to learn more about Brian's vision, strategic initiatives and be part of this exciting time, please reach out to connect at info@operationfreshstart.org

Operation Fresh Start Highlighted in "We Play For" Campaign

Operation Fresh Start is thrilled to be one of several charities featured in the "We Play For" campaign to promote the upcoming American Family Insurance Championship, which will be held June 7-9 at the University Ridge Golf Course.

We appreciate the long-standing partnership with American Family Insurance and the Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation and are excited to have the spotlight on our participants for all the incredible work they do in our community while working on themselves!

Click to read the article and view featured video!

CareerPoint Applications Open

CareerPoint is a program dedicated to preparing young people ages 18-24 for success and guiding them into a career, not just a job. Participants will learn new concepts and strengthen their skills in a 6-week professional development training while earning a stipend! Once participants are feeling confident and ready to implement their new skills in the workforce, they have the opportunity to interview with industry professionals.

We are now accepting applications for our June cohort, sign up today!

Click to learn more and apply

MPD Youth Outreach Initiatives

Thank you to the Madison Police Department for joining OFS Legacy Conservation crews for a morning of working side-by-side with our young people removing invasives at Heritage Park, Woodmans Pond, and Stockbridge Savannah. The idea stemmed from a Police Advisory board meeting, which OFS Resource Specialist Grace Coleman is a member of.

The advisory board is working to engage the community to strengthen the police department's relationship with marginalized communities, with a focus on youth.

City of Madison Police Captain Edward Marshall jumped at the opportunity to volunteer with OFS to do conservation work, along with many others on the police force, including Madison Police Chief Barnes.

“They were so wonderful,” Grace said. “Our participants loved working with them.” Legacy participant Zarie also had the chance to talk with some of the officers about setting up a job shadow. “I had a lot of fun with them,” she said. “They opened up new opportunities for me.”

Community Partnerships

Operation Fresh Start Legacy Construction crews were excited to be part of this wonderful community project. They did an amazing job building raised flower beds for Rooted at Bayview. The Bayview Foundation will use the beds for its Giving Garden youth employment program.

The crew constructed sixteen beds, which took a day to assemble and a day to build. Miles had three new participants on the crew and said the other crew members did a great job displaying leadership- it was wonderful to see our participants learning from one another. Nice work, everyone!

Build Academy Signing Days 🛠️

Congratulations to Esaú for signing on with Findorff following his graduation from OFS Build Academy! We are so proud of all he has accomplished and can't wait to see all the amazing things he will do in the future. We will miss him, but know he has a bright career ahead of him!

Gene, Esaú's Tier 2 crew supervisor, shared some kind words about him at his signing day ceremony: “He was all always early and he was the first to get up from break and back to work. And that was like, wow, you know? Esaú was always interested to learn something new and was always eager for it, which I found really extravagant.”

Congratulations as well to Edwin, who has signed on with Maly Roofing after graduating from Build Academy! We are so happy for Edwin and this next step in his career that he has worked so hard for. It's different around OFS with Edwin not here, but we are proud of him and eager to see all he accomplishes at Maly Roofing.

“I know you hooked up with a good company and I want you to remember that," David, Build Academy supervisor said to Edwin at his signing day. "The great thing about roofing is you are on top of the world up there- the view is tremendous…"

🎓 Legacy Graduation 🎓

Congratulations to Alex for graduating from the Legacy Program and earning his high school diploma! Following graduation, Alex joined Build Academy at OFS.

“You didn’t take this program for granted. You’re dedicated to your future and your family’s future.”, Alex’s crew supervisor Miles told him. “And you know that being here and working hard and staying reliable, and dedicated and motivated will get you there.”

“I’m really proud to be here today,” said Alex. “Being at OFS has really helped me and helped me learn a lot of things I’m interested in in the future.”

We're proud of you, Alex!