November 2024 ♥ Thank you for reading and click here to support! | |
Empower Change This Holiday Season | |
|
As the season of giving approaches, we reflect on the incredible generosity of our supporters who fuel the mission of Operation Fresh Start. Each gift—whether big or small—helps transform the lives of emerging adults in our community.
We ask for your support once again this year! Your gift will help young people gain employment skills, earn their high school diplomas, and find stability with guidance from trusted mentors and by being in a supportive community. These achievements are made possible because of people like you—individuals who believe in the power of second chances and fresh starts.
“I’m really proud to be here today,” said Alex. “When I was first thinking of coming to Operation Fresh Start, I was up against some difficult challenges. Being at OFS has really helped me and helped me learn a lot of things I’m interested in in the future.”
Following Alex's graduation from the Legacy program in May, he joined the OFS Build Academy program and, after completion, he was recently hired as a custodian for the Madison Metropolitan School District
| |
|
|
Give the gift of opportunity this holiday season by supporting Operation Fresh Start! You have a few days left to help us cross the finish line to reach our match amount generously provided by 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation.
Their generosity means that every dollar you donate will be matched—doubling the impact of your contribution! All gifts will be matched up to $25,000 until December 1st!
| |
Two Degrees of Separation: Carlos Rubio | |
Two Degrees of Separation is a new column we started in September dedicated to showcasing the incredible journeys of OFS alumni who are making a difference in the community. Through Two Degrees of Separation, we aim to celebrate these connections and illustrate the lasting impact OFS has on individuals and the communities they serve, as well as highlight that people in Dane County are within two degrees (versus six) away from an OFS connection. | |
|
Carlos Rubio’s journey from a participant at Operation Fresh Start (OFS) to a dedicated leader with Dane County Parks is a story of transformation and perseverance.
Carlos graduated from OFS in 2017, and he hasn’t looked back since. He has been building a career in conservation as a Park Laborer with Dane County Parks for the last seven years.
His work with Dane County Parks spans across seasons—from running the mowing crew in the summer to forestry and road repair in the winter. Carlos’ path to this career, however, wasn’t always straightforward.
His high school counselor told him that he would not be able to graduate on time with his class. Rather than returning for another year of high school, he was encouraged by a friend to enroll in OFS and was placed on a conservation crew in the Pathways (now Legacy) program.
| |
Marcus featured in
Umoja Magazine!
| |
|
Marcus Johnson’s journey from the Army to Platteville to Madison is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and transformation. Before discovering Operation Fresh Start (OFS), Marcus was working in cable installation and water treatment, but he struggled to find stable work after moving back to Madison. The search was long and discouraging—until he found OFS’s Conservation Academy, something that immediately resonated with him.
“I liked working outside,” Marcus recalled, and with OFS, he was able to turn that passion into a career.
As a part of the Conservation Academy, he embraced hands-on work, including brush cutting, tree felling, invasive species removal, and seed collecting.
“My favorite part is using the chainsaw—especially when the tree finally falls over,” he shared with a smile. But the Conservation Academy wasn’t just about mastering technical skills. It gave Marcus the chance to grow as a leader and a team player.
| |
New Drive to Succeed Cohort! | |
|
Drive to Succeed had its first cohort this fall under the new coordinator, Trevor Strickler. The cohort has been refocused on the life skills that young people with court involvement need to become self-sufficient. These life skills included financial literacy, peer support, and career planning. Additionally, Drive to Succeed helps participants prepare to take the learner’s permit driving test. At each meeting, the cohort discusses a different life skill and then takes time to go over material pertaining to the learner’s permit.
There have been a couple of meetings that stood out. In the second meeting, the cohort had probation agents as guests so they could learn how to navigate probation and the common pitfalls that surround it. This informative and engaging session helped destigmatize probationers and probation agents. At another session with our program partner, JustDane participants met with peer support workers to share their stories of going from incarceration to working to improve their communities. This meeting was particularly inspiring and left a lasting impression.
| |
This cohort has completed programming, but Drive to Succeed will start again in Spring 2025! Drive to Succeed is for young people 17 ½ to 24 in Dane County with past or current justice involvement who would like to complete high school, attain a driver’s license, or benefit from mentorship. | |
Start your engines: A New Drive Cohort Begins | |
|
Our newest Drive Program Cohort launched Monday, November 18!
This cohort consists of 9 participants committed to attaining their learner's permits and driver's licenses.
The OFS Drive program, in partnership with 4 Lakes Driving School, follows a structured curriculum that covers the five stages of Driver's Education. This includes:
- Eight two-hour class meetings
- Studying and passing the learner’s permit test
- Five behind-the-wheel lessons
- Taking the road test until participants pass and receive their driver's licenses
Beyond driving skills, we also bring in local collaborators to teach participants essential life skills related to driving and car ownership. Experts from the Madison Police Department, UW Credit Union, and American Family Insurance share valuable insights on insurance, car loans, and what to do if pulled over.
The Drive Program is available at no cost to young adults aged 18-24 in Dane County, combining free driver's education with career exploration opportunities.
| |
OFS receives Madison Community Foundation Impact Grant | |
|
Operation Fresh Start extends our deepest thanks to the Madison Community Foundation for their generous $20,000 donation toward a 15-passenger van. This vehicle will empower our Legacy Conservation Crew to travel to various conservation project sites across Dane County, expanding our reach and allowing us to serve even more young people on their journey toward personal and professional growth.
Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting the potential of our youth! Read more about the organizations MCF is awarding grants to below.
| |
2024 AmFam Championship Raises $2.5 Million for Charity | |
|
The 2024 American Family Insurance Championship raised $2,505,000, representing the highest total ever raised from years the event has been held, surpassing last year’s record amount.
This brings the total amount raised for charity to $19.7 million since the inaugural event in 2016, with 1,010 grants provided to nonprofit organizations.
Approximately half of the 2024 proceeds will be distributed to the American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin, and 163 primarily local charities, including Operation Fresh Start, will share the rest in varying amounts.
The impact of this tournament and the Steve Stricker American Family Foundation on our community and at Operation Fresh Start is truly remarkable. Together, we're creating brighter futures for all!
| |
Participants Tour American Players Theatre | |
|
Thank you, American Players Theatre, for donating tickets to six OFS participants and two staff members and giving a behind-the-scenes tour of the production!
Participants got to see Nat Turner in Jerusalem, and they had positive reviews!
“It was my first time there, and it was a cool experience,” Desiyah said. During the tour, they showed us their costumes and stage setup. I liked seeing the behind-the-scenes, and the play was very interesting.”
Thanks for providing this opportunity for OFS participants!
| |
Thank you, Daniels Construction! | |
|
We’re thrilled to share that Daniels Construction recently made a remarkable in-kind donation of Makita tools, valued at approximately $25,000, to support our construction crews!
These tools will play a crucial role in enhancing our training programs and job sites, providing young individuals with the necessary equipment to thrive.
This generous donation came in response to our construction training manager, Mike Price, who highlighted the growing need for more tools to keep participants engaged. Daniels heard the call and stepped up, providing high-quality tools that will continue to serve our mission for years to come.
Thank you, Daniels Construction, for your incredible support and investment in the next generation of skilled workers!
| |
Operation Fresh Start is working on creating an alumni network so that past and present OFS participants can be more connected. If you are an OFS alum please fill out the short survey linked below! | | |
|
|
Congratulations to Justin on graduating from OFS Legacy!
On Wednesday, we celebrated his achievements, resilience, and the journey that brought him here. From spontaneous snowmen on-site to helping the crew tackle challenging conservation projects, Justin has been a shining example of positivity, hard work, and dedication.
Nate, his supervisor, shared incredible stories about Justin’s journey—his quick learning, natural leadership, and unwavering commitment to a better future for himself and his family.
"He sees the project management side of things quickly and can help teach other people what we're doing and why we're doing it the way that we are," Nate said. "One of the things that I'll miss most about him is I've never seen anyone have more fun on a conservation site than he does."
Justin faced challenges head-on, leaving OFS with his high school diploma, an AmeriCorps Education Award, and a pre-apprenticeship certificate in conservation and urban forestry.
Justin’s words to everyone: "Show up every day, try to learn, and change the way you look at things."
We couldn’t be more proud to witness his growth transformation!
| |
|
Congratulations to Irving for receiving the Charles Jackson Memorial Tools Scholarship!
Irving recently graduated from OFS Build Academy and received a job offer from Tilsen Roofing Company. However, Irving needed to acquire all the essential tools to start the job, and he wasn’t sure if he would be able to obtain them. Fortunately, Irving was the perfect candidate for the scholarship!
“I am very proud of his determination and resilience no matter what life throws at him, and we’re happy that we could support him in this transition,” Build Academy Coordinator Faith Neumann said.
About the scholarship
Charles passed away in 2020 from a motorcycle accident. He was a 2015 OFS legacy grad and went on to grad crew before being hired by JH Findorff.
This scholarship was created and is supported by Findorff and community members to always remember Charles and the legacy he left behind for future OFS participants.
Congrats again, Irving, and good luck with your new job!
| | |
|
|
Jason Prell (he/his)
Tier 1 Build Academy Coordinator
Jason is thrilled to be part of Operation Fresh Start. Prior to working in a variety of construction fields for 10 years, he was a public school teacher for a decade.
Jason describes himself as a people person. When he's not working, he enjoys woodworking and spending time with family and friends. He's looking forward to creating a positive change in the community with the OFS team.
Aashe Torooj Vue (he/his)
Transition Coordinator
Aashe joins OFS after working at St. Vincent de Paul on Williamson Street and juggling part-time jobs as a student at Madison College.
He cherishes his time he had with the PEOPLE Program, contributing to both its Summer University programming and precollege site at East High School.
In his free time, Aashe enjoys basketball, fishing, and singing or dancing. His experiences have shaped his passion for connecting with young participants at OFS, where he’s found both a professional and personal fresh start. He also treasures his small record collection and fancy turntable.
| |
As we head into the winter, our crews continue to work hard outside. We are looking for some help from our supporters to purchase items on our wish list to help our young people who are working hard on themselves and in our community! | |
|
As we embrace this season of reflection and giving, we want to express our heartfelt thanks for the incredible people and partnerships that make Operation Fresh Start what it is.
To our participants, staff, partners, and supporters, you are the driving force behind our transformative work. Your dedication inspires growth, your generosity fuels dreams, and your belief in second chances makes change possible.
This time of year reminds us how much we have to be thankful for—and at the top of that list is the strength of our community. Together, we’re building brighter futures, one step at a time!
| | |
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! | | | | |
