OFS Wins 2026 Dane County Parks Seed Challenge! | | The 2026 Dane County Parks Seed Challenge Operation Fresh Start Team. | | |
At the 2026 Dane County Parks Seed Challenge, OFS participants worked side by side with conservation organizations and public agencies to collect native prairie seeds for future habitat restoration. Approximately 50 OFS participants, staff, and volunteers joined the effort, and Team OFS ultimately earned first place!
Participating teams included Operation Fresh Start, Dane County Parks, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the City of Middleton Parks and Recreation.
Every bag of seed collected will contribute to something bigger: stronger habitat, healthier pollinators, and restored prairie for future generations.
Read below to learn more about the Dane County Parks Seed Challenge.
| Dane County Executive Melissa Agard with the Operation Fresh Start winning team captains (left) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service runner-up team captains (right). | | |
Thank you to Spectrum for awarding Operation Fresh Start a $30,000 Spectrum Community Center Assist grant in support of our workforce development programs, and for showing up with volunteers ready to put that investment into action!
Spectrum Volunteers joined us to collect prairie seed at McCarthy Youth & Conservation County Park on October 8!
We were also grateful to welcome Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Ratcliff, whose presence helped highlight the importance of workforce development, conservation, and community-based opportunities for young adults across Dane County.
Spectrum’s support now totals $80,000 over the past two years, and we are thankful for their continued belief in OFS participants and the futures they are building.
| | Join us for the first Empowerment Career Fair | |
Operation Fresh Start is excited to host our First Annual Empowerment Career Fair on Wednesday, November 11, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at OFS!
This event will connect job seekers with employers from a variety of industries, creating opportunities to explore careers, build professional connections, and take the next step toward a sustainable future.
We're grateful to welcome employers including UW Health, UnityPoint Health - Meriter, FedEx, UW Credit Union, Kayser Automotive Group, ETC Electronic Theatre Controls, Reach Dane, Molina Healthcare, MSCR, Kaylee's Garden, and more!
| | OFS Selected for National Corps to Careers Initiative | |
Operation Fresh Start is one of 11 service and conservation corps programs nationwide selected to participate in Corps to Careers, a new five-year initiative from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.
Launched in July, the initiative is designed to strengthen pathways from corps service into well-paying careers in fields such as construction, natural resource management, water management, energy efficiency, and disaster preparedness.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Annie E. Casey Foundation for investing in young people and in the organizations helping them build meaningful careers," OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon said. "Corps to Careers gives us an exciting opportunity to strengthen the pathways between the hands-on experience young people gain at OFS and the futures they’re working toward.”
Through Corps to Careers, participating organizations will work to deepen employer partnerships, strengthen youth voice and leadership, enhance service delivery, and expand post-service employment opportunities.
| | Thank You County Executive Melissa Agard! | Dane County Executive Melissa Agard (left) with Brian McMahon (right) and the OFS Consevation Academy Crew. | |
Thank you, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, for inviting OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon to join the conversation on environmental leadership as a key priority in the 2027 Dane County Budget Address on Thursday!
We were honored to share how our Conservation Academy empowers young adults to care for our environment while building skills, confidence, and career pathways. It was even more meaningful to have members of our Conservation Academy crew join us and represent the next generation of environmental leaders.
We're grateful for leaders who recognize the importance of investing in both people and the planet.
| | OFS Joins Nonprofit Leaders at Strategic Nonprofit Summit | OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon speaks on the panel. | |
Thank you to Contour Consulting for hosting a thoughtful and engaging Strategic Nonprofit Summit this week, and Laura Cullen for moderating the panel.
We were proud to have OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon join nonprofit leaders from across Wisconsin to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing our sector. From workforce development and community impact to innovation and sustainability, the conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration in creating stronger nonprofits and stronger communities.
We're grateful for the chance to share Operation Fresh Start's perspective and learn from so many passionate leaders committed to making a difference.
Together, we're building brighter futures for the young people and communities we serve.
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Congratulations to Bryden on completing the Legacy Program and earning his high school diploma through the Madison Metropolitan School District!
When Bryden reflected on his journey, he shared: “Two years ago, I would have never imagined being here. At the beginning of my junior year, I believed that I was not going to graduate at all… but now I’m here with bigger plans for my life because of OFS.”
Throughout his time in Legacy, Bryden built real skills, confidence, and community. He earned his Conservation Urban Forestry Pre-Apprenticeship Readiness Training Certification, earned his Segal AmeriCorps Education Award, had a six-month streak of perfect attendance, and even received his driver’s license the same day as his diploma.
His crew supervisor, Marcus, said it best: “You do excellent work, and that work that you do is noticed and recognized.”
Bryden’s mom also shared how much she has seen him grow: “Since he started this program, he’s matured so much. He’s grown a lot. I’m so proud of him.”
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Samson, a Career Coaching participant, recently met with Tyler Shaub at the Sun Prairie Branch of UW Credit Union. The meeting gave Samson the chance to ask questions and learn more about career pathways in financial services.
Conversations like these help young people gather the information they need to make informed decisions as they work toward sustainable careers. A big thank you to Tyler and UW Credit Union for taking the time to connect with and invest in young talent in our community!
| | CareerPoint participant Samson (left) meeting with Tyler from UW Credit Union (right). | | |
Josh Klimeck (he/him)
Construction Expeditor
Josh is excited to join Operation Fresh Start as a Construction Expeditor, bringing more than 19 years of experience in the construction industry. He's been a union carpenter since 2007, building a strong foundation of hands-on construction knowledge, teamwork, problem-solving, and a commitment to getting the job done safely and efficiently.
Throughout his career, he's valued working with people, building strong relationships, and contributing to successful projects. Josh is looking forward to bringing his experience and skills to Operation Fresh Start and supporting the organization’s mission and the communities it serves.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. They love camping, attending sporting events, and making memories together as a family.
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Shannon McEntee (she/her)
Career Coaching Coordinator - Part-time
Shannon is thrilled to be joining Operation Fresh Start as a Career Coach. Shannon has a background in education, spending 14 years as a middle school language arts teacher in the south suburbs of Chicago. As an educator, Shannon spent years building relationships with students so she could meet their needs in the most efficient way. She is excited to transfer that skill to her work at OFS while helping young people on their career journeys.
Shannon believes that every young person has the ability to be an asset in their community. She has always had a passion for helping young people discover their own goals and purpose and then guiding them on their way to making their goals a reality.
When not at work, you can find Shannon cheering on her three kids at their various competitions and activities. When time allows, nothing makes her happier than a coffee house, a cold brew, and flipping through the crisp pages of a new book. Shannon is honored and delighted to begin her journey at Operation Fresh Start.
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David Mills (he/him)
Driver Education Coordinator and Instructor
David is excited to begin his new role as Driver Education Coordinator and Instructor at Operation Fresh Start. He was previously employed at a pharmaceutical company writing and reviewing technical documents. Prior to that, He taught drivers education to teenagers, adults, and international students for nine years.
David is very excited at the opportunity to teach our young people the rules of the road, obtain their driver's license, and be safe, defensive drivers on the road.
Outside of work, he enjoys listening to and playing music, marveling at mid-century modern architecture, and riding his motorcycles on warm summer days. He looks forward to working with everyone at Operation Fresh Start.
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Romar Nelson (he/him)
Driver Education Coordinator - Part-time
Romar is very eager to begin his career at Operation Fresh Start. He has always had a passion to help improve our community. He worked at a local pharmaceutical development company for approximately 17 years, first as a Security supervisor, then as a Supervisor in the Animal Operations department. In addition, he runs a small catering business, as cooking is also a passion of his.
When he's not working, he enjoys spending quality time with his family around the BBQ grill. He has one son who is a senior baseball player in college. He and his wife try to get to as many baseball games as they can.
He has also been a football coach for 20 years. He loves to work with young men and help mold them into individuals we can all be proud of. He looks forward to meeting and working with all the young people here at Operation Fresh Start!
| | Make a Lasting Difference Through Year-End Giving | |
Your generosity creates opportunity and transforms lives. As year-end approaches, many supporters are reviewing charitable giving opportunities as part of their financial planning. If you're age 70½ or older, you may be able to make a tax-wise gift directly from your IRA through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Other giving options, such as gifts of appreciated stock and grants from a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), can also help maximize your charitable impact.
We encourage you to consult with your financial advisor, tax professional, or estate planning attorney to determine the giving strategy that best aligns with your goals, and click here for the information needed to facilitate your gift.
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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! | | | | |
