Bus to Nature at Horicon Marsh

OFS participants, staff, and community supporters pose for a photo at Horicon Marsh on Friday, September 5.

On Friday, September 5, OFS staff, participants, and community members joined Dexter Patterson, co-founder of the BIPOC Birding Club of Wisconsin, for a morning of connection and discovery at Horicon Marsh—the largest freshwater cattail marsh in the U.S.

Our young people give so much back to Madison and Dane County—building affordable homes and stewarding the land—so it was wonderful to pause, enjoy nature, and recharge together.

As Jasmine Banks, OFS Deputy Director, shared: “It was wonderful to spend a morning free from work and simply enjoy the beauty of Horicon Marsh.”

Huge thanks to Dexter—not only for leading the trip as part of his Bus to Nature Program, but also for donating a backpack filled with two binoculars, a birding book, and birding guides to inspire future adventures.

Thank you to the 25+ people in our group, including OFS Board Member Chris Kilgour, who made the day unforgettable!

Celebrating Workforce Development Month: Partnering for a Stronger Future

WDBSCW Executive Director Seth Lentz at speaks at the OFS 50th anniversary celebration at Warner Park on September 24, 2020.

This September, we’re celebrating the 15+ year partnership between Operation Fresh Start and the Workforce Development Board of South-Central Wisconsin (WDBSCW)—a collaboration that helps youth earn credentials, gain hands-on training, and launch meaningful careers.

Learn about WDBSCW Executive Director Seth Lentz's strong leadership and meet participants like Devin Grob, who earned his carpentry pre-apprenticeship and is now working full-time as an apprentice, and Ja’Myia Rex-Dean, one of the few women in her trade breaking barriers in glazing.

Read the full story below to see how partnerships like this create opportunities, remove barriers, and change lives every day.

Celebrating TruStage's 90th Anniversary

Operation Fresh Start was honored to join TruStage in celebrating its 90th Anniversary! It was a beautiful day filled with gratitude, reflection, and community.

We are deeply thankful for TruStage’s longstanding partnership and commitment to empowering young people in Dane County. Their support helps us provide emerging adults with opportunities to complete their education, gain meaningful employment, and build brighter futures.

Congratulations to TruStage on 90 incredible years of impact, and thank you for including Operation Fresh Start in this milestone celebration. We are proud to stand alongside you in this important work and look forward to continuing our partnership for years to come.

Beekeeping Partnership with City of Madison Engineering

As part of our partnership with the City of Madison Engineering, crews cared for beehives off Nesbitt Road this month, helping with upkeep, supporting pollinators, and harvesting honey. It's a sweet way to gain hands-on experience while giving back to the community!

New Driver's Licenses

Congratulations to our recent Drive program participants (left-right), Amanda, Kenyan, and Berto, for earning their driver's licenses!

These young adults have all taken the responsibility and initiative to achieve this big milestone as they progress towards their personal and professional goals!

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, OFS brings 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.

Kevin Earns Charles Jackson Tools Scholarship

Kevin is on the road to becoming a diesel mechanic!

Thanks to the Charles Jackson Memorial Tool Scholarship, Kevin was able to gear up with the tools he needs for success. With CareerScape’s support, he enrolled in Madison College’s Diesel Tech program and officially began classes this August.

This scholarship honors Charles Jackson, a 2015 OFS Legacy grad who went on to Grad Crew (now Build Academy) and later worked for Findorff before his passing in July of 2020. His legacy lives on through the opportunities this scholarship creates for future OFS participants, like Kevin.

Thank you to the Widen Family Foundation!

Thank you, Widen Family Foundation, for supporting our participants again this year and helping them reach their full potential! OFS was one of 43 organizations that the Widen Family Foundation Board awarded a total of $440,000 to.

Thank you to the Dupaco Foundation!

Thank you to the Dupaco Foundation for donating $250,000 to 35 nonprofit organizations that contribute to affordable housing, home ownership, small business development, and upskilling and reskilling. At OFS, we are proud that our young adults get to build a stronger community while working hard towards their future goals!

🎓 Legacy Graduations 🎓

Congratulations to Gianni on graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!

Gianni's graduation marked months of dedication, growth, and hard work.

Gianni’s supervisor, Danny, shared:

“Gianni is a true glue guy — he connected the entire crew together. There isn’t a person he worked with who didn’t have at least one long, in-depth conversation with him. His presence made those hot, buggy, cold, windy days much smoother.”

Gianni reflected on his journey:

“Honestly, when I first was thinking about coming to OFS, I didn’t think I deserved to be here... but being here and working with everyone has given me reassurance. I learned to make better habits and gained confidence in myself.”

Not only did Gianni earn his high school diploma and a carpentry pre-apprenticeship certification, but he is also pursuing his dream — currently enrolled at Madison Area Technical College in the IT program.

We are incredibly proud of Gianni’s perseverance and commitment to his future!

Congratulations to Chris on graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!

“From day one, Chris showed up ready to work — rain, heat, heavy lifting — Chris never backed down,” shared Taylor, Chris’s supervisor. “He’s driven, focused, and determined. He brings people together, makes people feel good, and lifts up the mood. On the hardest days, there wasn’t a single day Chris didn’t make me laugh.”

Chris’s journey at OFS hasn’t been easy. He faced a language barrier, learned to wake up early every day, and even had to take time away to care for family. But he came back — stronger than ever — and kept growing.

“When I was first thinking of coming to Operation Fresh Start, I felt insecure about myself,” Chris said. “One of my biggest challenges was making better decisions about my life. Thank you to my supervisor who always supported me, Justin who helped me with homework, Norman for teaching me construction, my family for always supporting me, and my friends for being there for me.”

Today, we’re proud to celebrate Chris’s incredible accomplishments:

• Conservation & Urban Forestry Pre-Apprenticeship Certification
• AmeriCorps Education Award
• High School Diploma

Chris, you’ve shown everyone what resilience and leadership look like. “You’re going to take that same energy, that same drive, and that same heart — and you’re going to go far,” said Taylor.

We couldn’t agree more!

Congratulations to Kevin on graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!

Kevin’s journey at Operation Fresh Start shows what perseverance, growth, and community support can accomplish.

Nate, who worked closely with Kevin as one of his supervisors, said:

“It was immediately clear that Kevin was meant to do work outside. Watching him grow into the man he is right now has been an incredibly beautiful process to be part of.”

Kevin shared what kept him going, paying tribute to his late mother:

“She made me the man I am today. I wouldn’t be here without her… I never would have thought I would have graduated the way my life was going these past years. Without OFS, I wouldn’t be up here today. I’m just grateful for this opportunity. There were times I should have been kicked out of here, but they gave me more chances than they should have. I’m grateful for that."

His dad was just as proud:

“You fought hard. I doubted you, but you never doubted yourself. Don’t ever doubt yourself, boy. I love you so much.”

Kevin is graduating with a pre-apprenticeship carpentry certificate, an AmeriCorps Education Award, and his high school diploma! Next step: joining the OFS Conservation Academy Program!

Congratulations to David on graduating from Legacy and receiving his high school diploma from the Madison Metropolitan School District!

“I depended on David probably more so than I have on any other participant I’ve worked with in the past six years," his Supervisor, Miles, said. "I leaned on him pretty much every single day we were out on site — he was like my second supervisor. I knew I could trust him to train new participants safely and to lead by example. His dependability and consistency speak to his dedication to the program and his future.”

David reflected on his journey:

“When I was first thinking of coming to Operation Fresh Start, I knew I wasn’t ready to give up on getting my diploma. I told myself, whatever it takes, I would graduate and make OFS proud of me. I did this for my family, my friends, and especially my little brother, Jacob. This program taught me not just construction, but how to build character — and a better version of myself.”

Peers and staff echoed Miles’ sentiments, describing David as someone who “radiates the room,” is “a hard worker who greets everyone every morning,” and “never let an opportunity slip past him.”

In addition to earning his high school diploma, David completed his Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Readiness Training, helping build two houses, and leaving a lasting impact on his crew and the community.

David leaves behind big shoes to fill, but as one staff member put it:

“You’ve left a mark here that opens the door for the next leaders to step up — and that’s a beautiful thing.”

Now, David has joined the Build Academy Program to grow his trades skills further.

We are so proud of you, David. Your leadership, dedication, and care for others are exactly what makes OFS special!

New Staff

Marcus Johnson (he/him)

Legacy Conservation Supervisor

We’re thrilled to welcome Marcus to the OFS team!

Marcus first joined OFS as a participant in the Conservation Academy in February 2024. After graduating, he worked as an LTE Land Restoration Specialist with Dane County Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and also led Sustain Dane’s Powerful Teen Leaders Youth Employment Program this summer.

That experience sparked a passion for mentoring youth — and now Marcus is back at OFS as a full-time staff member!

“I’m excited to give back to OFS, where I first discovered my passion for working in the outdoors,” Marcus said.

Join us in welcoming Marcus to the OFS team!

Amazon Winter Wishlist

As fall and winter approach and temperatures drop, our dedicated participants at Operation Fresh Start are braving the cold to pursue their career goals outdoors. However, to keep their spirits high and their bodies warm, we urgently need your support! By checking out our Amazon Winter Wishlist, you can help us provide essential gear that ensures comfort and empowers these young adults to keep pushing forward and improving our community. 

Support OFS with Donor-Advised Funds

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