Participants Gain Hands-On Solar Installation Experience | | |
This week, Operation Fresh Start partnered with Step-Up Solar to provide participants with an immersive four-day Solar Installation Training. Participants explored both commercial and residential solar systems while developing skills in electrical safety, wiring, panel installation, grounding, conduit bending, and job site hazard analysis.
The training combined classroom learning with hands-on application, allowing participants to work directly with solar equipment, practice installation techniques, and complete practical assessments under the guidance of experienced industry professionals.
As demand for clean energy workers continues to grow, opportunities like this help participants explore new career paths, build confidence, and gain exposure to the technical skills employers are seeking.
We are grateful to Step-Up Solar for helping prepare the next generation of skilled workers and introducing our participants to careers in renewable energy.
| Learning about Solar Installation at the IBEW 159 Electricians Union on Tuesday, August 25. | | Another Affordable Home Built by OFS Participants | |
On Thursday, August 13, staff, board members, partners, community supporters, and participants gathered outside a newly completed home at 1150 Kamperschroer Way in Sun Prairie. Together, they stood in front of something tangible: walls raised by participants’ hands, rooms shaped by their effort, and a future strengthened by their persistence.
The open house was both a celebration and a moment of recognition. Every board, nail, window, and finished corner told a larger story of young people showing up, learning hard things, pushing through frustration, and discovering what they could build for a future homeowner and for themselves.
“There aren't a lot of young people your age that can drive by a house and say, ‘I helped build that,’” Executive Director Brian McMahon said. “But you can. That’s yours. You earned it.”
| Get Your 2026 Gala Tickets! | |
The 2026 OFS Gala is just three weeks away! Tickets are still available below.
The gala is Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4:30-8 p.m. at the Monona Terrace! This year's theme is Celebrating Partnerships, reflecting the many meaningful and longstanding relationships that make our work possible and support the young people and community we serve.
| Thank You Hooper Corporation! | | |
Home runs for a great cause!
Thanks to Hooper Corporation and their 2026 Home Run Sponsorship, every Madison Mallards and Madison Night Mares home run this season helped support Operation Fresh Start, resulting in an incredible $8,400 donation.
We're thankful for partners who invest in young people and help create brighter futures!
| | Thank You Widen Family Foundation! | | |
Thank you to the Widen Family Foundation for your generous $15,000 gift to Operation Fresh Start!
Funding from the Widen Family Foundation will support organization-wide educational, wellness, and stabilization services for emerging adults participating in Operation Fresh Start programs over the next 12 months.
We are grateful to partners like the Widen Foundation, which believes in the potential of every young person and helps make life-changing opportunities possible.
Thank you for making an impact!
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Congratulations to Ari on completing the Legacy Program and earning her high school diploma through the Madison Metropolitan School District!
Ari’s journey through OFS was full of hard work, growth, honesty, and perseverance. She brought energy, humor, and heart to every crew she was part of — and left a lasting impact on the people around her.
As Marcus shared, “The energy and authenticity she brings every day is what makes her so endearing.”
Nate added, “Ari made every day out on site that she was there a little bit better, whether that was through humor or hard work or just knowing what to say in the right moment.”
For Ari, this moment is deeply earned.
“I am very proud of myself for being here and getting to the spot I’m at now,” she said. “One piece of advice I’d like to give is the more you show up, the more you get done.”
Ari is working at FedEx with plans to attend further education in the future.
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Congratulations to Madeline on completing the Legacy Program and earning their high school diploma through the Madison Metropolitan School District!
Their supervisor, Danny, shared what made Madeline such a memorable part of the crew:
“Madeline is one of the most fun, interesting, intelligent young people I’ve ever gotten to work with.”
He also recognized the consistency and presence Madeline brought every day:
“They finished with essentially perfect attendance,” Danny said. “They grew from a very quiet, keep-to-themselves crew member to the most talkative person on site.”
For Madeline, this accomplishment was not something they once thought was possible.
“If you ask me where I thought I’d be one year ago, I didn’t think I was going to graduate high school,” Madeline shared. “But it all worked out.”
Madeline's personality, consistency, and growth left a real impact at OFS. They are working at Kwik Trip and plan to enroll at Madison College this fall in IT!
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Congratulations, Sage!
Last week, we celebrated Sage’s graduation from OFS Conservation Academy and his next big step: joining American Conservation Experience as a conservation crew member in Arizona.
“Operation Fresh Start has changed my life,” Sage shared. “I left high school very lost and nervous for what was next… but after my first interview, I knew this was for me.”
During his time at OFS, Sage earned his Wisconsin Board of Apprenticeship Standards Pre-apprenticeship in Conservation & Urban Forestry, SAWW Level 1 chainsaw certification, Federal Type 2 firefighter certifications, and a $500 OFS Conservation Gear Scholarship.
“I love doing something new every day, and I found passion in it,” Sage said. “When it got hard, I never gave up, and I kept pushing every single day.”
We’re proud of you, Sage. Keep pushing.
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Congratulations to Eli on graduating from Conservation Academy and enrolling at University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall to study Wildlife Ecology!
Reflecting on his time at OFS, Eli shared, “When I graduated high school last year, I really didn’t have an idea of what I wanted to do with my life… I've learned so much about myself here."
Eli added that through the credentials he gained, he learned how to use a chainsaw, identify plants in his community, and conduct prescribed fires.
His supervisor, Jake, said Eli’s curiosity stood out from the start: “Eli was always someone who wasn’t satisfied with just a set of instructions. There always needed to be the why.”
Eli leaves Conservation Academy with certifications, field experience, confidence, and a clear next step. In his words, “I feel very grateful to have made all these connections and learned all these skills.”
Congratulations, Eli! We’re proud of you and excited to see where your next chapter takes you.
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Congratulations to Donovan on graduating from Conservation Academy and enrolling at Madison College to be an Arborist!
After completing both Build Academy and Conservation Academy at Operation Fresh Start, Donovan is taking his next step toward a future rooted in purpose, community, and care for the environment.
“Our environment is something I’m very passionate about,” Donovan shared. “I wanted something more engaging, something I found real meaning in… something that would have me on my feet and using my hands to make a difference.”
That path became clear when Donovan found Conservation Academy. “The first day I shadowed with Conservation Academy, I knew I was on the right path,” he said. “I felt like I was where I belonged, like I was doing what I was meant to do.”
Donovan leaves OFS with certifications in wildland firefighting, pesticide application, OSHA 10, CPR, and pre-apprenticeships in Conservation & Urban Forestry and Carpentry. More than that, he leaves with confidence in his future.
“It feels amazing… to finally feel excitement and confidence in a future for myself.”
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Congratulations to CareerPoint Childcare graduates Ana and Eddie, and CareerPoint Healthcare Graduate Shay for getting hired this month!
Ana was hired as a Classroom Aide at Reach Dane, supporting children's learning, development, and well-being.
Eddie was hired as a Bus Monitor by First Student, making a positive impact on children while helping ensure they have a safe, supportive, and reliable experience on their way to and from school.
Shay was accepted into the UW Health Medical Assistant Apprenticeship Program, a paid 10-month internship combining classroom instruction and hands-on clinical training.
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Shilo Gibson (she/her)
Alternative Education Teacher
Shilo is excited to begin her new role as an Alternative Education Teacher at Operation Fresh Start. After more than 16 years in education, she is looking forward to bringing her experience, passion, and creativity to a new community and building meaningful relationships with the people she will be working with.
Shilo has always found joy in helping others learn, grow, and discover their strengths. She is excited for this next chapter and looks forward to the opportunity to continue doing work that makes a difference in the lives of young people.
When she isn't at work, you can often find Shilo spending time with her grandchild, writing, creating art, or traveling. She loves having opportunities to be creative, explore new places, and make memories with the people she loves. She is excited to bring all of these interests and experiences with her as she begins her journey with Operation Fresh Start.
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August is National Make a Will Month, a reminder that creating or updating your will is one of the most meaningful ways to care for the people and causes that matter most to you.
By including Operation Fresh Start in your estate plans, you can help ensure that future generations of young adults have the opportunity to build the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed. Individuals who choose to make a planned gift become members of the Jack Osteraas Heritage Society, named in honor of Operation Fresh Start's founder. Nearly 56 years ago, Jack Osteraas established OFS with a vision of helping young people overcome barriers and build brighter futures through education, training, and service. Today, Heritage Society members carry that vision forward, creating opportunities that will transform lives for years to come.
If you have already included Operation Fresh Start in your plans, thank you. If you'd like to learn more about leaving a lasting impact through a bequest or other planned gift, we'd be honored to have that conversation. Contact Jody Weyers, Development Director at jweyers@operationfreshstart.org
Your legacy can help create brighter futures for generations to come.
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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! | | | | |
