Our newest program, CareerPoint, saw its first graduation on November 16! Participants Torin, Trish, and Syenna completed eight weeks of essential skills training and professional development before starting their paid job training...READ MORE.

🎓 More Graduations

May graduated from Conservation Academy, earning their pre-apprenticeship in conservation and urban forestry! They now work at LundinTree as an arborist.

“May came in when we had a few folks finishing the program who were really strong crew members," said Bobbi Rooney, Conservation Academy Supervisor, "I had a conversation with May about how their work ethic needed to be at or above where these crew members were so that the standards could be transferred to the next crew. And that's exactly what they did."

Henry graduated from Build Academy and now works at Windsor Building Systems!

“Henry’s gonna be a good asset for Windsor. He’s gonna be a leader. He’s gonna take what we taught him and expand on it,” said Mike Price, Build Academy’s Construction Training Manager, pictured above with Henry.

We are thankful to Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for investing in Build Academy last year. Because of their grant, BA expanded from one crew to four and participants' pay increased.

Kemoney graduated from Legacy, earning his high school diploma!

“What you have done with your time here at OFS, the impact that you've had on the greater Madison community, the work that you've done for the ecosystem in Dane County Parks, and the amount of work that you've done on yourself is incredible to see. I'm very proud of you,” said Nate, his supervisor.

Through this Friday, December 1, your impact will be doubled thanks to a generous match by 2nd Market Capital Economic Opportunity Foundation! Support like yours is what makes graduations and many other successes possible for our emerging adults.

The cold season is upon us and our crews feel it every work day! Our Amazon wish list makes it easy for you to support our participants with wool socks, hand warmers, leather gloves, and more.

📣 ED Position Open

Operation Fresh Start's current Executive Director, Greg Markle, will be retiring in the spring of 2024 and we are now accepting applications for our next ED! We are seeking a dynamic leader who embodies and empowers our mission and vision to lead and provide educational and employment opportunities through mentoring, education, and employment training to young adults ages 16-24.

💼 Budget Amendment Approved

At the start of the month, the MMSD Board of Education unanimously supported the budget amendment, returning funding to our Legacy program! Thank you to everyone who supported our young adults! READ MORE.

"With over 1,000 signatures online or on paper, your voice mattered! The school board passed a budget amendment to make sure that each young person who needs it has access to the Legacy program," said Executive Director, Greg Markle.

🥧 OFS Thanksgiving

OFS continued its holiday tradition with a delicious spread of food cooked up by our loving kitchen and then we worked it off with our Golden Paddle Tournament! This ping pong competition is battled out by staff and participants, with one person crowned the champion for the year. This year, it was our newest staff member, our Conservation Academy supervisor, Jake!

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