Operation Fresh Start

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 reviews material related to the learner’s permit. A couple of meetings stood out. In the second meeting, the cohort had probation agents as guests so they could learn how to navigate probation and its common pitfalls. 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. #drivetosucceed #justdane #buildingthefuture

It was so rewarding to have led the OFS internal campaign for the United Way of Dane County this year! This was an amazing opportunity to continue learning more about the important work the United Way does in our community. We are excited to have raised over $160 for the United Way through our staff and participant coin challenge and over $800 through staff pledge forms! This was a great way to give back to an organization that we are so proud to partner with, and we are grateful for all the support they have shown us. Great job, everyone! -Nina Zarrillo, Development Specialist (Pictured (L-R): Marco Barbosa, United Way Loaned Executive and Nina Zarrillo, OFS Development Specialist? #unitedway #ofs

As we wrap up National Apprenticeship Awareness Week, OFS would like to highlight several of our recent Build Academy graduates who are currently in apprenticeships! Henry - Plumber Apprentice at Dave Jones Esau - Carpenter Apprentice at Findorff Ashton - Painter Apprentice at Schmelzer Paint Co. Inc Joseba - Carpenter Apprentice at JP Cullen Bryan - Laborer Apprentice at C.D. Smith Construction Lukas - Carpenter Apprentice at Common Links Construction, LLC Shoutout to all the hard-working apprentices out there and thank you to all our partners that hire our young adults! #naw2024 #apprenticeshipworks #youthbuildthefuture #ofs #apprenticeship

In this month's newsletter, we highlight two new program cohorts, showcase one of our alumni, view OFS in the media, and more! Read all about it in our November newsletter! If you haven't subscribed yet, we only send one newsletter per month to keep you updated on all the incredible things that happen at OFS: https://conta.cc/4122JPB

"While a phone works in a pinch, it is no substitute for a laptop, especially when it comes to tasks like drafting cover letters, participating in virtual interviews, and completing online training. DANEnet has been instrumental in helping several CareerScape participants advance their careers by providing them with laptops. The work done by DANENet to bridge the digital divide in our region makes a very tangible difference." - Aram, a Career Counselor at Operation Fresh Start, one of DANEnet's partner nonprofits. DANEnet's Laptop Refurbishment Program works with direct service providers, like Aram, throughout the Madison area to find recipients who will most benefit from receiving a free laptop from us. Aram sees the direct impact these devices have on enabling his program participants to reach their goals. Please consider making a gift today to support digital equity in our community, providing programs like the Laptop Refurbishment Program, free Computer Help Clinics, and more. Learn what your dollars can do here: www.danenet.org/donate/

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.? In 2017, Carlos graduated from OFS, and he hasn’t looked back since, 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 clear.? Click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/gmdYP9Hy #ofs #leader #danecountyparks #ofsalumni

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our friend and valued board member, Richard Jones Sr., who passed away over the weekend. Rick was a dedicated board member who brought a lifetime of service to both the Madison community and to OFS. His leadership, wisdom, and commitment to our mission will be profoundly missed. Rick was a man of great intellect, integrity, and energy, and his absence leaves a significant void. As we reflect on the lasting impact he had on OFS and the lives of our young people, we will remember his tireless efforts and the positive change he brought to our organization and the broader community. Our thoughts go out to his family during this difficult time. With heartfelt condolences! #onceofsalwaysofs Funeral information for Rev. Richard L. Jones Sr. Saturday, November 30th High Point Church 7702 Old Sauk Rd, Madison, WI 53717 Visitation 10-12pm Omega Service 12-1pm Service 1pm Repass to follow after-service Service will be live-streamed for those who are not able to attend.

Our newest Drive Program Cohort launched Monday, November 18! This cohort comprises 9 participants committed to obtaining 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. 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. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gCaAstsU

?? A huge thank you to the American Family Insurance Championship for raising a record-breaking $2.5 million at last year’s PGA TOUR Champions event — contributing to an incredible $19.7 million raised overall! ?? The impact of this tournament and the Steve Stricker American Family Foundation on our community, including Operation Fresh Start, is truly remarkable. ?? Together, we're creating brighter futures for all! #CommunityImpact #ThankYou #OperationFreshStart

?? National Apprenticeship Week is Here! ?? OFS is thrilled to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) from November 17-23! ?? This year’s theme — 10 Years of Engagement, Expansion, and Innovation — highlights the transformative impact of registered apprenticeships on communities, industries, and individuals nationwide. Monday is Youth & Young Adult Apprenticeship Day! OFS proudly supports young adults pursuing apprenticeship opportunities and careers that lead to self-sufficiency. From Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, OFS had 57 young adults earn pre-apprenticeship certificates in construction and conservation! Seventeen of those participants are YouthBuild Global members who graduated from our Legacy program. Why Apprenticeships Matter: Apprenticeships create highly skilled workers to meet industry demands. They provide life-changing career pathways for young people to access sustainable, well-paying jobs while helping advance racial and gender equity in the workforce. This National Apprenticeship Week, we encourage everyone to explore the endless possibilities apprenticeships offer! #NAW2024 #ApprenticeshipWorks #OFS #YouthBuildTheFuture