Operation Fresh Start participants are members of AmeriCorps, a network of national
service programs that engage more than 50,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet community needs. At OFS, AmeriCorps members contribute to the community through the construction of affordable housing and completion of environmental conservation projects. OFS is an AmeriCorps Youth Corps, a program dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth develop job skills, complete high school education, receive counseling, and graduate to become positive community members.

At OFS, most AmeriCorps members serve 900 hour terms of service, while some serve 300 hour terms or 1700 hour terms. Many re-enroll for a second term. OFS members receive an hourly wage equal to the minimum wage. At the end of service, members also receive an Education Award which can be used to pay the costs of education at accredited post-secondary programs. The value of this award varies according to the number of hours served. It can be as high as $4,725 per year for up to two years, and it can be used for up to 7 years after completion of service.

To find out more about AmeriCorps, click here