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Celebrating OFS's Expansion Built by Emerging Young Adults


OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon addresses a diverse audience in a large room. A sign reads "Operation Fresh Start: Success is in Youth." People wear casual attire.
OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon delivers an opening speech to the guests attending the OFS Buildout Open House.

Operation Fresh Start (OFS) was full of energy on Thursday, January 23 as nearly 100 community members, leaders, and partners joined participants and staff to celebrate a momentous achievement at our home on Milwaukee Street: the completion of a transformative building expansion for OFS. This milestone reflects not only the growth of the organization, but the countless lives it continues to impact through its innovative programs. 


The event opened with heartfelt words from Brian McMahon, Executive Director of OFS, who set the tone for the day:  

"We're celebrating more than just the completion of this building. We're celebrating the people, partnerships, and vision for a brighter future." 

A Vision for the Future 


OFS’s expanded facilities now feature additional classrooms and office space as well as revitalized training areas to support its mission of empowering young adults. The building stands as a symbol of hard work, dedication, and the community's investment in its youth. 


Governor Tony Evers, unable to attend in person, sent a statement praising OFS's transformative impact: 

“Operation Fresh Start has done so much for our state’s workforce and economy, and I’m glad we were able to support this expansion with a $3.3 million grant. But we know this wouldn’t be possible without the young people who have dedicated time, labor, and hard work to build this facility. This project is further proof that our young people are building the future of our state—one brick at a time.” 

This expansion was made possible through a $3.3 million Workforce Innovation Grant awarded by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), highlighting the state’s commitment to preparing the next generation of skilled workers. 


Operation Fresh Start’s Build and Conservation Academy program is one of 12 statewide programs funded through the Workforce Innovation Grant in January 2022. This initiative addresses regional workforce challenges by offering industry-focused instruction that leads to family-supporting employment for individuals aged 18–24 in the construction and land management fields. To date, 144 young adults have completed programming during the current 2.5-year grant cycle. 

 

Recognizing Excellence 


The event also honored key figures and partners who contributed to the success of OFS. Distinguished guests included WEDC Secretary and Ceo Missy Hughes, Wisconsin DWD Assistant Deputy Secretary Lee Sensenbrenner, Dane County Executive Melissa Agard, State Senator Melissa Ratcliff, Madison Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford, Sun Prairie Alder Steve Stocker, MMSD Superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard, MMSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. TJ McCray, and MMSD Board of Education Member Nicki Vander Meulen. Their collective support underscores the importance of investing in workforce development and community growth.  

 

A Tribute to the Builders 


At the heart of the celebration were the young adults of the Build and Conservation Academies. These programs offer participants aged 18-24 the tools to succeed through classroom learning and hands-on experience with professional industry partners. Whether working on construction or conservation projects, these young adults shape their futures while giving back to their communities. 


Two inspiring stories were shared by participants. 

Marcus is in blue hoodie and brown hat speaking at podium. "Operation Fresh Start" logo on background curtain. Name tag visible, setting is a formal event.
Marcus speaks at the open house about his journey at OFS.

Marcus recently began working in a dual position with Dane County Parks and U.S. Fish and Wildlife as a Land Restoration Specialist after earning his pre-apprenticeship in conservation and urban forestry, chainsaw certification, pesticide applicator certification and wildland firefighter certifications in Conservation Academy.

"The people in the program and the staff are some of the most amazing people I have ever met, and they have helped me reach goals I didn’t think were possible," Marcus said. "It’s so wonderful to feel an actual impact in the work that you’re able to do and know that you’re creating change in your community." 

Marcus struggled to find employment before enrolling in the Conservation Academy, and he thanked OFS for always believing in him. 


"This is such a space that I can always come back to, a workplace I feel so confident and proud to revisit," Marcus said. 


Amira is one of the skilled young adults in Build Academy who built the building expansion. She shared her journey of growth and self-discovery during her time in Build Academy. After graduating high school, she was uncertain about her future and decided to join the program with encouragement from her family. Initially working on the custodial team at Madison College, Amira realized she wanted more and dreamed of a career in construction inspired by her love of HGTV.  

Amira is in a neon green hoodie speaking at a podium in front of a "Operation Fresh Start" backdrop. The setting appears to be a formal event.
Amira speaks at the open house about her role in working on the buildout.

"I quickly realized that this was going to be a challenge,” Amira said about her first week in Build Academy. “I had a schedule to adhere to, responsibilities to manage, and a wealth of knowledge to absorb."  


Through Build Academy, she faced new challenges, developed a strong work ethic, and contributed to the Build Out project, which symbolized her own transformation.  

"As this building took shape, so did I," she said. 

Along the way, she achieved significant personal milestones, including earning her driver’s license and pre-apprenticeship certification in carpentry. Amira expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supervisor, David, for his pivotal support and highlighted her pride in contributing to such an impactful project. 


"I never imagined I would be part of a project that will serve young people just like me," Amira said. "Your support means the world to us.”  


OFS participants and graduates embody resilience, dedication, and the drive to succeed—qualities that inspire all of us. 

 

A Community Effort

 

The celebration highlighted the collaboration of numerous organizations with OFS in the Workforce Innovation Grant proposal, including the Urban League of Greater Madison, WRTP Big Step, and the Latino Academy of Workforce Development.

 

WEDC Secretary Hughes emphasized the significance of these partnerships: 

"This space is not just a building. It represents an investment in our collective future and showcases the power of innovative solutions to workforce challenges."  

She added that “Operation Fresh Start taught us that there are challenges around acquiring a driver's license and being able to get to work" and that there are "students who learn in different ways and need to have different opportunities that aren't the traditional pathways.” 

 

Planting Seeds for a Brighter Tomorrow 


Dane County Executive Melissa Agard delivered a moving address, urging attendees to see the facility as a symbol of dreams turned into reality. She shared a personal connection as the mother of an apprentice and praised OFS participants for their role as community ambassadors. 

"Your dreams matter,” she said. “You are building our future. The tools you gain here—both physical and personal—will carry you forward and help you make a lasting impact." 
Melissa Agard is in a red blazer speaking at a podium with a microphone. The backdrop features "Operation Fresh Start" logos. Audience members are seated.
Dane County Executive Melissa Agard gives a speech at the OFS Buildout open House.

She added, "in Dane County, we care for one another. It doesn't matter what people throw at us, and by giving young people the ability to dream and the tools to succeed, we're going to get there, and Operation Fresh Start is the epitome of that.” 

 

Building More Than Structures 


As the celebration concluded, attendees were reminded of OFS’s broader mission: to empower young adults on a path to self-sufficiency while strengthening the community. This expansion is not just about what happens within its walls; it’s about the ripple effect these programs have on the lives they touch. 


With unwavering support from partners, funders, and the community, OFS is poised to continue its legacy of transformation and empowerment. Together, we're building a future that’s stronger, more sustainable, and filled with promise. 


Thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. Together, we’re building lives, one brick at a time. 

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