Building Futures, Transforming Lives: Operation Fresh Start and Spectrum Partner to Empower Madison Emerging Adults
- jweyers3
- Jul 19
- 3 min read
On Saturday, July 12, Operation Fresh Start (OFS) proudly partnered with Spectrum through the Spectrum Community Center Assist initiative, bringing hands-on renovations, upgraded technology, and a transformational $50,000 investment to OFS’s workforce development programs.
For over 50 years, OFS has helped Dane County young adults, ages 16–24, gain education, job readiness, and a clear path to a brighter future. As part of Spectrum’s nationwide $30 million initiative to revitalize 100 community centers across its 41-state footprint, this event marked not just a facility refresh but a deepened commitment to building a community where opportunity is within reach for all.
“We believe in second chances—and more importantly, we believe in fresh starts,” OFS Executive Director Brian McMahon said. “This partnership with Spectrum helps us deliver on that promise.”
A dozen Spectrum employee volunteers worked side-by-side with OFS staff, board members, and community members to update a training space with new furniture, paint, and technology.
Real Tools, Real Training, Real Transformation
Through this partnership, Spectrum donated:
Five new laptops
15 new Chromebooks
A S1 55” Vibe Board
Flexible classroom furniture and storage cabinets
A remodeled multipurpose training room
1 gigabit-per-second internet service
These upgrades ensure that OFS participants can engage in digital learning, build resumes, earn certifications, and prepare for career success in a modern, connected environment.
“The addition of high-speed internet, upgraded technology, and new training equipment allows us to create a more dynamic and connected learning environment,” Brian said. “These improvements will help us better prepare young people for today’s workforce.”
The $50,000 grant from Spectrum will enhance OFS’s workforce development programs, helping fund participant stipends, tools, certifications, and wraparound support services.
“The long-term partnership we are creating with Operation Fresh Start will make a real difference,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President, Community Impact for Charter Communications. “We look forward to providing essential job training in a safe, revitalized space.”
Community Support for a Shared Mission
City and county leaders joined the celebration, each highlighting OFS as a cornerstone of Madison’s approach to youth opportunity, land stewardship, and workforce readiness.
“Operation Fresh Start is focused on the future—sowing into individuals to create a better Madison,” said Madison Alder Dina Nina Martinez-Rutherford.
Common Council President Regina Vidaver, who was serving as Acting Mayor, emphasized the City’s deep collaboration:
“The city so appreciates the quality and quantity of the work performed by these youth crews—and our staff are made better for knowing them.”
Yogesh Chawla, Dane County Supervisor for District 6, shared his long history of watching OFS crews work:
“It’s not just youth lives being transformed—it’s all of us. The parks, the ecosystems, and the communities they build impact everyone in Dane County.”
Partnership in Action
Volunteers brought energy and purpose to the day—assembling furniture, installing technology, painting, and tackling outdoor projects. All tools, supplies, and improvements were gifted to OFS and will stay in the building to serve future generations.
“We’ll work diligently, quickly, effectively—and with lots of energy,” said Spectrum Revitalization Lead B. Lemar Collum. “Everything we use here today stays here today.”
As Spectrum's 55th Community Center Assist partner nationwide, OFS exemplifies the kind of high-impact organization the initiative was built to support.
“We’re not just upgrading a space—we’re investing in futures,” said Tom Morales, Sr. Community Impact Manager at Spectrum. “This partnership gives OFS participants the best chance at long-term success.”
From constructing houses to career planning, and from conservation crews to classrooms, Operation Fresh Start is helping young adults build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to thrive. Thanks to Spectrum, that mission just got even stronger.
“Whether making homes for people or pollinators,” said Vidaver, “OFS participants are building skills, pride, and a better community.”
Operation Fresh Start and Spectrum share a vision: a stronger, more connected Madison and Dane County, where every young person gets the chance to succeed. Thanks to this partnership, that vision is one step closer to reality.
