Levi Doherty outside Operation Fresh Start on February 9, 2026. When Levi Doherty pulls up to a job site today, he’s not just another contractor. He’s the owner of Doherty Chimney, Roofing & Exterior LLC — a growing company serving communities across southern Wisconsin. But more than two decades ago, Levi was a teenager looking for direction. He found Operation Fresh Start (OFS). “I was here in 2000-2001, when you were on Winnebago Street,” Levi said. “I didn’t finish the program. But I was...

Nicole Knox, CareerPoint Coordinator, stands proudly with graduates Michelle (left) and Austin (right) during their graduation day at the Operation Fresh Start sign. On Thursday, November 6, Operation Fresh Start welcomed family, friends, staff, and employer partners to celebrate the graduation of the CareerPoint Finances and Customer Service Cohort at the Warner Park Recreation Center. While this program spanned just six weeks, the impact on participants’ lives was anything but short-lived....

When David Lehrer first walked into Operation Fresh Start in 1995, he was a volunteer fulfilling a small commitment through his employer,...