Operation Fresh Start
NLD ID #88939
Contact Information
Madison, WI 53704
Hours of Operation
7AM-5PM Monday-Friday
Program Overview
Our Mission: Operation Fresh Start empowers emerging adults on a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring and employment training.
Since 1970, Operation Fresh Start has empowered more than 8,000 emerging adults to find a pathway to a family-sustaining career.
OFS programs are designed for a critical time in life: the transition to adulthood. They provide a path forward for emerging adults through mentoring, education, and employment training. OFS graduates earn their high school diploma, driver's license, certifications in the construction and conservation fields, and gain college/career readiness skills. Participants are also giving back to the community — building affordable homes for low-income families, completing conservation projects and environmental justice work in city and county parks. After program completion, OFS staff continue to support graduates as they transition into post-secondary education and/or self-sustaining employment.


Student and Volunteer Success Stories
"OFS has helped me budget, open a bank account and build my self-confidence. I received my diploma, which I never thought would happen..."
"Fresh Start has influenced me in a very positive way. The staff are great people who help guide the lives of troubled youth who are willing to try"
"I enjoy the work I do because it makes me feel better about myself; it makes me want to go an extra mile to help those in my community. I am now on a road to success and am very proud to say that OFS has changed my life."
Education services
- Read and write better
- Study for my high school equivalency exam
- Improve my math skills
- Improve my technology skills
Instruction Type
- In-person