Operation Fresh Start

Drive to succeed: the drive to succeed program offers mentoring to support young adults with past or current involvement in the justice system. Through partnerships with the dept. Of corrections and metro high school (located within the dane county jail), ofs supports young people in navigating the criminal justice process, satisfying fines to obtain their driver's license, and earning their high school diploma. This program is a collaboration with justdane, a nonprofit with expertise in supporting individuals reentering society after a period of incarceration. As an incentive, drive to succeed participants earn a $20 gift card after attending each mentoring session.legacy program: the legacy program supports participants in earning their high school diploma, driver's license, and developing employment readiness skills. Participants work in small groups with an in-house teaching staff. As americorps members, participants also engage in community service work: either affordable housing construction or conservation work. After program completion, ofs staff continue to support graduates as they transition into post-secondary education or self-sustaining employment. This year, in partnership with the madison metropolitan school district and local financial institutions, ofs integrated financial literacy programming into the legacy curriculum. Options: the options program provides an alternative way to finish high school, assisting young adults in earning their high school diploma, ged or hsed. Ofs staff help participants identify the path that's right for them and provide continuous support while participants complete coursework.resources: the top referrals the resource specialist makes for young adults are for housing assistance, access to safe and affordable food, and access to mental health treatment. The resource specialist also organizes visits for partner organizations to come to ofs and connect with young adults. Public health madison & dane county, domestic abuse intervention services, national alliance on mental illness, and rape crisis center have all come to educate ofs participants about sexual and mental health, plus healthy relationships.careerscape: ofs careerscape counseling assists young adults (17-24) who need support with exploring career options, preparing for employment, and taking next steps towards achieving their career goals. Careerscape staff help participants identify their interests, assist with skill-building, and continue to provide support as they embark on their career journey.we work with participants one-on-one to determine their career goals and create a career development plan. As part of this program, participants receive holistic career counseling which includes: - identifying career interests that align with skills and personal values - developing a resume and cover letter - teaching interview skills & facilitating mock interviews - assistance with post-secondary program registration - overcoming barriers to employment (transportation, mental health, childcare, etc.) - connecting with to local resources, organizations, and employers - careerscape counseling serves all residents of dane county.

Drive:graduate crew: graduate crew is an ofs program for those legacy participants who show real promise and interest in the trades. This full-time, hire-for-service crew works on residential and commercial construction projects throughout the community. Over 90% of graduate crew participants continue into full time career positions in the building trades.