Operation Fresh Start

Shoutout to OFS Volunteer Pat Kelly for certifying our CareerPoint Healthcare cohort in Stop the Bleed!

Did you know trauma-related injuries account for nearly 40% of deaths worldwide—and severe bleeding is one of the leading causes? In critical situations, a person can lose their life in as little as 5 minutes. That’s why this training is so important.

Our young professionals learned essential, life-saving skills, including identifying different types of bleeding, applying direct pressure, packing wounds, and properly using a tourniquet, all in accordance with OSHA guidelines. Each participant also earned a certification upon completing the course and passing the final exam.

We’re proud to see them gaining real-world skills that will make a difference as they pursue careers in healthcare!

💙 Celebrating Social Work Month: Nate Good

This Social Work Month, we’re proud to highlight Nate Good, whose dedication to supporting young people at Operation Fresh Start truly embodies what this work is all about.

For the past four years, Nate has balanced a full-time role as a Legacy Conservation Supervisor with pursuing his Master of Social Work at University of Wisconsin-Madison—a testament to his commitment to personal and professional growth in service of others.

Now serving as a Participant Resource Coordinator, Nate is helping young people at OFS access critical community resources while continuing to mentor participants out in the field. This unique blend of hands-on work and resource support allows him to build strong relationships and meet participants where they are.

After graduating this May, Nate will step into a full-time role continuing both of these impactful positions—guiding, supporting, and empowering young people every step of the way.

👏 Thank you, Nate, for your passion, dedication, and the difference you make every day.

❄️ Weather Closure Notice

Due to winter weather, Operation Fresh Start will be closed tomorrow, Monday, March 16. The safety of our participants and staff is our top priority.

Please stay safe and take precautions while traveling in winter conditions.

📐 New Training in Build Academy!

Our Build Academy Mental Toughness Cohort is diving into a new skill for the first time: Layout Elevations.

This training helps participants learn how to determine grades above and below a line of sight, an important skill used in construction and site layout. The new training was implemented at the request of the Carpenter and Laborers trades, helping ensure our participants are gaining the real-world skills employers are looking for.

By learning how to set up instruments, take rod readings, and calculate elevations, our young people are building the technical knowledge needed for careers in the skilled trades.

👏 We’re excited to introduce this new hands-on learning opportunity and continue strengthening our workforce training.