Greg Markle on Operation Fresh Start
Posted by Jack Ferreri
Operation Fresh Start (OFS) is working with disconnected young people (16-24) facing life challenges, especially youth of color, OFS gives them skills in electrical, woodwork, construction, and plumbing to prepare them for a career. They’re active in building affordable housing, working on conservation programs, and getting their GEDs. Healthcare is also a major area, as is work with Americorps. OFS works with 200 young people a year. A 12-15 month Pathways Program gets them trained and motivated to get out into the workforce and start building their personal future. It’s proven to be a transformational process for people without a confidence-building record of success. So the impact is enormous. And the savings to the community is just as large. For Kids with no high school diploma by 21, the community expends a quarter million dollars over their lifetime keeping them afloat. Operation Fresh Start gets them self-supporting and gives them pride in being a productive member of the community. |  |