MADISON, Wis. — Operation Fresh Start has put in decades of service to the Dane County community. It first started in the 1970s and continues to grow.
Operation Fresh Start is a nonprofit that has many programs to benefit those in need in the community.
Its legacy program helps young adults from ages 18 to 24 years old find alternative ways to get their high school diploma and discover a career path that’s a fit for them.
Adriel Romero has been a part of the program for the past seven months and said it’s the best decision he’s made for himself.
“I just wanted that next step in my life,” Romero said. “I needed help with a lot of things and OFS definitely provides that.”
Romero has put in countless hours in the classroom and out in the field working to get his degree.
Through the program, he’s been able to learn conservation work, firefighting and work his way toward his high school diploma.
Nate Good is the conservation supervisor for the program. Good said seeing success in the participants is why he continues to show up as a mentor.
“The main part of my job is coaching and mentorship for young people who come through here,” Good said. “To see young people learn and grow and develop a relationship with their community and the environment within the community — that is incredibly powerful.”
Throughout his time in the program, Romero has worked in many Dane County parks. He has also gotten the chance to work on some controlled burns with the fire department.
“I definitely found my passion and what I want to do for the rest of my life,” he said. “That’s a lot for me. I think my biggest struggle was finding out what I wanted to do with my life. They found that for me.”
Romero said he has hopes to get into Madison Area Technical College and one day, work for the Madison Fire Department.
