Operation Fresh Start

Operation Fresh Start (OFS) is a youth development program that addresses core issues facing low-income communities: education, employment, crime prevention, affordable housing and leadership development. OFS was founded in 1970 to provide young male offenders and high school dropouts with a paid, 30-hour/week opportunity to learn basic work skills, prepare for the high school equivalency examination, secure and retain employment at the end of training, and contribute to the community by renovating sub-standard housing into safe, energy-efficient, affordable homes sold to low-income families.

OFS works with low-income young people ages 16-24. Since 1970, OFS has expanded its target population to include women, single parents and in-school youth. As a result of their experience with OFS, participants fundamentally change their lives and roles in society. Eighty per cent of participants satisfactorily complete the program. OFS' long-term follow-up studies show that 60-65% of graduates remain self-sufficient. A June 2004 survey by Brandeis and Temple universities substantiates these studies, finding that 82% of OFS graduates are currently in post-secondary education or jobs averaging $11.85/hour.

OFS has served 6,000 youth and built over 190 homes since its inception. The candidates are screened very closely for commitment to the program requirements and only one in ten is accepted. OFS has an in-house health clinic; two meals are served daily; and 2 – 4 hours are spent in the classroom. Participants are required to learn to respect others, demonstrate positive social skills, and prepare for self-sufficiency after leaving the program. It costs approximately $20,000 per participant per year, which includes the $6.50 per hour they earn for their labor. Of concern now is that the low-income housing is not selling in the down market and it costs OFS $1,000 per month for each house not sold. OFS will receive some of the Federal Stimulus money and hopes to add four more crews for the summer conservation projects and low-income home weatherization work.

Our donation of $5000 will help to cover the breakfast and lunch portion of the program.

To learn more about Operation Fresh Start click here.