Operation Fresh Start students give back to the community by building affordable homes for deserving families and completing conservation work in local parks. While doing that, they earn their high school diploma, driver’s license, construction, and conservancy certifications and gain college and career readiness skills. Operation Fresh Start also helps young people preparing to enter the health care field, supporting them as they enter the Nursing Assistance Course at Madison College.
The organization serves young adults, ages 16 to 24, with a focus on populations facing the largest barriers. Last year, 76 percent of Operation Fresh Start participants were young adults of color and 80 percent were from low-income households. After graduation, Operation Fresh Start staff continue to support graduates as they transition into secondary education and/or self-sustaining employment. In 2021, with the help of County Materials, 218 people were served.
Through the Sonnentag Foundation, County Materials supports dozens of charitable organizations in four key service areas: Hunger & Homelessness Support, Service Member & Veteran Support, Sexual Abuse & Domestic Assault Services, and Mentoring & Skills Building.