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OPERATION FRESH START INC

EIN 23-7108090 MADISON, WI

Revenue 2024
$8,972,554
Expenses 2024
$6,656,724

Program services were 91.6% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

As filed

Subsection
03
NTEE code
J21Z
Classification
1200
Street
2670 MILWAUKEE ST

These codes are the IRS's own and are shown exactly as filed. What each one means is in the Business Master File documentation (opens in a new tab).

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

THE MISSION OF OPERATION FRESH START, INC. IS TO EMPOWER EMERGING ADULTS ON A PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EDUCATION, MENTORING, AND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING. OPERATION FRESH START (OFS) SERVES DISCONNECTED YOUTH AGES 16-24 IN DANE COUNTY AND GUIDING THEM ON THEIR PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY. OFS HAS HELPED OVER 8,000 YOUNG PEOPLE ON THEIR PATH TO EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND A BETTER LIFE!OFS PROGRAMS ARE DESIGNED TO TRANSFORM LIVES AT A CRITICAL TIME IN A YOUNG PERSON'S LIFE. OUR PROGRAMS PROVIDE A PATH FORWARD FOR DISCONNECTED YOUTH THROUGH MENTORING, EDUCATION, AND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING. OFS GRADUATES EARN THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AND DRIVER'S LICENSE, THEN GO ON TO CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION AND/OR FIND SELF-SUSTAINING EMPLOYMENT.OPERATION FRESH START IS WORKING TO ENSURE SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES FOR CURRENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF LOW-INCOME AND PEOPLE OF COLOR IN OUR COMMUNITY.

Activities or mission (Part I)

OPERATION FRESH START EMPOWERS EMERGING ADULTS ON A PATH TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY THROUGH EDUCATION, MENTORING, AND EMPLOYMENT TRAINING.

  • DRIVE TO SUCCEED: THE DRIVE TO SUCCEED PROGRAM OFFERS MENTORING TO SUPPORT YOUNG ADULTS WITH PAST OR CURRENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS AND METRO HIGH SCHOOL (LOCATED WITHIN THE DANE COUNTY JAIL), OFS SUPPORTS YOUNG PEOPLE IN NAVIGATING THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROCESS, SATISFYING FINES TO OBTAIN THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE, AND EARNING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. THIS PROGRAM IS A COLLABORATION WITH JUSTDANE, A NONPROFIT WITH EXPERTISE IN SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS REENTERING SOCIETY AFTER A PERIOD OF INCARCERATION. AS AN INCENTIVE, DRIVE TO SUCCEED PARTICIPANTS EARN A $20 GIFT CARD AFTER ATTENDING EACH MENTORING SESSION.LEGACY PROGRAM: THE LEGACY PROGRAM SUPPORTS PARTICIPANTS IN EARNING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, DRIVER'S LICENSE, AND DEVELOPING EMPLOYMENT READINESS SKILLS. PARTICIPANTS WORK IN SMALL GROUPS WITH AN IN-HOUSE TEACHING STAFF. AS AMERICORPS MEMBERS, PARTICIPANTS ALSO ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK: EITHER AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONSTRUCTION OR CONSERVATION WORK. AFTER PROGRAM COMPLETION, OFS STAFF CONTINUE TO SUPPORT GRADUATES AS THEY TRANSITION INTO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION OR SELF-SUSTAINING EMPLOYMENT. THIS YEAR, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MADISON METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LOCAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, OFS INTEGRATED FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAMMING INTO THE LEGACY CURRICULUM.OPTIONS: THE OPTIONS PROGRAM PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE WAY TO FINISH HIGH SCHOOL, ASSISTING YOUNG ADULTS IN EARNING THEIR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA, GED OR HSED. OFS STAFF HELP PARTICIPANTS IDENTIFY THE PATH THAT'S RIGHT FOR THEM AND PROVIDE CONTINUOUS SUPPORT WHILE PARTICIPANTS COMPLETE COURSEWORK.DRIVE: DRIVE IS A FREE DRIVER'S LICENSE ATTAINMENT PROGRAM. PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE CLASSROOM AND ONLINE INSTRUCTION, FUNDS FOR THEIR PERMIT TEST, BEHIND-THE-WHEEL LESSONS, AND FUNDS FOR THEIR DRIVER'S TEST. IF THEY DO NOT HAVE A CAR AVAILABLE TO USE FOR THE DRIVER'S TEST, A CAR IS PROVIDED.CAREERSCAPE: OFS CAREERSCAPE COUNSELING ASSISTS YOUNG ADULTS (17-24) WHO NEED SUPPORT WITH EXPLORING CAREER OPTIONS, PREPARING FOR EMPLOYMENT, AND TAKING NEXT STEPS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THEIR CAREER GOALS. CAREERSCAPE STAFF HELP PARTICIPANTS IDENTIFY THEIR INTERESTS, ASSIST WITH SKILL-BUILDING, AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AS THEY EMBARK ON THEIR CAREER JOURNEY.WE WORK WITH PARTICIPANTS ONE-ON-ONE TO DETERMINE THEIR CAREER GOALS AND CREATE A CAREER DEVELOPMENT PLAN. AS PART OF THIS PROGRAM, PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE HOLISTIC CAREER COUNSELING WHICH INCLUDES: IDENTIFYING CAREER INTERESTS THAT ALIGN WITH SKILLS AND PERSONAL VALUES DEVELOPING A RESUME AND COVER LETTER TEACHING INTERVIEW SKILLS & FACILITATING MOCK INTERVIEWS ASSISTANCE WITH POST-SECONDARY PROGRAM REGISTRATION OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT (TRANSPORTATION, MENTAL HEALTH, CHILDCARE, ETC.) CONNECTING WITH LOCAL RESOURCES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND EMPLOYERS CAREERSCAPE COUNSELING SERVES ALL RESIDENTS OF DANE COUNTYRESOURCES: THE TOP REFERRALS THE RESOURCE SPECIALIST MAKES FOR YOUNG ADULTS ARE FOR HOUSING ASSISTANCE, ACCESS TO SAFE AND AFFORDABLE FOOD, AND ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT. THE RESOURCE SPECIALIST ALSO ORGANIZES VISITS FOR PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS TO COME TO OFS AND CONNECT WITH YOUNG ADULTS. PUBLIC HEALTH MADISON & DANE COUNTY, DOMESTIC ABUSE INTERVENTION SERVICES, NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS, AND RAPE CRISIS CENTER HAVE ALL COME TO EDUCATE OFS PARTICIPANTS ABOUT SEXUAL AND MENTAL HEALTH, PLUS HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS.

    Expenses $4,909,878 · Revenue $42,535

  • THE ACADEMIES: THE ACADEMIES ARE OFS PROGRAMS FOR THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO SHOW REAL PROMISE AND INTEREST IN THE TRADES OR CONSERVATION WORK. BUILD ACADEMY IS FULL-TIME, HIRE-FOR-SERVICE CREWS WHICH WORK ON RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. CONSERVATION ACADEMY IS A FULL-TIME, HIRE-FOR-SERVICE CREW THAT WORKS ON LAND STEWARDSHIP AND CONSERVATION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

    Expenses $1,190,637 · Revenue $1,147,959

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Officers and directors · 2024

As listed in Part VII of the 2024 return, in the order the filer printed them. Each return names its own; this is not a roster the organization keeps with us.

  • JEFFERY RUSSELL

    PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • STEPHANIE HARRILL KYLE

    SECRETARY

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • DAVID LONSDORF

    CO-VICE PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • SALLI MARTYNIAK

    CO-VICE PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • ERICA NELSON

    CO-VICE PRESIDENT

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • ANDY PASCALY

    TREASURER

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1 + 1 related

  • BEA CHRISTENSEN

    DIRECTOR (THRU DEC 2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • LAU CHRISTENSEN

    DIRECTOR (THRU DEC 2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • CANDACE ENIS

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • BEVERLY HUTCHERSON

    DIRECTOR (THRU DEC 2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • CHRISTOPHER KILGOUR

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • JOSE LUNA

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • MONICA MIMS

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • RAMONA NATERA

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • KAREN OBERHAUSER

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • KYLE OLSON

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • ASHLYN SMITH

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • TOM WARD

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • ROB WEISE

    DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

  • BRIAN MCMAHON

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $132,224
    From this org
    $124,424
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $7,800
    Hours/week
    46 + 1 related

  • KAREN PRITCHARD

    FINANCE DIRECTOR

    Total calculated
    $85,149
    From this org
    $77,026
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $8,123
    Hours/week
    40

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. Earlier years are each on their own filing page.

Filings

  • 2024
    Revenue
    $8,972,554
    Expenses
    $6,656,724
    Contributions
    $7,701,013
    Grants paid
    $0
  • 2023
    Revenue
    $6,288,710
    Expenses
    $5,841,502
    Contributions
    $5,777,686
    Grants paid
    $0
  • 2022
    Revenue
    $4,887,055
    Expenses
    $4,740,331
    Contributions
    $4,832,510
    Grants paid
    $0

The four totals the IRS asks for on Part I of the Form 990, as filed. A dash means the figure was not present on the return — not that it was zero.

Other returns filed

  • 2021 · 990

    Revenue
    $4,637,947
    Expenses
    $4,334,751
    Assets (EOY)
    $6,406,790

  • 2020 · 990

    Revenue
    $3,600,246
    Expenses
    $2,887,593
    Assets (EOY)
    $6,034,094

  • 2019 · 990

    Revenue
    $2,905,967
    Expenses
    $2,465,099
    Assets (EOY)
    $5,239,245

  • 2018 · 990

    Revenue
    $3,677,552
    Expenses
    $2,943,785
    Assets (EOY)
    $4,899,320

  • 2017 · 990

    Revenue
    $4,462,974
    Expenses
    $2,880,464
    Assets (EOY)
    $4,749,361

  • 2016 · 990

    Revenue
    $3,834,882
    Expenses
    $3,071,139
    Assets (EOY)
    $3,279,605

  • 2015 · 990

    Revenue
    $2,957,925
    Expenses
    $2,367,598
    Assets (EOY)
    $2,328,495

  • 2014 · 990

    Revenue
    $3,520,696
    Expenses
    $2,440,955
    Assets (EOY)
    $1,564,274

  • 2013 · 990

    Revenue
    $2,282,692
    Expenses
    $2,128,524
    Assets (EOY)
    $866,163

  • 2012 · 990

    Revenue
    not reported
    Expenses
    $2,268,880
    Assets (EOY)
    $1,187,683

Nonprofiteer parses Forms 990, 990-EZ and 990-PF, in a window of recent tax years. These returns are recorded from the IRS e-file index, so their figures were extracted by that index rather than read from the return here — treat them as a different source from the filings above, not as more of the same record. A dash means the index carries no figure; Form 990-T listings carry none at all. Showing the 10 most recent; the API carries the rest.

Grants made

No itemized grants to organizations. Schedule I is filed only by organizations that granted more than $5,000 to a recipient, so most filers have none.

Grants received

  • THE CORPS NETWORK

    $236,362

    2024 PRGM SUPPORT

  • ASCENDIUM EDUCATION SOLUTIONS INC

    $225,500

    2022 Ascendium - Dollars for Doers 2021 Good Neighbor Grant

  • YOUTHBUILD GLOBAL INC

    $198,620

    2024 TO CREATE A SOLID MENTORING COMPONENT IN YOUTHBUILD PROGRAMS.TO SUPPORT BUILDING INCREASED EFFICACY, COHESION AND INNOVATION IN THE YOUTHBUILD NETWORK.TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION.

  • YOUTHBUILD GLOBAL INC

    $196,835

    2023 TO CREATE A SOLID MENTORING COMPONENT IN YOUTHBUILD PROGRAMS.TO SUPPORT BUILDING INCREASED EFFICACY, COHESION AND INNOVATION IN THE YOUTHBUILD NETWORK.TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION.

  • YOUTHBUILD GLOBAL INC

    $175,257

    2022 TO CREATE A SOLID MENTORING COMPONENT IN YOUTHBUILD PROGRAMS.TO SUPPORT BUILDING INCREASED EFFICACY, COHESION AND INNOVATION IN THE YOUTHBUILD NETWORK.TO SUPPORT PROGRAM ON SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND EARLY INTERVENTION.

  • ASCENDIUM EDUCATION SOLUTIONS INC

    $152,790

    2024 Sponsorship, Operation Fresh Start Gala Event 9/26/24 Vocational Training Expansion and Diversification Triple Your Impact match 2024

  • ASCENDIUM EDUCATION SOLUTIONS INC

    $152,625

    2023 Ascendium - Dollars for Doers 2023 Vocational Training Expansion and Diversification Navigating Your Future Gala 9/28/23

  • UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY INC

    $68,598

    2022 Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support

  • UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY INC

    $66,504

    2023 Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support

  • UNITED WAY OF DANE COUNTY INC

    $61,749

    2024 Program Operating Cost/Donor Designation for General Support

The 10 largest by cash amount. The API serves every itemized grant.

Related organizations

From Schedule R Part II, where a filer lists the tax-exempt organizations it is related to by control. It does not record shared board members or money.

Declared on its 2024 return

  • OFS HOLDINGS INC

    501(C)(3) · SUPPORT OPERATION FRESH START, INC. · WI · controlled entity

Declared as related by

Other IRS files

Auto-Revocation List

Not listed. The IRS publishes this list for organizations whose exemption was automatically revoked for failing to file for three consecutive years.

Publication 78

Listed as of 13 October 2026, under deductibility PC.

These are two separate IRS files on two separate schedules, shown as published and not reconciled with each other. Neither is a statement about whether a contribution is deductible today: 19,245 organizations appear in Publication 78 while the IRS's own revocation file lists them as currently revoked, more than half of those revoked before 2019. Absence from Publication 78 is evidence of nothing, and presence is not evidence either. Verify current status with the IRS before relying on it.

What this page reflects

The registration facts above come from the IRS Business Master File published 13 October 2026 and read 26 October 2026, for every organization at once. Returns through tax year 2024, the newest we have parsed for this organization.