Fresh Start Offers Students a Second Chance

Everyone in life deserves a second chance. Such was the premise 38 years ago when Wisconsin resident Jack Osterass dreamt up "Fresh Start," a program that helps at-risk youth learn building and self sufficiency skills and provides housing opportunities for low-and-moderate income residents. It was Jack's passion and he worked hard to turn it into a reality.

Since then, the program has gone statewide, and is currently managed by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce. I'm pleased that our department has the oversight of this mission – to inspire our young people to renew and revitalize their lives in a more positive direction.

This year, Governor Jim Doyle announced funding of more than $1 million for nine Wisconsin Fresh Start projects. "By offering education, job skills training and support, WFS invests in the future of at-risk young people, in their communities and in Wisconsin's economic vitality," Governor Doyle said.

Indeed, some 727 young adults have completed the program, including a 19 year-old young woman named Melissa Ciepluch. When asked what the program meant to her (she has been a participant since her 2006 high school graduation) she had a lot to say.

"What is Fresh Start to me?" asked Melissa. "Fresh Start is my once in a lifetime chance to set things right. It is my opportunity to overcome myself and my problems and accomplish something important. It's the first step out of many to better myself and my future.

What is it about the Fresh Start program that is so life-changing? Melissa has some thoughts on that as well.

"You'd be surprised what one great job can do for you; not only does it help with future careers, but it also raises your morale. This job has given me a better outlook for future jobs. It's showed me that not all jobs will be unpleasant or tedious, but that there are some out there might actually be challenging and enjoyable like this one. This job has taught me how to frame windows and doors as well as be a leader."

In 2008, Wisconsin Fresh Start agencies anticipate serving up to 262 at-risk youth participants, 75 percent of whom will earn a basic skills competency or high school equivalent education. Under the direction of site supervisors, the youth will construct 14 single-family homes and rehabilitate two single-family homes during the contract period. These homes will be sold to income-eligible buyers, who earn at or below 80 percent of the median income in their respective counties. Many of the homes will be ENERGY STAR certified homes, which will help the buyers save money on utility costs.

Another of the program's student employees, Nathan Grace, had the following to say about his experience in the program:

"Working for ADVOCAP Fresh Start is a wonderful and fulfilling experience as we have an opportunity to give back to the community that has given us so much. Building low-income housing for people less fortunate than I am is very rewarding. It makes me feel like my life has purpose and I'm doing something for the greater good. Building these houses, I'm giving a family so many more opportunities than they once had by freeing up some of their income so they have more money for more important items such as food and clothing.

"I am glad that there is such a program that helps young people and allows them to help others at the same time."

And that is what Wisconsin Fresh Start is all about.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Fresh Start program, contact Padraic Durkin, Commerce, at 608/2672737 or padraic.durkin@wisconsin.gov.

-- Aaron Olver, Deputy Secretary
Wisconsin Department of Commerce