Governor Doyle Announces Over $1 Million for Fresh Start

For Immediate Release: April 24, 2008
Contact: Tony Hozeny, Department of Commerce, 608-267-9661
Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
John Dipko, Department of Corrections, 608-240-5060

FOND DU LAC - Governor Jim Doyle today announced that a total of $1.017 million will be awarded to nine Wisconsin Fresh Start programs. Fresh Start programs help at-risk youth learn building and self sufficiency skills, while providing housing opportunities for low and moderate income residents.

"Through Fresh Start, young people get an education and learn hands-jobs skills, which not only benefit them, but also the entire community," Governor Doyle said. "Congratulations to the Fresh Start participants for all of the good work they are doing."

Department of Corrections Secretary Rick Raemisch made the announcement on behalf of Governor Doyle at an event celebrating the completion of ADVOCAP's Fresh Start project home in Fond du Lac.

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.

The projects are as follows:

• ADVOCAP, Inc., Fond du Lac, $19,000
• CAP Services, Inc., Wautoma, $92,150
• Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties, Inc., Beloit, $30,000
• Indianhead Community Action Agency, Hayward and Shell Lake, $180,960
• Milwaukee Christian Center, Milwaukee, $25,000
• Northcott Neighborhood House, Milwaukee, $55,000
• Renewal Unlimited, Inc., Portage, $169,300
• Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association, Wausau, $204,300
• Western Dairyland Community Action Agency, Fall Creek and Alma Center, $241,380

For more information regarding the Fresh Start program contact Padraic Durkin at 608-267-2737 or padraic.durkin@wisconsin.gov.

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