Operation Fresh Start Inc

What it reported doing in 2024

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.

Financial Efficiency

• Mission deployment rate: 68.1%; rating input score 68
• Program expense ratio: 91.6%; rating input score 92
• Fundraising efficiency: $36.65 raised per $1 spent on fundraising; rating input score 73; 73rd percentile among comparable filings

Transparency & Controls

• Consistency checks: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Pay-setting controls: Limited
• Foreign activity oversight: Limited
• Grant itemization coverage: Limited
• Major donor itemization: Yes; rating input score 100
• Related-party transparency: Yes; rating input score 100

Accountability

• Independent voting board: 100%; rating input score 100; 63rd percentile among comparable filings
• Governance controls: 8 of 9 controls in place; rating input score 89
  • Conflict-of-interest policy: Pass
  • Whistleblower policy: Pass
  • Document-retention policy: Pass
  • CEO compensation review process: Pass
  • Other executive compensation review process: Pass
  • Form 990 shared with the board: Fail
  • Board meeting minutes documented: Pass
  • Audit committee oversight: Pass
  • Independent financial-statement audit: Pass

Sustainability

• Operating margin: 25.8%; rating input score 82; 82nd percentile among comparable filings
• Total-asset coverage ratio: 1.54; rating input score 53; 53rd percentile among comparable filings
• Liabilities to assets ratio: 0.13; rating input score 53; 53rd percentile among comparable filings
• Officer compensation ratio: 3.3%; rating input score 67; 67th percentile among comparable filings

Growth

• Program expense growth: 10.4% per year; rating input score 100; 65th percentile among comparable filings
• Revenue growth: 8% per year; rating input score 100; 60th percentile among comparable filings
• Asset growth: 13% per year; rating input score 100; 69th percentile among comparable filings