At JP Cullen, we take pride in our commitment to not just building structures but also building futures. One of the rewarding ways we contribute to our community is through our partnership with Operation Fresh Start (OFS). This incredible program empowers emerging adults on their journey to self-sufficiency by offering education, mentoring, and employment training. Over the past 50 years, OFS has positively impacted the lives of 9,000 individuals, many of whom have become skilled professionals in various trades.
Building the Future with Operation Fresh Start
We have been fortunate to witness the direct impact of Operation Fresh Start on our job sites, most recently at the UW Health Eastpark Medical Campus project in Madison, Wisconsin. This large-scale project, which began in May 2023, has welcomed numerous OFS students who have stepped onto the job site as laborers, carpenters, and concrete workers. Their contributions are not only helping to shape this important community project but also providing them with invaluable real-world experience in their chosen trades.
A Memorable Tour and a Promising Future
In April 2023, we had the pleasure of hosting an OFS tour at the Eastpark Medical Campus project. The tour was led by JP Cullen Superintendent Ken Novotny and Project Manager Nick Herr, who guided OFS staff and two current students through the site to introduce the students to the team and job site. The two students, inspired by what they saw, began working on the project the following Monday and continued to contribute for over three months. Their dedication and hard work during this time exemplify the success of the OFS program in preparing young adults for the workforce.
JP Cullen’s Commitment to Empowering the Next Generation
Our involvement with OFS goes beyond just providing job site opportunities. This year, we took our commitment a step further by hiring a talented OFS graduate, Joseba Perez-Dary, as a full-time carpenter apprentice after completing the program. Joseba’s journey from the OFS program to a permanent position within our company highlights the impact of this partnership and our dedication to fostering the growth of emerging professionals.
The Benefits of Partnership
Our partnership with OFS is mutually beneficial. For the students, it’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and a foot in the door to a rewarding career. For JP Cullen, it’s a chance to contribute to the development of the next generation of skilled tradespeople while enriching our workforce with fresh talent and diverse perspectives which align with our vision statement of building solutions for generations to come.
As we continue to work on transformative projects like the Eastpark Medical Campus, we remain committed to supporting programs like Operation Fresh Start. Together, we are not just constructing buildings; we are helping to build brighter futures for the young adults in our community
Learn more about Operation Fresh Start on their website at operationfreshstart.org.
