Fresh Start

Fresh Start provides education, employment skills and career direction for young adults by involving them in local construction projects. Starting in September of 2025, Fresh Start has partnered with Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity.

During the course of the program, young adults gain valuable skills, perform community service, and prepare for post-secondary education and/or careers. The most important goals of the project are to build self-esteem and help young adults become self-sufficient.

The Participants

The young adults enrolled in the Fresh Start program are between the ages of 17 and 25 and may face a variety of barriers to self-sufficiency. Many have dropped out of high school or are struggling to complete their education. As the program name suggests, they are looking for a fresh start.

1 Better Way, Suite A Eau Claire, WI 54701

Phone: 715-836-7511

info@wdeoc.org

Apply for Fresh Start

The Program

Participants work together for 28.5 hours each week (Monday–Thursday), working on construction projects and performing community service. In addition to this hands-on learning experience, part of each day is dedicated to education. Participants complete classes leading to a high school diploma, GED, or HSED. Fresh Start also provides the resources and support needed to stay on the path to success, including leadership development, substance abuse education, motivation, health and nutrition training, independent living skills, career planning, and job search assistance. Members receive a daily living allowance during their term.

The Outcome

These young adults, their families, and the entire community benefit from the program. Upon successful completion of a 900-hour AmeriCorps term, each participant receives an AmeriCorps education award. The goal is for every young adult to be fully employed or enrolled in post-secondary education upon leaving the Fresh Start program.

Fresh Start is funded in part by:

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