Operation Fresh Start & Reach Dane Block Party

media release: Operation Fresh Start (OFS) and Reach Dane invite the community to a free community resource block party at our facilities on Thursday, August 29 from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Note: La Familia Dental Clinic, River Food Pantry Mobile Munch Truck, and Madison Reading Project Book Bus arrive at 11 a.m. All other vendors and organizations arrive at 2:30 p.m.) 

This family-friendly celebration is open to all and aims to strengthen community bonds while providing essential resources and fun for residents of all ages.  

Our organizations are in regions of the city where there is a high prevalence of low-income, BIPOC, and single-income households who rely on the community organizations invited to table at the block party. These organizations provide access to valuable resources, including housing, mental health, food security, legal services, health care services, child-care, wrap-around services, and transportation.  

The event will feature: 

Free Food: Participants in the event can enjoy a variety of delicious meals and snacks from Melly Mell’s Soul Food, cookies from Just Dane Bakery, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream from the Madison Community Police Advisory Board, salsa from Mentoring Positives, smoothies from Rooted, the Mobile Munch Truck from the River Food Pantry, and samples from FoodWIse through UW Extension.  

Access to Free Resources: Housing resources from Urban Triage, Madison Area Community Land Trust, and the YWCA, a kid's bike giveaway from Bikes for Kids, bicycle repair from BCycle, legal advice and services from Just Dane and Lawyers for Learners, child-care, wellness, and safety services from Reach Dane, UW Health, and Sunshine Place, employment training, driver’s license attainment, and high school diploma completion from Operation Fresh Start, books from Hawthorne Library and the Madison Reading Project, and supportive services for veteran families through Community Action Coalition. La Familia Dental will be providing free dental cleaning and exams as a part of their Mobile Dental Unit.  

This block party is an excellent opportunity for the media to connect with the community, learn more about the vital work of local organizations, and showcase the collective efforts to empower and uplift residents of Madison. 

Open Houses:  

Operation Fresh Start Open House: Tour our facility and learn more about our education, job training, and community development programs. Meet our team and see firsthand how we are working to empower individuals and families in the community.  

Reach Dane Open House: Explore our early childhood education and family support services. Discover how our programs promote healthy development and academic success for children and families, and meet the staff dedicated to these essential services.  

About Operation Fresh Start: OFS strives to empower young adults ages 16-24 on a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring, and employment training. Over its 53-year history, OFS has established itself as one of the country's foremost training programs for emerging adults. 

About Reach Dane: Reach Dane enhances the well-being of families and children with tailored programs in early education and community support. Committed to fostering healthy development and positive outcomes, Reach Dane empowers communities to build brighter futures.