The Idea

Many young people, ages 17-24, have dropped out of school (or are considering it) and lack the skills to find and keep a good job. Renewal Unlimited's Wisconsin Fresh Start program provides these "at-risk" youth with education, employment skills, career direction, paid work and service experience -which leads to self - sufficiency.

Fresh Start has been highly successful in Dane County for over 30 years; Renewal Unlimited became a Wisconsin Fresh Start provider in 1999, having provided similar services since 1977.

The Program

With an emphasis on educational and vocational services, Fresh Start focuses on two objectives:

*Increased job and employability skills
*Successful completion of GED/HSED

Members spend part of their day at a work site, constructing or rehabilitating a single-family home which is sold to a lower-income family. On occasion, the work day is spent in service to civic, environmental, or other organizations. Members also spend part of their time in the classroom.

All Fresh Start members receive:

*Basic skills assessment
*Individual tutoring for GED/HSED
* Job readiness & retention training
*Career and financial planning

Referral to supportive services as needed.

The Members

*Ages 17 -24, male or female
*Must be fully ambulatory, being able to perform vigorous daily work with a minimum of accommodation

Has dropped out of high school, is in imminent danger of doing so, or is referred for behavioral or other reasons.

The Benefits

*Wages: Minimum wage plus bonuses, $5000 over the length of a 900-hour program;
*Upon completion of the program (900 hours + HSED), a member is eligible for a $2365 educational grant from Americorps
*Breakfast and Lunch is provided on workdays at no cost to the members
*Individualized tutoring for GED/HSED/H.S. Diploma
*Covered by Workers' Compensation and Social Security
*A "fresh start" towards successful adulthood!

Special Section: What’s A GED and HSED?

A GED requires completing five test in Mathematics, English Literature, English Writing, Social Studies, and Science. Several miscellaneous areas of study are also required for the “High School Equivalency Diploma.

There are two additional tests for an HSED:

1.    Health: credit may be earned through completion of a high school course or instruction in an “alternative” Program such as Wisconsin Fresh Start;

2.    Civics: possible credit through completion of a high school course, passing grade through an Internet program, or a test similar to GED tests.

WFS helps prepare participants for these test requirements. 

We also provide employability skills, independent living skills, resume development, money management, etc., all as part of the Fresh Start curriculum.
 

The Staff

Michael Rundio, Youth Services Manager
(608) 742-5329 ext. 13
mrundio@renewalunlimited.net

WISCONSIN FRESH START I

Madonna Eyers, Teacher
(608) 742-1516 ext. 116
mbigelow@renewalunlimited.net

Paul Zimmerman, Technical Supervisor
(608) 742-1516 ext. 119
pzimmerman@renewalunlimited.net

WISCONSIN FRESH START II

Gary Cyrus, Teacher
(608) 742-1516 Ext. 120
gcyrus@renewalunlimited.net

Dennis Crego, Technical Supervisor
(608) 742-1516 Ext. 115
dcrego@renewalunlimited.net

WISCONSIN FRESH START III

Judd Maxwell, Teacher
(608) 356-3328 Ext. 217
jmaxwell@renewalunlimited.net

Tom Runnels, Technical Supervisor
(608) 356-3328 Ext. 215
trunnels@renewalunlimited.net