Moving to a new place can be very stressful. It can be even more overwhelming when you are learning a new language, deciphering a different economic structure, and discovering the small nuances that make a community unique at the same time. In many cases, it takes a collaboration of a community to help someone successfully acclimate and thrive. This was what Shamsul and his family were experiencing as refugees newly arriving to America.
Leaving their past life behind, Shamsul and his family were searching for the stability to make their new American dream a reality. The moment they arrived to their new Wisconsin home, Shamsul sought out the local World Relief organization in hopes of finding resources that could get his family to stability quickly. With open arms, he was connected to a group of local caring volunteers who helped him and his family get around town and learn the area.
Having this extra support from people who understood what he was going through made Shamsul hopeful of his family’s future in America and inspired him to start looking for work. He had heard a volunteer mention our Wisconsin Works (W-2) program and how it could hep him find a job that would support his family. Relieved, he eagerly made his way to our Sheboygan office and enrolled.
Shamsul met with his W-2 case manager Ashley to discuss his employment options. With a limited recent work history and a major language barrier, he felt discouraged he would find an employer that would understand his current challenges. Ashley quickly put his mind at ease and handed him a list of employers who would be more than happy to hire him. He took Ashley’s guidance in stride and began applying. As he started to hear back from employers, his American dream was finally getting closer into view.
Shamsul prepared himself both physically and mentally for any opportunity that came his way. He had his resume expertly evaluated, found family-supportive resources, and received one-on-one interview coaching. For some extra support, Shamsul attended Refugee Job Club meetings where he connected with people in similar situations and could also speak his native language. It was refreshing to hear that he wasn’t alone in his journey, and took comfort in the fact that he would make it to his dream.
All of his networking and practicing paid off when Shamsul got his first American job at a local meat manufacturer and distributor. Shamsul is becoming more and more confident and is setting his goals even higher now. His new dream is working his way up the management chain and becoming a manager or supervisor.
Congratulations, Shamsul! We’re in awe of your resilience in fulfilling your American dream!
Know of someone looking for a family-supporting career? Our Wisconsin Works (W-2) program could help.
