Finding Hope in a New Land
When Happy arrived in Winnebago county last August, she carried more than just a suitcase—she carried hope, determination, and the resilience to build a new life. A refugee from Zimbabwe, Happy fled her home country in search of safety and stability. However, stepping into a completely new environment brought its own set of challenges. She needed assistance with finding full-time employment, learning English as a second language, and understanding how to navigate daily life, including something as fundamental as using the public transportation system. More importantly, she needed a support system to help her adjust and thrive in her new home.
A Helping Hand from World Relief
Thankfully, organizations like World Relief and the Refugee Cash Assistance program stepped in to provide immediate aid. They helped Happy enroll in FoodShare benefits, secure affordable housing, and connect with essential resources to ease her transition. Once her basic needs were met, the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) Program referred her to our office for employment assistance.
Setting Goals for Success
With the support of her FSET job training, Happy established three primary goals:
- Find full-time employment
- Learn English for better job opportunities
- Gain self-confidence
Happy met with her FSET case manager and Job Developer regularly to stay on track. Together, they worked on job applications, resume-building for entry-level jobs, and preparing to interview. Additionally, she received free bus passes, allowing her to attend both job interviews and weekly English classes at Fox Valley Technical College.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Milestones
Her dedication and eagerness to learn quickly became evident. Happy not only secured a full-time job at Wendy’s but also made significant progress in her English language skills. She advanced rapidly through English as a Second Language (ESL) levels, testing out of ESL Levels 1 and 2 within just a few months. Her transformation was remarkable—once timid and reserved, Happy became a confident and self-sufficient individual who could advocate for herself in a new country.
A Bright Future Ahead
The impact of her employment and language acquisition extended beyond her newfound financial stability. With each passing day, Happy’s self-assurance and independence grew, empowering her to set bigger goals for herself. No longer feeling like a stranger in a foreign land, she now sees a future filled with possibilities. Her kindness, reliability, and determination have made her a valued employee and a shining example of resilience and success.
An Inspiring Story of Perseverance
Happy’s journey is a testament to the power of community support and self-determination. With the right program, guidance, and a strong will, she has paved the way for a promising future—not only for herself but also for her loved ones. Her story serves as an inspiration for immigrants and refugees who face the daunting challenge of starting over in a new country, proving that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
