FSET helped me so much—it still seems like a dream.
When Gerald enrolled in the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program in Dane County, he was facing more obstacles than most. Recently released from prison and living in a halfway house, he was determined to change his life—but the path forward felt overwhelming. He carried the weight of a past drug addiction, a felony record he believed would follow him forever, and a deep sense of low self-esteem.
“I used to tell myself that being a felon would haunt me for life,” Gerald shared. “I felt like I had nowhere else to go.”
But Gerald was ready for a new beginning. He committed himself to treatment, completing the residential drug and alcohol program at The Attic on Dwight Drive, an experience he describes as life-changing. He lost 70 pounds, rebuilt his confidence, and began looking toward the future with hope.
What he needed next was stability—employment, transportation, and a support system that believed in his potential. That’s where the FSET program stepped in.
FSET: Helping Job Seekers Overcome Barriers and Build a Career
Gerald came to FSET with a clear goal: he wanted to work with his hands and pursue a career as a mechanic. But he also faced significant hurdles. He had no reliable transportation, limited financial resources, and a long commute from Lowell to Madison—more than 35 minutes each way.
The FSET program wrapped around him with comprehensive support tailored to his needs. Staff helped Gerald create a professional resume aligned with his goals and provided consistent job-search guidance and encouragement.
To help him stay employed once he secured a position, FSET provided: Transportation assistance for work and appointments, financial support to register his vehicle, and a reimbursement of more than $300 for the tools he needed to start his job. These services significantly eased the financial burden of beginning a new career. His case manager, Rosanna, regularly checked in, clarified requirements, and kept Gerald motivated through each step.
WETAP: Ensuring Reliable Transportation for Work
With a lot of determination and consistent support, Gerald was hired as a Technician at Tires Plus in Madison—his dream job! But his vehicle with nearly 300,000 miles wasn’t going to get him there reliably, and he wasn’t about to let his dream job out of grasp. His case manager Rosanna warmly referred him to our WETAP program to help him secure reliable transportation so he could keep his job long-term.
At first, the WETAP process felt intimidating. “It seemed like a ton of difficult red tape,” he recalled. “But Lee guided me through everything and stayed in contact to make sure I had what I needed.”
Through WETAP, Gerald was able to secure a safe, reliable vehicle—giving him the freedom to maintain his job, complete treatment, and continue rebuilding his life with confidence.
“WETAP is solely responsible for me being able to keep my job,” Gerald said. “My life is better now than it’s ever been. I feel like a member of my community for the first time in years.”
A Future Filled With Possibility
Today, Gerald is working full-time, living independently, and approaching life with the confidence he once believed was out of reach. He has three days left in treatment, a dependable vehicle, and a promising career ahead of him. Gerald credits FSET—and the people behind it—for helping him keep the best job he’s ever had.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” he said. “Without FSET and WETAP, I would have had to let this dream go.”
About FSET
Forward Service Corporation’s FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program helps individuals overcome barriers to employment through personalized support, job training, transportation assistance, and connections to community resources. Whether someone needs help preparing for a job, building skills, or securing reliable transportation, FSET walks alongside them every step of the way—just like we did with Gerald.
To learn more and/or see if you’re eligible for this program, visit www.fsc-corp.org/FSET
