One Day at a Time
February 10, 2023
Financial struggles can bring the weight of the world down on a parent. Audrey knows about that firsthand. Nonetheless, she still advises to “Just...
Author: Jennifer Kutschenreuter
A Smile You Can Hear
January 30, 2023
Klara has the kind of grit that helps her laugh when others might cry. Today, however, her smile springs to her lips from a...
Success is in the Details
January 30, 2023
When Emily asked Bret if she could write a story about his success in the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program, he laughed, asking...
Justin Builds His Career
January 10, 2023
About five years ago, Justin was in a managerial position. It was the career path he’d always expected to retire on. “I had zero...
Jacqueline’s Dream
October 25, 2022
When it comes to achieving a dream, a good plan is essential. Without a goal to strive toward, however, I’m reminded of the exchange...
How to turn a refuge into a home
June 10, 2022
This February, we met 24 brave Afghan refugees. They were granted refuge in Wisconsin, but their situation was still difficult. Some of them had...
Welcome Inspector Paul
May 25, 2022
“I have been blessed by God throughout my life with good things happening to me when I am in need,” writes Paul. He’s a...
Carrie Books Her Ticket to Success
May 24, 2022
That sweet baby girl means everything to Carrie, who joined Wisconsin Works shortly after her daughter was born. Today, Carrie knows her baby is...
SW TrANS Partners With Local Entities For After School Trade Program
April 26, 2022
Southwest Transportation Alliance Network Solution (SW TrANS) has partnered with Hendrick’s CareerTek (HCT). HCT has a state-of-the-art career center located in their Ironworks campus...
Grady’s in the Driver’s Seat
April 20, 2022
When Grady's case manager, Marissa, told Grady that she wanted to share his success, he was shocked. "No one has ever called me a...
Lizzie’s Journey to Self-Reliance
April 12, 2022
“I am very motivated to go to school and do something that I feel is worthwhile with my life,” says Lizzie. Even when she...
Amanda Accepts No Substitute
March 22, 2022
Amanda graduated from college a year into the pandemic. With the ongoing stresses of political and social unrest, it seemed like a good time...
Christina Hears You
March 21, 2022
Christine knows the value of being heard. That’s why she was drawn to her career path in social work. “I am always willing to...
Michael Makes It Personal
February 17, 2022
A personal touch can go a long way. When Michael found a job through our FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program in 2020, he...
Lacy Lights the Way
February 14, 2022
Sometimes parents need a light to guide them through life’s storms. As an unemployed single mom, Lacy was not sure how to support her...
Donna’s Success
October 18, 2021
Nuclear Density Technician – that's a cool job title and one that Donna is proud to call her own. Just last year, she was...
What you need to know about the Child Tax Credit
June 29, 2021
President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act included historic investments to support low- and middle-income parents facing increasing financial strain due to the Covid-19...
Adriana’s Success
Education and Training, FoodShare Employment and Training Stories, News, Success Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories
June 28, 2021
Adriana wanted to be a professional – somebody knowledgeable, respectable, and helpful. The thing is, her only real experience was working in cleaning jobs....
CDC Steps in to Stop Evictions
June 24, 2021
Today, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky signed an extension to the eviction ban, previously set to expire on June 30. Over concern for public...
Nick’s Success
June 21, 2021
As the single father of a four-year-old boy, Nick wants his son to have the same kind of security that he had growing up....
What to do before the eviction ban ends
June 15, 2021
Due to the risk of community spread and rising case numbers, the CDC has extended the Eviction Moratorium until October 3rd in areas with...
Vanessa’s Success
June 14, 2021
Congratulations to Vanessa, who recently started her new job! After five years as a stay-at-home mom, getting back into the workplace was like entering...
Sam Realizes His Dream
May 31, 2021
Six months ago, if you’d asked Sam about his future, asking for help wouldn’t have made the list. Sam’s spent a lifetime cultivating a...
Cecilia’s Motivation for Success
May 24, 2021
With a baby at home and another on the way, Cecilia couldn’t pull 12-hour shifts with mandatory overtime anymore. She’d worked in production for...
Michele Takes Her Power Back
May 17, 2021
"I love helping people out and always want to be there to help others through their rough times in life," Michele tells us. Unfortunately,...
Hailey’s Success
May 10, 2021
Hailey was just a year out of high school when she took the first steps toward her dreams. She was working part-time, saving for...
Get Connected! Government launches discounted internet program
May 5, 2021
Many Americans have struggled to get high-speed internet access throughout the pandemic. If you're one of them, you know how hard that makes it...
Kathleen’s Success
May 3, 2021
Kathleen started working in dental offices over 25 years ago. At the time, it didn’t require a diploma, so she left high school, started...
Renee’s Success
April 26, 2021
Congratulations, Renee! She’s recently secured a clerical position with the State of Michigan. 😊 Before we met her, Renee had been working as an administrative...
Jeremy’s Success
April 12, 2021
“Before starting the TrANS program, I was going to college on a basketball scholarship,” says Jeremy. He’s nineteen years old and was feeling good...
Mat’s Triumph
April 5, 2021
The clock was ticking. Matheau was living in a temporary home and had just 90 days to get on his feet. He didn’t have any income, transportation, or even a...
Donya’s Success
March 29, 2021
When health issues took Donya out of the workforce, she joined Wisconsin Works to support her family while applying for disability benefits – only...
Dawn’s Fresh Beginning
March 23, 2021
Dawn was a busy mom who was moving up – she had a good job, and she was finishing her bachelor’s degree. Then suddenly,...
Yadira’s Success
March 15, 2021
A little over a year ago, Yadira moved her four children from the southern U.S. to Wisconsin. She was hoping to find a home...
Tia’s Still Going Strong
March 12, 2021
We'd be missing out if we didn't celebrate one more woman in construction this week who's been impressing us since day one. Back in 2015,...
It’s Women In Construction Week!
March 9, 2021
This is Women in Construction Week, #WiCweek! It's a time to recognize the viability of women in construction, as well as how life-changing this...
It’s Construction Season
March 9, 2021
When Sirenia graduated from TrANS, we thought she'd jump right into a new construction career, but that didn't happen. "After chatting, Sirenia explained that...
Chelsea’s Change
March 8, 2021
Chelsea came from the big city, where she did well as a cellist. It was exciting work, but not always steady. After moving, however,...
April Redefines Herself
March 1, 2021
“I am a single mother and did not want to depend on the system to support my family,” says April. Two years ago, she...
Six months later
February 22, 2021
When Latoyia learned that she was about to become a mom, she went straight into prep mode. She had a job that barely paid...
Yeralyz Discovers Her New Path
February 15, 2021
Shortly after having her second child, Yeralyz discovered that she needed surgery. She’d planned to join Wisconsin Works (W-2) for support during maternity leave,...
Destiny Awarded for Aspirations in Computing
February 8, 2021
We’re proud to announce that Destiny, a junior in our Upward Bound program at Madison East High School, has been awarded a 2021 NCWIT...
Lakeshia Fuels Her Passion
February 1, 2021
Imagine yourself sitting down at a local diner. There’s a light chatter of guests and wait staff bustling around. We’re mid-pandemic, but truckers still...
A reputation for the Best
January 14, 2021
Brandon advises anyone interested in construction to remember that “Your reputation begins in the classroom!” Construction is a small world, meaning that names get...
Amy Jump-Starts 2021
January 12, 2021
Amy is starting 2021 with renewed hopes, as she recently jump-started her life — and the car that was causing her so much trouble...
Always Ready for a Challenge
January 11, 2021
Sometimes the success that comes from working with TrANS can take a while to set in. Take Rashaun for example. He came to the...
Shannon Switches Gears
January 11, 2021
This time last year, Shannon never would have expected to see herself enjoying a job in manufacturing. She’d always been in health care, so...
Shawana’s Success
December 21, 2020
Shawna had just gotten a teaching job in a local daycare when the pandemic struck. Working with others who loved youngsters was a dream...
Computer Grants Provide Relief to Job-Seekers During Pandemic
December 21, 2020
Great news! We’ve just been awarded grants totaling $28,500 to help people in need get computer access. Computers are more essential than ever these days,...
Sarah’s Dreams Are Coming True
Education and Training, News, Success Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Stories
December 21, 2020
Sarah is a creative and talented woman, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Just check out a few pages from...
Amanda’s New Horizons
December 2, 2020
When Amanda’s employer went under, she decided to turn unemployment into an opportunity to retool her career. She’d often hoped for an office position,...
Vakia’s Success
December 2, 2020
Vakia moved to Wisconsin to make a better life for her daughters — when she learned about FSC, she realized there was no better...
Kimberly’s Success
November 17, 2020
Congratulations to Kimberly, a recent graduate of Respiratory Therapy at NWTC! After three years in the program, we’re proud to announce that she graduated debt-free...
Margaret’s Success
November 16, 2020
Margaret seemed to be doing everything right to get ahead— training, showcasing her talent, and earning certificates. Nonetheless, she recalls having “a 3-ring binder...
Tracie’s Transformation
November 16, 2020
“I never thought my life would turn out this way, but I’m sure glad it did,” says Tracie. Last year, she was homeless, jobless,...
Jenna Nurses Her Dreams to Life
October 19, 2020
One year ago, Jenna was wondering how to finish her nursing degree, when baby number four was due...
Amanda Pursues Her Passions
October 12, 2020
Congratulations to Amanda, who recently started her new job at Americollect! We know she's going to do great work, because we've seen her...
Nick’s Fast-Tracking His Dreams
October 6, 2020
Congratulations to Nick, who's passion for cars has gotten him on the fast-track to his dreams! Although he's fresh out of college, auto has...
Dennis Drives His Future Forward
September 28, 2020
“I came from a colorful history and managed to create a beautiful painting with it,” says Dennis. He used to deal with pain in...
Empowered to be Different
September 28, 2020
When Amber tells people she's in construction, they're always surprised to hear that she's got one of the dirtier jobs. She drives a tack...
The Joy of Independence
September 16, 2020
After being in prison for 30 years, Randy never expected to be where he is today: “Independent, making money at a job – a...
Help People Get Their $1200
September 16, 2020
Did you know that millions of people have not yet received their Economic Impact Payments? You can help these individuals access their $1200 before...
Buckling Down to Work Up
August 24, 2020
“I did everything Angie said, and I got the job!” Dawanna announced to us the minute she was hired at Spectrum. As soon as she...
Calling the Shots
August 17, 2020
Check out the uniform! Danielle joined Wisconsin Works for paid maternity leave, but when she learned that they could put her dreams within reach, she decided to stick around and even joined FSET for more....
Capri’s Route to Success
August 12, 2020
Last week was even busier than normal for Capri. She typically attends several appointments a week for her son, who has special needs. She's...
Larry’s Success
August 6, 2020
Larry told us that before TrANS, he was “in a dark place.” Repeatedly rejected by employers and depending on others for support, he said he...
Rachee’s Success
August 6, 2020
“I wanted something more,” says Rachee. “I liked building things with my hands, and I wanted to make a career doing that.” Although Rachee...
Julia’s Success
July 14, 2020
Please join us in congratulating Julia, a young mother who won't let anything stop her from giving her newborn the best start possible. This...
Miriam’s Favorite Accomplishment
July 6, 2020
“I have come to realize that some of the worst times in life actually prepare you for some of the best and biggest blessings,”...
What We’re All About
July 6, 2020
For Sheri, Wisconsin Works is about much more than employment. Through her participation in W-2, she was able to bring her family out of homelessness and...
Miguel’s in Charge of his Future
May 5, 2020
“With a family – three kids – I have a strong future,” says Miguel. He’s a TrANS graduate who earned a union position with Dane County...
Food Benefits for Kids
April 27, 2020
Good news! Children who would normally get free or reduced price meals through their school will receive food benefits while schools are closed due...
David’s Dream
April 27, 2020
David had just moved into his own apartment. It was great, but to fulfill his dream of independence, he needed one more thing: his...
Dream Coming True
April 20, 2020
“I grew up in a small town and always dreamed about becoming a nurse,” says MiKayla. For a while, it seemed like everything was...
Debra’s Caring for Our Word
April 6, 2020
“I am fortunate to be working and appreciate my job more than ever,” says Debra, a 2017 TrANS graduate. She just wrote in to...
A Statement from Our CEO
March 25, 2020
It is our hope you and your loved ones are staying safe and strong during these critical times. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is posing...
Schools Offering Free Meals
March 18, 2020
Having good meals is crucial to keeping children healthy and ready to learn when schools reopen. Many Wisconsin schools are providing free meals to...
The Future in Raphael’s Hands
March 18, 2020
“Your future is an open door,” says Raphael. “You just need to walk through. Figure out what you want to do, do it, and...
Safeguarding Your Health
March 18, 2020
Hello to our valued clients. As you know, Governor Evers has put additional restrictions in place to safeguard everyone's health. Forward Service Corporation is...
Angel’s Success
March 13, 2020
A man was walking in the woods when he fell into a deep, dark hole. He shouted until a friend came by. Instead of...
Too Good Not to Try
March 11, 2020
When Edgar shared his dreams with his sister, she just had one recommendation: join TrANS. A graduate from the program, she knew Edgar could...
Reilley’s Big Plans
March 4, 2020
Today we want to introduce Reilley, an Upward Bound student with big plans for her future. Navigating high school and the journey into adulthood is...
Going Beyond Survival
March 2, 2020
Ebonie moved to Wisconsin a few years ago, after her children’s father was shot and killed, looking for a safe place to raise her...
MATC Recognizes FSC Training Graduates
February 28, 2020
Exciting news for people enrolled in Forward Service Corporation’s programs! Through an agreement with Madison College, 7 graduates from our Office Professionals and Call Center...
Relentlessly Positive
February 26, 2020
Carmen has been following a long and winding road these last few years. She moved to Wisconsin after a hurricane wiped out her community down...
Lifelong Learning
February 24, 2020
Say hello to Whitney, a single mom who’s proving that lifelong learning and a great attitude are key to overcoming anything – even the...
Michael’s New Life
February 3, 2020
Michael was a foreman before an injury put him out of work for over two years. He joined Wisconsin Works and FSET to find...
Bethany’s New Future
February 3, 2020
Bethany is a survivor who escaped an abusive relationship, and in doing so, was forced to quit her job. She began business classes and...
Kresge Foundation Awards Grant to NWTC for BOOST Initiative
February 1, 2020
The Kresge Foundation has awarded a $495,000 grant to NWTC to participate in the BOOST initiative, with Forward Service Corporation as its human services...
Jeremy’s Stepping Forward
January 30, 2020
After a health issue forced Jeremy from the manufacturing floor, he didn’t how to get his life back on track. At first he came...
Tyiquite’s Success
January 29, 2020
Today, we want to introduce you to a brave young woman named Tyiquite. Knowing that she wanted a better life for herself and her...
Corisa’s Firsthand Experience
December 30, 2019
Corisa looked around. Her instructor had just asked the class to break into groups. She found a small group and started talking. That’s when...
Open Eyes, Bright Future
December 23, 2019
When Gregory enrolled in TrANS, he soon found himself juggling classes, homework, and his second shift job—it was hard for him to even find...
Necole Finds Family Here
December 17, 2019
For Necole, family is one of the most precious things in the world. Her mother has been her key ally throughout life, and she...
Anyelika’s Dreams Now Possible
December 17, 2019
“I swear this girl was not letting anything stop her,” says Christa, a case manager with Wisconsin Works. She’s talking about Anyelika, the amazing...
Kate’s Pride and Joy
December 2, 2019
In July 2017, Kate was sitting in her parent’s living room, rocking her newborn baby, and thinking about her future. She had already started...
Kathleen: Part of American History
November 18, 2019
For Kathleen, TrANS opened up more than a career path. It opened the doors to becoming part of American history. “I always had a fascination...
Isaiah’s Success
November 4, 2019
After a lifetime in Africa, Isaiah immigrated to in Wisconsin in the dead of winter. He spent three months trying to get off the...
Ashley’s Reason to Smile
October 21, 2019
Positivity is a choice that Ashley makes every day. A few years ago, she went through a divorce. It left her with five children,...
Levi Sparks His Career
October 14, 2019
Sparks have a way of flying around Levi! As a welder, he loves turning sparks into heavy-duty equipment that lasts. The spark that got...