Keith knows what it means to keep going. When he walked out of prison and into a world that had changed around him, he had very little in hand but a whole lot of resolve. Instead of succumbing to the overwhelming challenges he faced, Keith sought out support and walked through Forward Service Corporation’s Green Bay office doors ready to work. That determination, combined with the guidance of his FSET case manager, Alyssa, set him on a path to success he continues walking today.
Doing the Work
Keith threw himself into the FoodShare Employment & Training (FSET) program with focus and drive. Computers and digital tools were a whole new world for him, but he showed up to the computer lab ready to learn. He and Alyssa worked side by side building job search skills, mastering professional communication, and preparing for interviews. It wasn’t always easy, but Keith’s attitude never wavered. Every new skill he gained was a step forward, and he took every step seriously.
That dedication paid off. Keith landed a position at a local meat processing plant and with it, something just as valuable: a renewed sense of pride and purpose. He described the feeling of employment as transformative, giving him hope and confidence that a better life was not just a dream, but something he was actively creating.
Growing Beyond the Job
Keith’s success didn’t stop at employment. FSC staff rallied around him, helping him purchase new tires and a title transfer for his vehicle, support that freed up resources for him to keep moving forward. Today, Keith has his own van, a job he shows up to every day, and a clear vision of where he’s headed next: stable long-term employment and his own apartment.
Success, In Keith’s Own Words
Keith didn’t just reach new heights — he mapped out the climb so others could follow. He wrote his own guide to success, and it says everything you need to know about who he is:
To Reach Success it takes the first seven steps — By Keith
- S — Strength to keep pushing forward when things don’t go as you planned.
- U — Undeniable ambition to take the journey.
- C — Courage to keep fighting your way to the top.
- C — Closely look them in the eyes and tell them, “I will make it.”
- E — Everyone can be a success with hard work and determination.
- S — Suspenseful: intense excitement, tension, anxiety of your own uncertain outcome.
- S — Success: Congratulations. You made it to the top of the mountain. How do you feel about yourself now?
A Story Worth Celebrating
Keith’s story is one of strength, ambition, and heart. He is proof that with the right support and an unshakeable will to succeed, anything is possible. His journey inspires not only those around him, but everyone who hears it.
To anyone on their own climb right now: Keith’s message is clear. Keep pushing. The mountain can be climbed — and the view from the top is worth every step.
Keith was a participant in the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program at Forward Service Corporation. To learn more about FSET and the services available in your area, contact your local FSC office.
