Forward Service Corporation (FSC) recently welcomed participants, team members, board members, community partners, and program funders to Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac for its Community Impact Day — an event dedicated to celebrating the difference FSC’s programs make in the lives of individuals, families, and communities across Wisconsin.
Opening Remarks: More Than 46 Years of Impact
With more than 46 years of experience delivering employment and training programs, FSC has stayed rooted in its mission of transforming lives through employment, education, and support services that help people across Wisconsin reach their dreams.
Jennifer Marks, Director of Operations, shared how she’s watched the organization grow over her nearly 13 years with FSC — from a handful of core programs in the Fox Valley to 16 programs currently offered throughout the region today, supported by a wide range of funding sources. Some of these milestones included a childcare subsidy pilot with the Department of Children and Families, a reentry program built with support from the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, US Venture, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, targeted grant funding through the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board, and a partnership with United Way that helped participants access laptops for virtual programming during the shift to at-home services during COVID.
Marks emphasized a theme that would carry through the entire event: none of this work happens in isolation. It takes participants willing to pursue new opportunities, team members dedicated to supporting them, board members providing guidance, and partners and funders investing in the communities FSC serves.
Hearing Directly From Participants
The heart of the day belonged to FSC’s program participants, who came forward to share their own stories of growth and perseverance. Guests speakers represented FSC’s Upward Bound program, FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) Program, Wisconsin Works (W-2) program, Pathways Home program, Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program, Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) program, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.
Each participant was introduced alongside the team members who supported their journey, underscoring the personal, relationship-driven nature of FSC’s work.
Following the testimonials, several participants returned to the front of the room for a live Q&A panel, fielding questions about how the programs’ services impacted them, what surprised them along the way, the hardships they overcame, and what motivated them to keep going. Their candid, in-the-moment answers gave attendees a firsthand look at what FSC’s programs mean to the people they serve.
The Power of Partnership
A recurring thread throughout the day was the impact of collaboration and co-enrollment. As one speaker noted, partnerships don’t just open the door to additional services — they create a stronger sense of connection and support for participants navigating difficult transitions.
Building on the spirit of collaboration, FSC took time to formally recognize two organizations that have gone above and beyond in helping connect clients to the resources and support they need: Feeding America and ADVOCAP. Both organizations were celebrated for their ongoing commitment to the community and the meaningful role they play in helping FSC offer a fuller picture of support and possibility to the people it serves.
A Shared Commitment
Community Impact Day closed with heartfelt thanks to everyone in the room — participants for trusting FSC, team members for their daily dedication, and board members, partners, and funders for investing in the community. The event was a powerful reminder that lasting impact isn’t built by any one organization alone — it’s built through partnership, and through the courage of individuals willing to pursue their dreams.
