When Kyshonna first connected with the W-2 (Wisconsin Works) program, she faced what felt like insurmountable challenges. Pregnant and homeless, unemployed and without child care, she was determined to build a better future for herself and her children. Through courage, persistence, and strategic support, she’s taken meaningful steps toward her dream of working in healthcare—and her inspiring journey is just beginning.
Starting Over: “I Want to Work Again—But I Need Child Care.”
Like many parents who want to return to work, Kyshonna’s first roadblock was access to child care. She had not been employed since having children, and with another baby on the way, her options were further limited. Her goal was clear: to reenter the workforce—ideally in the healthcare field where she once thrived. However, she faced major obstacles, including medical limitations during her pregnancy, a lack of stable housing, and no child care coverage for her two children.
Building a Roadmap: Tackling Housing, Child Care, and Career Barriers
With her case manager, Kyshonna developed a step-by-step plan focused on health, stability, and long-term employment. Her immediate priorities included finding a safe place to live and securing reliable child care. She successfully entered a housing program, giving her and her family a stable foundation.
Child care, however, remained a persistent barrier. Although a referral to a local child care partner helped, it could only serve one of her children—an option that would not allow her to return to full-time work. Undeterred, Kyshonna continued her search with support from her case manager, who connected her to Family & Childcare Resources of N.E.W. Together, they found a better solution.
Preparing for Employment While Pregnant
Even during her pregnancy, Kyshonna didn’t slow down. She enrolled in online courses to build her skills and stay connected to her goals. The flexibility of virtual learning allowed her to care for her health while moving forward in her career journey. Once her baby recovered from a hospital stay, Kyshonna was ready to take the next step.
With stable housing and a child care plan in place, she launched a job search on her own—even before it was officially part of her W-2 plan. She applied for jobs, accepted a bus pass from Forward Service Corporation to attend interviews, and quickly secured full-time employment in the caregiving field.
A New Chapter: Employment and Pride
Today, Kyshonna is working full time and providing for her family. She’s proud of two major accomplishments—finding child care and securing a job—and she’s not stopping there. Her long-term goal is to earn her CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) license and continue climbing the ladder in healthcare.
“I want to keep going up,” she says, reflecting her forward-looking attitude and belief in her ability to build a better life for herself and her children.
Strength, Resilience, and a Vision for the Future
From homelessness and health setbacks to full-time employment and future educational goals, Kyshonna’s journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with the right support, patience, and persistence.
Her story stands as an example to others: with access to resources, compassionate case management, and a never-give-up mindset, success is always within reach.
Interested in learning how the W-2 program can support your journey?
Visit our Wisconsin Works (W-2) page to find out more about how we help individuals across Wisconsin overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
