Reginald is a reserved, humble person who works hard and tries his best. While incarcerated, he felt hopeless and unmotivated, uncertain what his release would look like. He wasn’t sure how to begin looking for work or how to reenter the community. When a social worker offered him a referral to the Wisconsin Pathways Home Program, it became a turning point in his reentry process.
Reginald said, “Wisconsin Pathways Home Program is an awesome program that’s very helpful. More people should take advantage of it.”
Practical support that makes a difference
Pathways Home helped Reginald meet the immediate needs that many returning citizens have: hygiene items, release clothing, housing support, employment connections, and a cell phone. Program staff worked with him to update his resume and identify training that matched the needs of local employers.
Pathways Home enrolled Reginald in and paid for his Press Brake training at Fox Valley Technical College. After completing the training, he secured employment at Wald Wire — a concrete step toward stability.
Growing confidence and new goals
Since reentering the community and engaging with supports, Reginald has taken accountability for his actions and followed through on commitments. He is more confident and is setting new goals to purchase a vehicle and ultimately to buy a home.
Reginald said, “I’m more confident now, I felt hopeless and had a lot of negative thoughts. I didn’t think I was capable of accomplishing anything, but that all changed because of the support I received from the program”
Second chances build stronger communities
Reginald’s path illustrates how comprehensive reentry support — including training, employment assistance, and basic needs resources — help people move from uncertainty to productive, stable lives. Programs like Pathways Home invest in individuals’ futures and, in turn, strengthen communities across Wisconsin.
This story and more like it have been made possible by the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board.
