When Johanna and her family arrived in the United States as refugees from South Africa this March, they came with very few belongings but a powerful determination to build a better future. Starting over in a new country brought many challenges, including finding transportation, securing employment, and adjusting to an entirely new environment.
Despite those barriers, Johanna remained focused, motivated, and optimistic about what was possible for her family.
From the beginning, she set a clear goal for herself: to find employment within three months of arriving in the United States. It was an ambitious timeline for anyone beginning over in a new country, but Johanna approached the challenge with positivity and persistence. Her determination inspired those around her, and before long, her entire family had achieved that goal.
Johanna’s story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of support during life’s biggest transitions.
Overcoming Barriers Through Support and Hard Work
Like many newcomers, Johanna faced practical obstacles that could have delayed her progress. Transportation was one of the biggest challenges. Without reliable transportation, even attending interviews or commuting to work can become difficult.
That’s where support through Forward Service Corporation’s FSET program made a meaningful difference.
Johanna worked closely with her Job Developer, Seth, who helped connect her with employment opportunities and guided her through the job search process. Through Seth’s assistance, Johanna secured an interview with the FedEx warehouse in Oshkosh. Her positive attitude and motivation immediately stood out, and she was hired right away.
The opportunity marked an important milestone — Johanna’s first job in the United States.
To help her succeed, FSET also provided bus passes so she could reliably get to work while she worked toward obtaining a vehicle of her own. As she continues building stability in her new career, the program has also helped with gas assistance to support her commute.
During the transition period between arriving in the United States and securing employment, Johanna also received Refugee Cash Assistance through Forward Service Corporation. That temporary support helped provide stability during an uncertain time and gave her family the opportunity to focus on building their future.
Finding Independence and Confidence
Today, Johanna says she has a much stronger sense of independence and continues to maintain a positive outlook on life in the United States. While beginning a new chapter in a new country can feel overwhelming, she has approached every challenge with resilience and determination.
Her success is not only measured by employment, but by the confidence she has gained along the way.
Johanna is currently working part time at FedEx, gaining valuable experience and continuing to build toward her long-term goals. Even more inspiring is the initiative she has already shown in planning for her future career path. She hopes to eventually move into a full-time administrative role and has already begun discussing office opportunities with her manager at FedEx.
Those conversations are an exciting reminder that Johanna’s journey is only beginning.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
At the heart of Johanna’s motivation is her family. She is striving to help her family become completely self-sufficient and achieve their goals in the United States. Most importantly, she wants her sons to have a good life filled with opportunities and possibilities.
Every step she takes toward stability helps create a stronger future for them.
Johanna’s story shows how determination, hard work, and the right support can help people overcome even the most difficult transitions. By staying focused on her goals and embracing every opportunity, she has already accomplished so much in a short amount of time.
Her journey is an inspiring example of what is possible when courage meets opportunity — and her future continues to look bright.
