I learned things that go beyond just getting a job, like how to budget my money better and understand my credit. Those are things that I didn’t fully understand before, but now I feel like I have more control over my life and my future.
When Brooke first entered the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program, she was carrying the weight of uncertainty while doing everything she could to care for her young son. Like many parents trying to balance survival with hope for the future, she knew she needed something to change. She just wasn’t sure where to begin.
“I would describe myself as someone who keeps going, even when I feel overwhelmed,” Brooke says.
“I’m a mom before anything else, and everything I do is for my child. There were a lot of moments where I felt stressed, tired, and unsure of myself, but I didn’t give up. I kept showing up, even on the hard days.”
That determination stood out immediately to her Wisconsin Works case manager, Alanna.
“Brooke is amazing!” Alanna says. “She came into W-2 ready to work hard and determined. She is always positive and upbeat. She always has a lot of good questions to ask!”
At the time, Brooke was searching for employment while caring for her one-year-old son. Although she had transportation, finding the right opportunity felt overwhelming.
Finding Support Through the Wisconsin Works Program
“Before I started working with the W-2 program, I was in a really difficult place,” Brooke explains. “I didn’t have stable employment and was trying to figure out how to take care of my child and still move forward in life. I felt stuck and didn’t really know where to start, but I knew I needed to do something different.”
“At the time, I needed stability more than anything,” she says. “I needed income, but I also needed direction. I didn’t feel confident in interviews, I didn’t fully understand resumes or applications, and I just needed someone to help guide me and give me a real chance.”
Building Job Skills and Confidence
Through W-2, Brooke began building the practical skills that would help her move forward. She completed Job Search Essentials and Financial Literacy classes, worked closely with a Job Developer, and updated her resume. Slowly, the uncertainty she once felt started to give way to confidence.
“Everything slowly started to come together,” Brooke says. “I practiced interviewing and learned how to actually prepare myself for jobs instead of going in unsure. I learned what to say, how to carry myself, and how to speak with confidence.”
She also gained tools that extended far beyond employment.
“I learned things that go beyond just getting a job, like how to budget my money better and understand my credit,” Brooke says. “Those are things that I didn’t fully understand before, but now I feel like I have more control over my life and my future.”
For Alanna, one of the most rewarding parts of Brooke’s journey has been watching her confidence grow.
“In the beginning she seemed really unsure of herself,” Alanna says, “and now she handles challenges very self-sufficiently.”
Turning Work Experience Into Employment
One of the turning points came when Brooke participated in a work experience opportunity at The Crossing. She approached the position with determination and professionalism, treating every day as a chance to prove herself.
“Through the program, I was given the opportunity to volunteer for work experience,” Brooke says. “I took it seriously, showed up, and gave it my all.”
Her hard work did not go unnoticed.
“That opportunity turned into a job at the same place,” she says. “That meant everything to me. It showed me that my hard work paid off.”
Today, Brooke works in Front Desk reception and administrative support at The Crossing while also working morning shifts at a local daycare. She continues to pursue bigger goals for herself and her family, including returning to school for healthcare through the WIOA program.
Creating a Better Future for Her Children
According to Alanna, Brooke’s dreams extend far beyond employment alone.
“Brooke wants a meaningful career and would like to reestablish a connection with her three older children in Florida,” Alanna says. “She wants to make the most out of being a good mom for her youngest.”
For Brooke, every step forward is rooted in creating a better life for her children.
“My biggest dream was to be able to provide a stable, secure life for my child and not have to worry about how I was going to make it,” she says. “I wanted to feel independent, confident, and proud of myself.”
Now, she feels those goals becoming reality.
“The biggest change in me is my confidence,” Brooke says. “I don’t feel as lost or unsure as I used to. I’ve proven to myself I can do this. I’ve learned skills, built discipline, and pushed through even when it was hard. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m not done yet.”
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