Hassan came to our FSC office as a refugee from Afghanistan. He didn’t have any money or a job, spoke little English, and was here without his family. He didn’t know where to start, but he displayed a sense of optimism and eagerness to do what he had to.
He was introduced to us through Work Relief in Winnebago and he enrolled in the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program with services also provided through our Road to Livelihood program. We broke down his immediate needs: first, help with improving his English; then, he needed help job searching; lastly, assistance with transportation while he was earning a license to drive himself.
Then, we began exploring the goals he wanted to achieve: to live independently and be able to send money home to his family, to speak English fluently.
Through his enrolled programs, he accessed English classes. His case manager and job developer assisted with job searching, applying for jobs and following up on applications, and preparing for and scheduling interviews.
FSET provided Hassan gas vouchers to get to and from his English classes and job interviews. And once he hit the criteria for a driver’s license, the program also helped with the cost.
“Hassan is very independent. [He] problem solves on his own,” his case manager says.
Through his hard work, he was offered and accepted a job that helps him toward his continued financial goals. Currently, he continues his English education, and now has his sights on job growth and owning a home of his own.
Are you or someone you know needing help navigating your new community? See how our FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program can help.
