With the help of the FSET program, I was able to keep food in my fridge while looking for work. Now, I have a full-time job that I love.
When Randy first came to Forward Service Corporation (FSC) for help, life wasn’t easy. He had been referred to the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program by his Income Maintenance (IM) agency to meet the work requirement for FoodShare benefits. At the time, Randy was dealing with legal challenges, working to stay sober, and searching for a way to regain his independence. Despite these hardships, he never lost sight of his goals, and with the support of FSET, he is now building a future he’s proud of.
Randy openly describes his journey as “long and bumpy,” but one thing stands out: his resilience. “With the help of the FSET program, I was able to keep food in my fridge while looking for work. Now, I have a full-time job that I love. I don’t have a car, but with FSET’s help I’m getting to work via bus passes. Again, thank you FSET for all the help!” he said.
Finding Opportunity and Overcoming Setbacks
From the beginning, Randy had a dream: to one day operate and run his own mechanic shop. That dream fueled his determination to take steps forward, even when the path wasn’t smooth. Shortly after joining FSET, his case manager, Grace, told him about a full-time job opening. He wasted no time: he applied that very day and started work the next.
Unfortunately, Randy faced unexpected barriers that made it difficult to keep that first job. For many, such a setback could have felt overwhelming. But Randy’s outlook is simple: “Keep on keeping on.” Rather than give up, he kept moving forward. Less than a month later, he had already secured another full-time job—this time as a mechanic, in a role that aligned with his skills and long-term goals.
Support from FSET Case Management
Grace, his FSET case manager, has been consistently inspired by Randy’s perseverance. “Randy has always been motivated and not let setbacks stop him from continuing to always do better, so it has been great supporting him through the difficult times,” she said. Together, they have worked through the challenges, with Grace providing resources and supportive services to address the barriers Randy identified.
Transportation has been one of Randy’s biggest challenges. Without a car, getting to and from work could have been a major obstacle. But thanks to the FSET program, Randy received bus passes that allowed him to maintain reliable transportation until he can purchase his own vehicle. Looking ahead, Randy hopes to secure a car through ADVOCAP or CAP Services while continuing to save money to eventually live independently.
Building a Brighter Future
Randy’s story is one of grit, determination, and the power of support. The FSET program doesn’t just connect participants to jobs: it helps them overcome the real-life challenges that can stand in the way of stability. For Randy, that meant food security, transportation, and the encouragement to keep moving forward, even after setbacks.
Now, Randy is thriving in his full-time mechanic role. His immediate focus is on keeping his job and building financial stability, but he hasn’t lost sight of his bigger dream. One day, he wants to run his own shop, turning his passion into a business. With his resilience, motivation, and the resources provided through FSET, that dream is within reach.
Resilience, Support, and Success Through FSET
Randy’s journey highlights the life-changing impact that FSET can have on participants. It also serves as a reminder that success is rarely a straight path. Setbacks are part of the process, but with persistence, support, and determination, lasting progress is possible.
