Enrolling in the FoodShare program also unlocks access to our FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program. This helpful program connects you to our services and many other free local resources that will help you find and keep a high-paying job. It can also be an important tool for anyone looking for a restart on life.
Robert came into our FSET program after recently being released from incarceration. When he was serving time, he decided to invest his effort and take the weekly Employability Class taught by our FSET Case Manager, Craig. Robert attended regularly and learned a lot from the class. He even developed an impressive “elevator speech” about himself and learned how to interview the right way. When he was released, Robert had hope; something he didn’t have when he was first there.
“By the end of the last class, I could tell Robert was motivated and wanted to change the things he was doing that got him in jail in the first place,” says Craig. He handed Robert his card and told him to enroll in FoodShare when he was released.
About a month or so later, Craig received a call from an excited Robert who was ready to start his dream of being financially stable. Craig immediately scheduled an enrollment appointment to help him get started, and the two got to work. To secure the new life Robert wanted, he needed 3 important things: a job, a reliable way to get around and stable housing.
Craig connected him to our local housing partner, NEWCAP, to secure a temporary place to live for the time being, and referred him to our WETAP program to help him out with purchasing a vehicle. All that was left to figure out was finding a job.
At first, Robert felt discouraged that anyone would hire him with his recent history. The moment Craig handed him a list of employers that believed in second changes, a wave of relief came over Robert and he was determined to do whatever it takes to get his life back on track.
Robert chose to apply at a local sausage making plant and Craig helped him do the application. For a little added touch, Craig reached out to the HR manager at the plant recommending Robert for the job he applied for. Six days later, Robert was hired! Robert is now working on finding a more stable place to live and purchasing a vehicle. We’re happy to share that Robert is well on his way to making his dream a reality.
Congratulations on all of your hard work, Robert. We’re so proud of you.
In need of support to make your career dreams come true? See how our FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program can help.
