Forward Services is amazing. You don’t use it as a bandage; you use it as a healing cream. They helped me out a lot. It’s never too late. There’s a whole village out there who cares—even if you don’t think there is. There is no option for giving up—you just have to keep going.
When Niesha joined the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program, her mission was clear: “To graduate to further my education and to show my kids that it’s not too late to go back to school.” What began as a personal goal soon became a community-powered transformation. Her story highlights how career training programs like W-2 can truly change lives.
Support That Made a Difference
Niesha’s success wasn’t achieved alone. It was made possible through the help of Forward Service Corporation, which provides career training and support for parents and job seekers across Wisconsin.
“Through the village,” she recalls, “Through my case manager Mikayla, my Education Navigator Kecia, and Marissa—I was able to have somebody keep me motivated throughout the week, remind me to study, ask what I needed, and help me set goals. I had a village behind me.”
The support was both emotional and practical for this spirited mother of four. Working with the W-2 program, Niesha was offered:
- Gas vouchers for transportation
- In-school encouragement and advocacy
- Weekly check-ins and goal-setting support
- Personalized help through education navigation services
These tools kept Niesha moving forward, even when doubt crept in.
Achieving Her HSED—and So Much More
Despite early uncertainty, Niesha reached her goal. “I am graduating with my HSED. I get to walk across the stage! My son is graduating from high school. Our lives have changed. It has helped my sanity.”
For families navigating poverty or long-term unemployment, earning a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) can be the first step toward stability and independence. In Niesha’s case, it was also about setting a powerful example for her children.
New Dreams: A Career in Esthetics and Giving Back
With her HSED in hand, Niesha is looking ahead. She’s now applying for scholarships and grants to study esthetics, with dreams of opening her own business.
“I plan to go to school to be an esthetician, open my own business, and use my business to give back to the community.”
Programs like Wisconsin Works prepare participants for employment while empowering them to pursue careers with purpose. In Niesha’s case, she wants to build a business that uplifts others, just as her village did for her.
Wisconsin Works Is More Than a Program—It’s a Healing Path
“Forward Services is amazing,” Niesha says. “You don’t use it as a bandage, you use it as a healing cream. It’s never too late. There’s a whole village out there who cares—even if you don’t think there is. There is no option for giving up—you just have to keep going.”
Her journey is proof that career training for single mothers, educational support, and compassionate guidance can work together to spark long-term success.
Get Help Through Wisconsin Works Today
If you or someone you know is looking to earn their HSED, build job skills, or explore career training in Wisconsin, programs like Wisconsin Works (W-2) through Forward Service Corporation can help. As Niesha’s story shows, you don’t have to do it alone. There’s a village ready to help you succeed.
👉 Take the first step today.
Visit the Wisconsin Works page or call to learn how you can start a better future for your family, apply through ACCESS Wisconsin, and find your village of support.
