Michael Tends to His Dream
May 22, 2023
Someday soon, you might be driving down the road and spy Michael in a field, tending to the animals on his hobby farm. Through...
fset Tag
A Smile You Can Hear
January 30, 2023
Klara has the kind of grit that helps her laugh when others might cry. Today, however, her smile springs to her lips from a...
Success is in the Details
January 30, 2023
When Emily asked Bret if she could write a story about his success in the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program, he laughed, asking...
How to turn a refuge into a home
June 10, 2022
This February, we met 24 brave Afghan refugees. They were granted refuge in Wisconsin, but their situation was still difficult. Some of them had...
Welcome Inspector Paul
May 25, 2022
“I have been blessed by God throughout my life with good things happening to me when I am in need,” writes Paul. He’s a...
Lizzie’s Journey to Self-Reliance
April 12, 2022
“I am very motivated to go to school and do something that I feel is worthwhile with my life,” says Lizzie. Even when she...
The Courage of Fazal
March 14, 2022
Every success requires courage. Courage to start the journey. Courage to face stacked odds. Courage to persevere amidst unfathomable circumstances. We’re excited to bring you...
Michael Makes It Personal
February 17, 2022
A personal touch can go a long way. When Michael found a job through our FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program in 2020, he...
Lacy Lights the Way
February 14, 2022
Sometimes parents need a light to guide them through life’s storms. As an unemployed single mom, Lacy was not sure how to support her...
Never Give Up: Ronald’s Story
January 10, 2022
“Success” is defined differently for everyone. For Ronald, it means “security,” “stability,” “happiness,” gratification”… and “peace” of mind. Here’s Ronald’s journey on the road...
Patricia Revives Her Dream
December 7, 2021
"You must believe in yourself and work very hard at achieving your goals. Never give up on your dreams. They can come true again." Not...
Laura Finds Her Path
November 29, 2021
New chapters can allow us to reinvent ourselves and see new possibilities. A chance at a new career can be incredibly rewarding, whether someone...
Terrell Achieves Full-Time Employment
November 15, 2021
“I got the job!” Terrell recently reported to us with pride in his voice. A few months before, Terrell was searching for a path toward...
Willie’s Success
October 25, 2021
Today we celebrate the success of Willie, who has recently accepted a new job offer. He is now managing his finances, covering housing and...
Breanna and River’s Success
October 11, 2021
Parents Breanna and River want what’s best for their daughter. That’s why they came to us for support finding careers that would enable them...
Ray’s Success
Construction Stories, Education and Training, FoodShare Employment and Training Stories, Jobs, Success Stories
August 30, 2021
When Ray came to FSET in April, his dream was to get back to truck driving. He had been out of work for a...
Steve’s Success
August 23, 2021
When Steven came to FSET in 2019, he had already overcome so many challenges. After achieving 5 years sobriety, he was ready to accomplish...
Charles’s Success
Education and Training, FoodShare Employment and Training Stories, Jobs, Success Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories
August 18, 2021
Like so many of our clients, Charles’ success story is one of tremendous courage as he sought real change in his life – for...
Kakola’s Success
Education and Training, FoodShare Employment and Training Stories, Jobs, Other, Road to Livelihood Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories
August 16, 2021
Kakola came to the United States as a Refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo in July of 2020. Kakola’s wife, Furaha, came here...
Amanda’s Success
Education and Training, FoodShare Employment and Training Stories, Jobs, Success Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories
August 11, 2021
Amanda seems shy when you first meet her. However, it doesn’t take long before you can see that she is a definite people person....
Jamie’s Success
Education and Training, FoodShare Employment and Training Stories, Jobs, Other, Success Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories
August 10, 2021
Jamie came to FSC looking for some support building up her employable skills, and ultimately to help her reach her goals of working in...
Adriana’s Success
Education and Training, FoodShare Employment and Training Stories, News, Success Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories
June 28, 2021
Adriana wanted to be a professional – somebody knowledgeable, respectable, and helpful. The thing is, her only real experience was working in cleaning jobs....
Vanessa’s Success
June 14, 2021
Congratulations to Vanessa, who recently started her new job! After five years as a stay-at-home mom, getting back into the workplace was like entering...
Michele Takes Her Power Back
May 17, 2021
"I love helping people out and always want to be there to help others through their rough times in life," Michele tells us. Unfortunately,...
Kathleen’s Success
May 3, 2021
Kathleen started working in dental offices over 25 years ago. At the time, it didn’t require a diploma, so she left high school, started...
Mat’s Triumph
April 5, 2021
The clock was ticking. Matheau was living in a temporary home and had just 90 days to get on his feet. He didn’t have any income, transportation, or even a...
Yadira’s Success
March 15, 2021
A little over a year ago, Yadira moved her four children from the southern U.S. to Wisconsin. She was hoping to find a home...
Chelsea’s Change
March 8, 2021
Chelsea came from the big city, where she did well as a cellist. It was exciting work, but not always steady. After moving, however,...
April Redefines Herself
March 1, 2021
“I am a single mother and did not want to depend on the system to support my family,” says April. Two years ago, she...
Shannon Switches Gears
January 11, 2021
This time last year, Shannon never would have expected to see herself enjoying a job in manufacturing. She’d always been in health care, so...
Sarah’s Dreams Are Coming True
Education and Training, News, Success Stories, Wisconsin Works Stories, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Stories
December 21, 2020
Sarah is a creative and talented woman, but you don’t have to take our word for it. Just check out a few pages from...
Amanda’s New Horizons
December 2, 2020
When Amanda’s employer went under, she decided to turn unemployment into an opportunity to retool her career. She’d often hoped for an office position,...
Vakia’s Success
December 2, 2020
Vakia moved to Wisconsin to make a better life for her daughters — when she learned about FSC, she realized there was no better...
Tracie’s Transformation
November 16, 2020
“I never thought my life would turn out this way, but I’m sure glad it did,” says Tracie. Last year, she was homeless, jobless,...
Calling the Shots
August 17, 2020
Check out the uniform! Danielle joined Wisconsin Works for paid maternity leave, but when she learned that they could put her dreams within reach, she decided to stick around and even joined FSET for more....
Michael’s New Life
February 3, 2020
Michael was a foreman before an injury put him out of work for over two years. He joined Wisconsin Works and FSET to find...
Corisa’s Firsthand Experience
December 30, 2019
Corisa looked around. Her instructor had just asked the class to break into groups. She found a small group and started talking. That’s when...
Odessa Finds Her Voice
July 15, 2019
Putting together a sentence has always been tricky for Odessa, so when she got the keys to her new apartment, she sent us a...
Sa’s Talents
July 8, 2019
Sa couldn't bring much with him when he fled from the ongoing crisis in Myanmar, but he did carry with him a wealth of...
Rhonda Rises Above
May 20, 2019
Rhonda is a wonderful mom who puts her heart into everything she does. As the devoted assistant manager of a local thrift store, she...
Kristen-of-All-Trades
May 6, 2019
Kristen is a pretty handy person to have around - that's one of many reasons we love her! She was known as a jack-of-all-trades,...
Jena’s Perfect Fit
April 9, 2019
Because Jena's positive vibes are pretty much contagious, we thought we'd share her great news to make your day, too! She just accepted a...
Karen’s Moving Up
November 21, 2018
"I’m working my way up from the bottom," says Karen. After losing her office job in 2016, she had to give up almost everything...
Thomas Earns His Dream Job
October 1, 2018
Today, Thomas is more driven than ever before, not just because of his motivated personality, but because he’s earned his dream job at YRC...
Allisha’s Grand Opening
September 17, 2018
Allisha is opening up a new chapter in her life as a small business owner, with a boost from FSC! Other people might call it...
Pawahna’s Success
August 27, 2018
"Pawahna lights up the room with her enthusiasm," says Meghan, a counselor with the FSET program. Even though Pawahna has been a U.S. citizen...
Makhia’s Expecting Great Things
August 6, 2018
Imagine studying for your finals with one youngster at home and another on the way. That would be enough to make anyone gulp, but...
Evan’s Success
May 14, 2018
Evan met Craig, an FSET Account Representative, while he was visiting the Job Center this January. Evan knew there were opportunities waiting - even...
Full-Time Family Man
April 16, 2018
After the ice and snow this weekend, you might wonder what would compel someone like Edison to leave tropical Puerto Rico for Wisconsin. He'd...
Smiling Again This Spring!
March 26, 2018
Kim is in the business of smiles - and thanks to a successful job search with Wisconsin Works and FSET, she's back to sharing...
Learn from Daniel
March 12, 2018
A few years ago, Daniel wasn't sure if he would ever be able to work again. A serious car accident left him clinging to...
Practice Pays Off
February 5, 2018
When Sergio interviews for work, he’s the picture of confidence. He knows how to dress, how to act, and what to say - but...
From Compassion to Career
October 30, 2017
LaToya is a soft-spoken, caring mother who always puts her family first. When she enrolled in Wisconsin Works, she was just about ready to...
Jody Turns It All Around
October 23, 2017
Jody's story is one that any job-seeker can relate to. With a newborn and a teenager to care for, she was scrambling to find...
Changes Worth Making
October 2, 2017
Moving from rural Wisconsin to the city of Oshkosh was a big change for Jamie, but she knew that's where her family could find...
Patricia Rediscovers Her Path
September 25, 2017
Patricia joined Wisconsin Works and FSET hoping for a great job, but she was surprised to find it waiting in the industry she left...
From Halfway to All the Way!
August 21, 2017
Jeremiah rode his skateboard nearly five miles to his first FSET appointment. Without money for a car, it was his best way to get...
TaCiana Turns Hope into Action
August 14, 2017
"Someday, I will be a manager," says TaCiana. A few months ago, she couldn't imagine saying those words. She was just hoping life might...
Family Man with a Plan
June 12, 2017
When we first met Brett, he told us a story about grocery shopping with his young son. Walking down the aisle, his son asked...
FSET for the Whole Family
June 5, 2017
Deana’s story is all about how caring communities can make a difference in someone’s life. Looking for work was a top priority for Deana,...
Lara’s Worth It!
May 8, 2017
When Lara got a notice in the mail stating that she needed to start FSET to keep her Food Stamps, she did not know what...
Keeping Connected
April 10, 2017
When Myra sees a great opportunity, she jumps into it with both feet forward! After just two weeks with Wisconsin Works, she co-enrolled in FSET,...
A Mom with a Plan
April 3, 2017
After working with Wisconsin Works for only a few months, Victoria is thrilled to have a great job, a happy daughter, and a plan...
Andrea’s Inspiration
February 27, 2017
"As a single mother, it was scary losing my job," Andrea admits. Months behind on rent, she felt like her world had been turned...
The Right Direction
February 6, 2017
Jeffrey wanted a new direction, but he felt like his internal GPS was turning him in circles. With his family counting on him, he turned to...
Career for a Lifetime
December 5, 2016
Carrie did not want just another job - she wanted "a meaningful career for a lifetime," and she got it by joining FSET! If you're...
Motivated for Life
November 21, 2016
“The wonderful people at FSET not only gave me some practical office work experience but the motivation to search for employment and my enthusiasm...
Touchdown!
October 31, 2016
Lonnie was close to a touchdown, but he fumbled the ball at the last second. At least, that's how he felt after getting multiple...
The Steps of Success
October 24, 2016
Enrolling in FSET straight from prison, Cashmere was determined not to go back, and to be the inspiration his family deserves. He came to us...
Meagan’s Ticket to Success!
October 17, 2016
Meagan had been looking for a way to channel her desire to care for others into a meaningful career and “to get everything started.” She...
Back in the Game!
October 10, 2016
William knew he'd be a great addition for an employer, if he could just get a chance. He got this chance through FSET, and he's now making the...
What did you do this summer?
September 19, 2016
After moving her family halfway around the world, Mumtaz was determined to find any work possible to support them. After enrolling in Wisconsin Works,...
Good Moves
September 12, 2016
Dominique made smart moves this year. The first one was hard: leaving everything behind to begin a better life. The second one made it...
Energy Plus Kindness
July 13, 2016
Fun-loving and full of energy, Casey values every person he meets. So his new, full-time job helping people with disabilities is a perfect fit....
Laugh and Learn
July 11, 2016
Duane has learned to be resourceful over the years. Living in a tent during the summer, he figured out that without a fridge, he...
High School Graduate at 66 Years Young
July 6, 2016
WillieMae is 66 years old, but she will smile when she tells you that “On the day I graduated I thought I was younger than...
Never Give Up
April 25, 2016
Jason knew that he needed to learn a better way to find work. He was constantly filling out applications but could not seem to...
Gov. Walker Celebrates FSET
April 21, 2016
Governor Scott Walker joined Forward Service Corporation on April 20th to mark the first anniversary celebration of the FSET program at the Bay Central Job Center...