What’s New with Workforce Connections

Success Stories

FSET

Cassandra

Cassandra

Cassandra wanted help finding a job, but wasn’t sure what career path was best for her. She and her Career Planner worked together creating a plan and completing assessments to help find a field she’d enjoy. Cassandra was able to find full-time employment within one month of enrollment and is making $15 per hour working as a sewing operator.

Desiree Rave

Desiree Rave

Desiree Rave wanted assistance finding full-time employment. She also wanted to go to school to get certified as a nursing assistant and then go on for a nursing degree. We were able to cover the cost of the classes for her and she also found a full-time position as a supportive care worker. We were also able to provide retention services for her job and mileage reimbursement.

Frank Ringle

Frank Ringle

Frank Ringle had applied for a job in cybersecurity but was waiting for the background check and decided to enroll into FSET because if he did receive a job offer, he really needed assistance with transportation. He did get the job and accepted retention so that FSET could assist with mileage for his travel to and from work.

WISE

WIOA

Gary Finnigan

Gary Finnigan

Gary Finnigan is a veteran that connected through word of mouth to Workforce Connections about the WIOA program. He wanted to attend Diesel Driving School in Sun Prairie to get his CDL, having found that he really enjoyed driving long distances. He was the primary income of the household and wanted to obtain skills to get a better paying job so he could support his family better. He needed help paying for training, fees and housing associated with school. Gary graduated recently from school and obtained his CDL license. He and I focused on updating his resume and highlighting transferable skills from his past driving and automotive and maintenance experience from the Navy, and finding a job! He has applied at a few already and had a few conversations with recruiters about opportunities.

“One of the best organizations to get you to your goals. It helps people help themselves. I need a push to get going and my career planner helped with that.”

Nicole Hansen

Nicole Hansen

Nicole Hansen was working as a supervisor in a coffee shop and visited the job center for career ideas and training help. The Career Planner explored career options with her and in demand fields. She wanted to attend training to better support her family and gain self-sufficiency. Nicole had some charges due to WTC before she could enroll. The Career Planner referred her to FSET which then she was able to obtain assistance paying those off so she could enroll in the medical assistance program. She remained co-enrolled to better her chances of success utilizing both programs. She was able to obtain her degree and start a great job at Mayo. She plans to continue training to obtain more credentials so she can move up in the clinic and has a goal to be able to buy a house.

“My experience with WIOA was great. Any time I needed help with anything I could go to my Worker, and she made sure to help me. I could not have completed my schooling if it was not for the help from WIOA. Success is the will to keep going even when failure seems inevitable.”

Rita Ard

Rita Ard

Rita Ard was needing assistance to narrow the field of interest down. She’d worked in manufacturing for 20 plus years and needed a change due to health. WIOA staff reviewed assessments to start working through her areas of interest. Rita’s self-esteem and enthusiasm soared as she completed the various online JCW virtual workshops. She had the information that her dreams and desires were attainable and was able to start a new career as a staff member in a memory care unit.

“I love this job. It’s perfect for me, the staff is downright inspirational, and it’s mentally, physically and spiritually fulfilling. Again, I’m grateful to you and your lovely service!!!”

Healthcare Navigator

W2

Foster Grandparents

Grandma Angie

Grandma Angie

“Grandma Angie has been fantastic in fostering relationships with our 3rd grade friends along with being very attentive to their reading skills and abilities. She genuinely cares for her reading friends. Often she’ll ask how to best ensure optimal reading time with her friends which includes when the student is most attentive and focused. It has been a joy to watch both her and the students light up with the successes during their reading time together.”

– Linda Lowery, Necedah After-School Program Coordinator

Grandma Nancy

Grandma Nancy

“Grandma Nancy has been working with a 5th grade student reading adventure stories. She has been very flexible in meeting with the student at times that has varied within the schedule. The student’s Grandmother has noted to me that her Granddaughter looks forward to reading with Grandma Nancy. This relationship Grandma Nancy has built with our student has been phenomenal. They often will continue reading beyond their scheduled time frame!”

– Linda Lowery, Necedah After-School Program Coordinator

Amy Larson

Amy Larson

“The coordinator, Amy Larson, has played a critical role in maintaining optimal communication with me as the Coordinator of our Cardinal ASP (After School Program), our School Librarian and our Reading Grandparents!

During this time of virtual learning, she has assisted in ensuring that technology connections were optimal for our Reading Grandparents… This in itself has been a venture that required patience and persistence. I appreciate her role in helping our students’ connection with our Grandparents along with polishing their reading skills. Thank you!”

– Linda Lowery, Necedah After-School Program Coordinator

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