Shawnda - Going back to school to eventually find her dream job

Shawanda was interested in finding full time work within the medical field. She was uncertain which way she needed to go to obtain her Certified Medical Assistant. Shawanda stated that she had gone to college in the past for clinical lab tech but decided not to continue at the time due to personal obligations but was now ready to make a change in her life with a different career path. We were able to assist Shawanda with providing information to further her educational background by giving more insight of what the FSET program offers. Shawanda was beyond excited and ready to do what she needed so that she could complete the goal of obtaining her certification as a medical assistant. 

Once all prerequisites were completed a training referral was submitted and Shawanda began classes. She would always be sure to check in on a weekly basis and would report she was enjoying class. However, she did express that some weeks were tougher than others and we would briefly discuss that it will all be worth it in the long run. Shawanda did in fact pass her classes along with passing her state exams. After completion it was time to begin job searching, Shawanda would attend Maximus job fairs as well as applying for employment on her own. She would get interviews but was not getting any job offers and was becoming discouraged after all her hard work with training. We reassured her that the perfect job would come at the right time.

That perfect job did in fact did come, she was offered an full time position at Children’s Hospital as a Medical Assistant making $22 an hour with benefits. She would go on to accept an Maximus 90-days job retention, a bi-weekly $25 gas card and established an Amazon order for scrubs. 

Kyron - Taking the next steps to support his family

KYRON enrolled in FSET as was not employed and did not know what his next steps would be now that he has his children full-time. He decided to invest in his education and work towards learning skills that would lead to a career. Mr. Thomas came in one day stating that he knew what he wanted to do and wanted to get started on the pathway to obtaining his CDL. He stated that whatever he needs to do he will get done and that he is determined to get this done so that he can have a better life for him and his kids. 

Mr. Thomas was assigned an informational session and a four-up workshop. Mr. Thomas has done everything that was expected of him, and he has now been accepted for his training for CDL Class. Mr. Thomas came in expressing how thankful he was for having our help and being patient with him as in the beginning he had some challenges. Now that he’s accepted, we look forward to him completing CDL training and eventually getting employment after! 

Alex - Adding more skills to his toolbelt to further his business

Alex owns his landscaping/Remodeling business and was looking to obtain training for his CDL License to further his skills within his company. After completing all the requirements to have a training referral submitted, Alex took several different options to reach his goal of obtaining a CDL License by looking for jobs each week while still running his own business.

The participant also made a healthy lifestyle choice, and he successfully completed all the necessary activities with the FSET program. The participant was approved for CDL Training, became DOT compliant and eventually completed CDL Class A training and earned a certificate and trophy for his efforts!

In Alex’s own words,

“Thank you so much, Tiffany, I am grateful for the opportunity for the assistance with voucher and allowing participant time to become compliant with DOT.  Participant also stated although he has his own company, he would still like to learn more about how he can use his CDL. Participant is thankful for the voucher and the FSET program giving her uniform clothing and shoes. After working with Maximus and the FSET program, he now has nothing but good things to say about the program.”

Shantajah - Working into the medical field to driving across the country!

Ms. Caldwell had gone to school for Medical Assistant but unfortunately did not take her exam but wanted to transition into phlebotomy. She quickly began completing all training activities amongst doing so she had also gained employment as a Phlebotomy Tech and had realized not only was the employment far from home, but she didn’t find the interest she once had. She once again decided to change her career choice and said, “I loved to drive” and would be interested in CDL training.  

We scheduled her to have an info session and she began studying the DMV CDL manual. We submitted a referral once class started and passed her permit and began her behind her wheel training.

She stated she was loving the training and is so excited to find employment and begin driving to different States. She is excited to be a Women going into a predominantly male industry she also reported she is the first family member to have a CDL license.

Congrats Shantajah!  

Sean - From lacking motivation to graduating from WRTP

Sean came into the FSET program with a of lack of motivation but entered the program wanting a change in life for his future but needed some assistance and encouragement. He expressed the importance of finding employment, getting training to learn new skills and obtaining his HSED. We informed Sean of our TTP site WRTP, that can assist with obtaining your HSED and a training all in one. Sean was aesthetic to learn that he could possibly achieve two big goals within one program. He was also informed that this program requires strong dedication and good attendance to be successful and a referral was submitted for HSED and Manufacturing.

Sean was able to get assistance in our transportation services to support him with getting to and from school. Sean started class a month later and on opposite days would attend training. Sean has now successfully obtained his HSED with his certification in manufacturing and has attended his graduation ceremony in December 2023. Mr. Clements has now wanted to take up another certification in construction to also increase his employment opportunities. Mr. Clements may have entered the program with a lack of motivation but I believe his enthusiasm has all ways been there. Sean has ended his 2023 year being successful in the goals he set for himself and is well on his way to making 2024 an even better year. CONGRATULATIONS SEAN! 

Lavrikov - Refugee from Ukraine finding employment

Mr. Lavrikov and his family were recent refugees from Ukraine. His goal was to obtain employment working in a factory doing CNC work. We were able to get him into a training course so that he could complete CNC training.

However, he could not speak English and that made it difficult for him to do anything independently. We were able to get Mr. Lavrikov connected with our CRN team which was able to enroll him into Bilingual Language classes and will be graduating from level 1 very soon!

During this process, Mr. Lavrikov was also able to obtain full time employment working in a factory making $22.00 per hour. He and his family were very excited to get support from FSET and gain the experience and resources to finding employment!

Robert - Having barriers to obtaining a full time job!

Robert was enrolled into the FSET program as a MET case.  During the initial enrollment appointment Mr. Butts knew his exact goals and expectation for the FSET program.  With his housing barriers at the time, he was very aware that he needed a full-time job to change his living situation at the time. 

Mr. Butts participated in all his assigned activities and tasks including meetings with the CRN, attended in person and virtual job fairs.  Within 60 days he obtained a part-time job with UPS working third shift so that he could still apply for a full-time position.  He accepted job retention services for transportation and steel toe boots.  After speaking with the Community Resource Navigator at a scheduled follow up appointment, they figured out his housing budget or limit of rent payment he would be able to afford.   

Mr. Butts has reached his FSET goal by obtaining a full-time position as a Maintenance Lead with Milwaukee County Parks.  His current job site is Mitchell Park Domes.  He has accepted 90 days of job retention service, has his appropriate work for boots and is on the bus line. In Participant own words: “Ms. Beatrice Brown, I thank you and the FSET program help with the job fairs.  Now I can afford my own apartment.” 

Derrick - To feeling hopeful about his career

Mr. Derrick WILLIAMS enrolled in the FSET program because he wanted to obtain a CDL training. He was just laid off with no income and felt hopeless. Mr. Williams had barriers with eviction and a felony conviction. The Participant was paired with the Community Resource Navigator (CRN) to assist with any supportive services, referrals, or resources available. During the meeting, Derrick Williams was offered expungement services and legal services form Marquette Legal Clinic. 

Mr. Williams checked in weekly for any updates regarding the CDL training, unfortunately the CDL training was on hold, and we could only provide job resources, Community resources, and words of encouragement.  He did not give up, Mr. Williams used FSET resources to his advantage. He came into the office to work in the computer lab, to get assistance with his unemployment.

Mr. Williams informed me that the unemployment helped, but he still struggled with finding meaningful employment, and paying his bills. We shared that FSET has many resources available such as Job fairs, resume building, paid training with our BSU job developers. Derrick told me he needed a job, he was no longer interested in the training, due to the concerned with paying his bills.  

The following week, Mr. Williams informed us that he was employed! There was so much excitement in his voice. The encouragement he received from the FSET team helped him to be patient! He was passionate about finding support and even though he is still waiting to hear back on getting CDL training , he has felt like he has completed goal in gaining stability in his life!

Jason - From barriers stopping him to getting a full time job!

In May of 2023, Jason was enrolled in the FSET Program and expressed his motivation to enter the Technician field. He had barriers of mental health/ PTSD/depression, family Issues, childcare, staying with family or friends, no transportation, legal issues, credit issues, lack of job skills and experience. We were able to provide him with resources for Mental health, rental assistance, rental list, AODA services and transportation.

As the conversation continued Jason informed us that he had previous trainings and previous employment that made him employable. He was introduced to our BSU team that supported him with fixing his resume, practicing for interviews, being introduced to our weekly and monthly in person and virtual job fairs.

Jason had informed us that he was able to gain employment by attending our FSET job fair and go hired at Talgo making $19.95 an hour!

Andrea - From homeless shelter to getting an apartment & full time job!

Andrea enrolled in the FSET program back in January and at the time of her enrollment she was struggling financially and living in a homeless shelter. Over the past few months, we worked closely with her to find resources as well as connecting her with the CRN.

 As of today, Andrea is employed fulltime with WFA Staffing as a Envelop Stuffer and has been living with a friend until her move in date for her new apartment! Ms. Anthony has been through a lot since the start of the program but has been pushing forward in achieving her goals. We are very proud of how she has gone from unsure of herself to confidently taking charge and creating stability for herself to continue to flourish.