Morris - Adult Learning Center

When Morris first walked into the Adult Learning Center to sign-up for GED classes, he joked that, technologically speaking, “he was stuck in the Stone Age.” He didn’t own a cell phone, wasn’t familiar with video calls, and had never touched a computer before. The fact that he joined the ALC’s GED classes in the middle of the pandemic--a time when computers have become necessary for nearly all aspects of life--shows just how committed he was to earning his GED.

Morris’s dedication was bolstered by Maximus’s assistance in a major way: by providing him with a bus pass that is refilled monthly, Maximus has helped Morris maintain his near-perfect attendance record! Rain (or snow) or shine, Morris has attended faithfully and is utilizing all available resources to meet his dream of completing his GED.

Artanique & Dayonna - Boys & Girls Club of Milwaukee

Artanique sought out FSET services in January from Boys Girls Club of Milwaukee. She recently moved to Milwaukee and she was seeking out guidance and support to enable her to start working on her long-term goal of a career in the medical field as a nurse. She needed a career change from her current part-time job as a cashier at Subway. To embark on her career journey, Artanique was assisted in prioritizing activities, her plan of action included a co-enrollment into WIOA Youth to diversify serviced delivery. She recently passed her CNA state exam and is ready for college having signed a college admission letter to join UW Green Bay in the fall.

She wanted her young sister to go through the same wonderful experience, so she referred Dayonna to enroll in FSET. Dayonna is extremely hardworking and was able to connect with staff easily when she started. She was assisted by her elder sister to attend all her site appointments and worked with both the BGC team and Maximus staff to complete a variety of tasks such as individualized educational and employment plan, career assessments career exploration and resume writing. Dayonna expressed interest in Phlebotomy as her long-term career and is currently working on joining the versiti blood center as an intern in May.

Although Artanique and Dayonna are diligent and hardworking siblings, they could be heard stating that “Thanks to the wonderful staff for guiding us and showing incredible kindness in helping us to set realistic goals as well as helping us to start working towards achieving those goals we cannot do this without secondary help”.

Ciyon - Project RETURN

Ciyon enrolled into the FSET Program of August 8, 2021 and from that moment on, his future began to take a positive turn. He had physical barriers as it related to housing/homelessness, transportation, and a lack of resources for a child in his custody.

Mr. Ciyon connected with Maximus E.A specialist and Community Resource Navigator and was provided with essential resources (e.g., 1st Month rent and Security deposit assistance), he also took advantage of job leads from both Maximus and Project RETURN. In addition, the participant was referred to apply for W2 seeing that he has full custody of his son.

Consequently, Mr. Mc Nutt was offered a Fulltime position as a Machine operator and will be gainfully employed! Herein lies a perfect example of how we strive to tangibly provide resources which enable our FSET participants to be successful!

David - WCS

Sherwood enrolled into the FSET program with Wisconsin Community Services this year. He expressed interest in gaining a full-time forklift job and was able to complete his forklift training with WCS.  Shortly after, Sherwood secured a full-time job with Interstate Power Systems with pay rate of $18.00 an hour.  His new job also required non-slip resistant shoes and work attire.  FSET case manager Gloria Tate was able to provide a boot voucher, work attire voucher, and bi-weekly gas voucher to help support the continuation of Sherwood's success. 

Yosef - Literacy Services of Wisconsin

Yosef, a recent graduate of Literacy Services of Wisconsin’s HSED program, is overjoyed to have earned his high school equivalency diploma and continue his journey toward his goals.

Yosef came to the United States from Israel when he was 11 years old. Adapting to life in the United States was challenging and hard to navigate. Not long after arriving in the United States, Yosef’s mother found herself a single parent, unemployed without a support system, and raising Yosef and his younger brothers and sisters alone. Yosef was determined to find a job and support his family, but soon realized that having a high school credential was critical to finding employment. Yosef was referred to Literacy Services of Wisconsin and began preparing through the HSED Pathway course.

Today, Yosef attends the Rabbinical College of America, where he will be learning Jewish studies as well as taking online computer courses. He is excited and well prepared to further develop the skills he gained in LSW’s programs and apply them in the years ahead. Yosef is grateful for the staff, instructors, and organizations that supported him along the way. In his own words, “Now that I have completed my HSED, I feel prepared to face the difficulties of the outside world.”

Brianna - YWCA

Brianna had a tough up brining. While growing up, her and her siblings were taken away from their mom. She was placed at multiple group homes. At the age of 30, she will be receiving my high school diploma! She learned a lot by being in the YWCA HSED 5.09 program and Social Studies was a class she loved.

She plan s take different pieces of training in security and CNA. She loves animals so she hopes one day she will be working somewhere with many kinds of animals.

“Even though I know this is one huge step for me, I also know that there is much more that I need to do for me to accomplish all my life goals.”

Tyanna James - WRTP

Flahlesha has been working to achieve her goal of obtaining a CDL license. Despite facing challenges, her motivation and determination led her to complete CDL training with 160 Driving Academy through WRTP BIG STEP.  She passed the course and earned her CDL license.  To support her journey, Gloria provided referrals for resources like supportive services with a Community Resource Navigator, employment counseling with a Job Developer and invitations to weekly job fairs held on site.  On 10/30/23, Flahleesha secured a full-time job as a bus driver with National Express, earning $27.00 per hour.  Additionally, Gloria provided bi-weekly gas vouchers to support her in this achievement.  Nevertheless, Flahleesha views this as a steppingstone, not her ultimate end goal, as she aspires to become a full-time truck driver. 

Deandre - Social Development COMMISSION (SDC)

DeAndre was facing barriers due to lack of credentials in his selected career field. He has since, overcome these barriers once he obtained his credentials. DeAndre enrolled into the FSET program that helped by providing funding for him to participant in the culinary training program.

On July 14, 2021 he had a interview with Aurora for a cook position. On August 24, 2021, DeAndre Perkins accepted an offer with Aurora, with the Food and Nutrition Services Department at St. Luke’s.

DeAndre Perkins graduated from the Chef Start Program and was able to receive many certificates during this training.

Peter - Milwaukee Community Service Corps (MCSC)

In late 2020 amidst all the chaos of the COVID pandemic, Peter was released from 14 months in prison. During his incarceration he was in forced recovery for his addiction, so when he was released he had to make a critical choice, would he choose sobriety or another downward spiral into life wrecking addiction? Peter chose recovery and joined a 12-step program. In his straightforward way, he says, “I will forever be in recovery. Recovery is lifelong.”

In November, Peter made another important decision. At the suggestion of his FSET Case Manager, he enrolled in Milwaukee Community Service Corps’ (MCSC) HVAC training program. On his first day of training, Peter shared his barriers to success including lack of - food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and financial skills. Tanya, MCSC’s Case Manager, worked with Peter to tackle his barriers, and one-by-one he overcame them.

Peter dove into training. He earned his first industry-recognized credentials, CPR/ADE and OSHA 10 in November. In December, he completed the HVAC credential, and in January earned his Forklift certification.

Next, Peter chose to join MCSC’s Work Projects Program where he earned $11 an hour, while gaining hands-on work experience in a variety of jobs at different worksites. Peter did such a great job that he was quickly promoted to Crew Leader. In February he was promoted to a Crew Supervisor position at MCSC, where he is earning $18/hr. Recognizing his skills and ability to work well with new trainees, Peter has also been chosen to assist in teaching Forklift training.

Department of Health Services – FSET

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