We helped families
Wisconsin Works helped 1,326 parents like Valentina, pictured below, find family-supporting jobs.
1,610 parents came to our Child Support Liaisons for help finding resources to make their Child Support payments.
634 families kept a roof over their heads thanks to our Emergency Assistance team.
"Being overwhelmed is okay, but asking for help and being patient is the best you can do for yourself. FSC is here to help.” ~ Valentina
Reliable transportation became possible
131 people got no-interest loans to fix their vehicles or get a new one through WETAP, totaling nearly $281,300.
This includes mothers like Shannon, who enrolled in WETAP for help purchasing a car, after moving to Wisconsin. As a single mom of two and recently divorced, she was starting over. Getting a reliable vehicle gave her the confidence boost she needed to find a career that would make her and her family happy.
Refugees found a home
Our Refugee Services program helped 171 people find career and training opportunities in Wisconsin, join a community here, and navigate their new surroundings.
Sharifa and her daughter, Farishta, fled from Afghanistan in 2022, hoping to establish a safe home in America where they could eventually bring the rest of their family. They're one step closer now, as Sharifa recently found a better-paying job and earned her Driver's License, with support from our FSET program. They are now learning English and continue to work with our staff to advance in the workplace.
4,175 People found jobs
The Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) program trained 108 people. Their average starting wage upon graduation is $29.56 per hour.
Meanwhile, 2,306 people started their careers in the FSET program.
Participants like Hakim, below, who enroll in multiple FSC programs get a full network of support for their training, job-searching, and personal goals. Hakim initially joined our FSET program for a fresh start in the community. He received transportation help, work clothes, and job-searching support. Soon Hakim realized that by using more of FSC's resources, he could get the support he needed now and prepare for a better future. FSET introduced him to our HCST program, where he trained for the career in construction that he hopes to retire from.
People got a second chance
"When I got to FSET…other than food, they provided everything else I needed in order to get where I needed to be." ~ Mac
People discovered new paths to success
400 people trained for new careers with support from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), including James, pictured below.
When James lost his business after the pandemic, WIOA helped him find a new career as a truck driver, begin training, and earn his CDL.
“I am so glad I found out about this program, because it has helped me so much.” ~ James
Students kept their dreams alive
Our Upward Bound programs helped 542 students across the state prepare for college. Over 97% moved onto the next grade level with a GPA above 2.5, and every eligible senior graduated high school this year.
Meanwhile, 448 at-risk youth learned life-changing leadership and career-building skills in our Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG-Wisconsin) program. These students come from situations that put them at notable risk for dropping out and other problems. JAG-WI instructors become some of their best advocates throughout high school, teaching them life skills alongside academic discipline. This year, 91% of seniors graduated from high school.
Check out the video below to see what our students did this past year. Then click the link for more in-depth testimonials about what JAG-WI has done in their lives.
We got social
In 2023, we reached 227,473 people on Facebook, 5,340 people on Instagram, and 2,649 professionals on LinkedIn.
Our top Facebook post organically reached 2,863 people. "Organic" posts reach people purely through social connections, sharing, and liking - without paying to get it noticed.
It earned 135 positive reactions, 18 comments, and six shares.
We grew
Our Refugee Services program expanded to Wausau and Stevens Point.
JAG-WI was awarded funding to expand to 5 new schools.
WIOA grew across Wisconsin. WIOA North Central earned the Dislocated Worker contract, which helps people laid off from work find new jobs or different vocations. In the Fox Valley, what started as a Youth program now helps both Adults and Dislocated Workers begin training and career opportunities they're excited about.
The WIOA Fox Valley team also earned contracts for two employment programs helping specific groups: the Support to Communities (StC) program and the Worker Advancement Initiative (WAI). SOC helps workers who are or have been affected by opioid or substance misuse. WAI helps people facing career setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We achieved excellence
We won four Wisconsin Works Best-in-Class Awards
and 12 teammates earned promotions,
including our new CEO, Michelle Szabrowicz.
“I am thrilled to lead Forward Service Corporation,” Ms. Szabrowicz says. “I believe wholeheartedly in our mission and helping the people of Wisconsin create a more prosperous future. We are a high-performing organization and I know that we’ll continue to do that in our current programs, as well as any new initiatives.”
Thank you
to everyone who made these triumphs possible.
Credits:
Created with an image by nadirco - "starry night sky"