Two things stand out about Merissa – she’s a professional multitasker and her organization skills would impress anyone. She worked for four years in the computer industry while arranging a busy schedule of appointments for her son’s autism. Grandma was able to help during the week, but when Merissa became pregnant again, it wasn’t long before her schedule became too packed to manage the extra commutes – often two round trips a day. After leaving her job this March, she came to Wisconsin Works for the boost she needed to get back into the workforce.
Merissa “wanted to find a job as soon as she could provide for her family, and also because she was proficient in so many areas and didn’t want to forget anything,” her case manager explains. “I was very impressed.” Merissa started in a W-2 placement that provided the financial support she needed until after her baby was born. She was so motivated to begin work, however, that they quickly transitioned her to a placement that let her focus on her job search instead.
Together, Merissa and her team focused on finding work with a flexible schedule, so she could be there for her children, and a good pay range. She kept her skills sharp during the last few months of pregnancy by exploring job leads and resources in FSC’s Resource Room. “I believe this was the most valuable thing she could have had,” says her case manager. The focused computer time kept her skills sharp, while regular access to a Skills Instructor helped her craft a resume and cover letter that showcased her many talents. She created a budget to ensure she could make ends meet and even got vouchers for professional attire from Goodwill. Plus, her team let her know that they would be available whenever she needed them. “She really needed someone to let her know that she was great, she was worth it, and she was going to be okay.”
This support gave Merissa the motivation to put her resume out there again. She went to a hiring event through Kelly Services at the Job Center and was offered a full-time Administrative Assistant position at Prima Management the same day! Merissa says she loves her job, and she’s happy to be there for her family again. Congratulations!
