Pathway to Success a Hit for the Waukesha Workforce Development Center
By Carol Brenner
Ed. Jamie M. Barnes
The Wisconsin Works facilitators and case managers approached a community collaborative group for assistance putting together a seminar to give all of our customers some additional tips and morale boost before the Workforce Development Job Fair. The response was positive and work began immediately on its development.
The event planning committee included Workforce Development Center staff; Arbor; Business Services; FEPO; WOW Kaiser Group and the following community agencies: James Place and Elmbrook Church; The Women’s Center; the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and Goodwill Industries. The group met often and put together a remarkable seminar with an inspiring kick-off with motivational speaker, David King, a selection of break-out workshops and panels with guest speakers, and a Resource Fair before the event.
In addition to the time and resources collaborative members agencies donated, they worked to obtain donations from outside agencies, such as guest speakers, resource materials and door prizes. Additional contributors to the successful event were: Employment Readiness Systems; David King; Karl Held; Mental Health Association; 2-1-1/First Call for Help; ProHealth Care; Frito-Lay, Inc. and Waukesha Electric. Special thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections for underwriting a large portion of the event costs.
The day of the seminar, we were pleased to have nearly 70 people register, including walk-ins. The day flowed along as planned and had a very uplifting beat. We distributed surveys to all who attended, and almost 85% gave the event “excellent” or “very good” ratings.
Below is a sample of the participant feedback received after the event:
“All of the encouragement that you and your fellow staff and guests shared during the Seminar and the groups is greatly appreciated. Thank you again for helping make that possible.” -R. S.
“Guys, thank you for the wonderful program today. Dave King was just right and I definitely learned a few things about Job Fairs that will make me better prepared. I would have been one of the unenlightened just wandering around if not for the info today. If even one of us gets a job because of the efforts put into this, you should count it winning seminar. Thanks.” -D. D.
“I would like to add that I enjoyed the seminar yesterday, especially Mr. King's speech... Those life stories hit close to home with my experiences, and I commend you for your courage. I realize now that you and your program ARE in place to help, and I am glad I took the initiative to enroll.” –Anon.
“…once again, thank you for the opportunities and the assistance that you are providing me. I'm glad you instilled a new level of respect in me, for you and your program, in my sometimes 'too negative' thought patterns. Sincerely, J. S. D.”
Some feedback from staff immediately after the seminar:
“I just wanted to tell you guys that two of my clients attended the event yesterday and said it was phenomenal. They said it was the most organized event they've attended here and they both felt extremely motivated after they left.” -B. M.
“Nice work! Everything that I have heard has been very positive!!” - S. E.
“Great job on the event. It looks like it was a great success!” - T. A.
“You guys did an outstanding job! I know I wasn't the only person there who was impressed with the value, quality and organization of this event.” - J. S.
“To those of you who got this thing up and running - Congratulations! Seemed to be a huge success and you should all be commended. Nice job!” - R. K.
