Maximus W-2 Participant Success Stories

Refugee to Career Success to support her family!

A Congolese refugee was enrolled in our W-2 program at Maximus since the current refugee program reforms. The participant and her 12-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter moved from Kentucky to Milwaukee, WI.

The worker assisted her greatly by communicating in Swahili. The participant received necessary resources to enroll in ESL classes and given a choice of work program to pursue with LSS or IIW.  When initially enrolled, only the children could speak some English. 

During the next visit, the parent confirmed she could speak and write some English thanks to her participation in an ESL program and from learning from her two children who are now enrolled in MPS and learning quickly.

 The participant has secured affordable housing and will soon begin employment through Staffing partners with 40hrs/week and an estimated pay rate of $21/hour. She is excited and is even planning to take her driving classes and buy a car with funds earned from her new employment.

From being a participant to becoming an employee at Maximus

This participant applied for Employment Assistance in April of this year. After working with the Maximus EA staff, it was identified that she required additional support beyond what EA could provide. Her worker was able to connect her with a Maximus Job Developer to look for gainful employment opportunities.  

After working with the Job Developer, it was determined that her experience and skills aligned with an open position within Maximus.  The participant applied for the role and was hired!  The participant is still enrolled in W-2 and continues to work with your FEP while receiving job retention case management services and supportive services.  She is receiving assistance with transportation while receiving job retention services.

Since gaining employment with Maximus, she is excited to ‘pay it forward’ by assisting her (new) coworkers and other participants. She writes in her own words on how much Maximus has supported her:

“The whole maximus team is incredible, but that Emergency Assistance team is a different kind of incredible. They go above and beyond to help you achieve the help you were seeking. I can’t say there was time when I had a question or concern, and they didn't help me. I appreciate all that has done for me, and I am proud to say I am now a part of the incredible Maximus team.”