Mailing Address:
ATTENTION: PAMELA NOWAK
FORWARD SERVICE CORP-W2 PROGRAM
RIVER WALK CENTRE
100 W KEENAN ST
RHINELANDER, WI 54501

Telephone Numbers and Contact information
Phone #:(715) 365-1500 Oneida County
Phone #:(715) 479-5175 Vilas County
Phone #:(715) 623-2117 Langlade County
Phone #:(715) 478-5490 Forest County
Phone #:(715) 536-8499 Lincoln County
Fax Number:(715) 365-7848

Web Page:  fsc-corp.org
E-mail to:   pnowak@fsc-corp.org

Program Details:
Operating Agency: Forward Service Corporation (Private, Non-Profit)
Person In Charge: Team Leader:Pamela Nowak
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.
Eligibility: Families with dependant children. Must meet financial and non-financial eligibility requirements.
Fees: No fees required.
Intake Process: Application Process. Call for additional information or to schedule an appointment.
Service Area: Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties.

Program/Service Notes:
Forward Service Corporation operates the Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program in Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas Counties.

The W-2 Financial Planner (FEP) meets with each person to develop a self-sufficiency plan and determine his or her place on the W-2 employment ladder. The ladder consists of four levels of employment options: Unsubsidized Employment, Trial Jobs, Community Service Jobs, and W-2 Transitional placement for those who need more specialized services.

W-2 is based on work participation and personal responsibility. Under W-2, there is no entitlement to assistance, but there is a place for everyone who meets eligibility requirements and is willing to work to their ability. The program is available to low-income parents with minor children. Each W-2 eligible participant meets with a Financial and Employment Planner (FEP), who helps the individual develop a self-sufficiency plan and determine his or her place on the W-2 employment ladder. The ladder consists of four levels of employment and training options, in order of preference:

1. Unsubsidized Employment: Individuals applying for W-2 are first guided to the best available job opportunity. The W-2 agency supports the participant's efforts to secure employment through job search assistance. Once employed, participants may receive additional W-2 services to help them adjust to their new work environment and build skills that promote career advancement opportunities. Individuals in unsubsidized employment may be eligible for the state and federal Earned Income Credit, FoodShare, Medicaid, child care assistance to work or attend training, and Job Access Loans. The unsubsidized employment non-payment placements include the following: Case Management Unsubsidized Employment (CMU), Case Management Follow-up (CMF), and Case Management Services (CMS).

2. Trial Jobs (Subsidized Employment): Individuals who have the basic skills, but lack sufficient work experience to meet employer requirements, may be placed in a Trial Job. Through a Trial Job contract, the employer agrees to provide the participant with on-the-job work experience and training in exchange for a wage subsidy. Trial Jobs are expected to result in permanent employment. The employer must pay the participant a wage comparable to regular employees in similarly classified positions. Trial Job participants may be eligible for the state and federal Earned Income Credit, FoodShare, Medicaid, child care assistance, and Job Access Loans.

3. Community Service Jobs (CSJs): CSJs are developed for individuals who lack the basic skills and work habits needed in a regular job environment. CSJ positions offer real work training opportunities, but with the added supervision and support needed to help the participant succeed. CSJ participants receive a monthly grant of $673 for up to 30 hours per week in work training activities and up to 10 hours a week in education or training. Individuals who are employed part-time, but have personal barriers that prevent them from increasing their work hours, may be placed in a part-time CSJ position with prorated benefits. Under certain circumstances, CSJ participants may be eligible to meet their participation requirements through a combination of 25 hours of work training activities and up to 15 hours of class time in a technical college program. In addition to a cash grant, CSJ participants may be eligible for FoodShare, Medicaid, child care assistance, and Job Access Loans.

4. W-2 Transition (W-2 T): W-2 T is reserved for those individuals who, because of severe barriers, are unable to perform independent, self-sustaining work. W-2 T participants receive a monthly grant of $628 for up to 28 hours per week of participation in work training or other employment-related activities; and up to 12 hours per week in education and training. Under certain circumstances, W-2 T participants may be eligible to meet their participation requirements through a combination of 25 hours of work training activities and up to 15 hours of class time in a technical college program. In addition to a cash grant, W-2 T participants may be eligible for FoodShare, Medicaid, child care assistance, and Job Access Loans.

Forward Service Corporation delivers W-2 and related services through the Wisconsin Job Center system. Wisconsin Job Centers offer an array of programs, resources and supportive services to both the job seeker and employer.

This information was last updated on 05/12/2008

This information is provided as is with no guarantee as to the accuracy of the information. Information is considered to be accurate as of the date of the last update, printed above. Family Resource Connection  may not be held liable for misuse of this information.