Individual builds skills to succeed in education, career.
DeeDee connected with the Independent Living Program in 2018 for career and housing assistance. With additional support through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programming, she enrolled at Madison College, purchased a laptop and obtained full-time employment at Reach Dane.
Currently, DeeDee is virtually pursuing her associate’s degree in Human Services with the goal of helping others who experience struggles similar to her own. She’s also active on the Youth Advisory Council where she shares her experiences to improve the foster care system.
While obtaining her associate’s degree, DeeDee is concurrently completing Aveda’s Esthetician Program to fulfill her dream of helping others feel beautiful.
“The IL Program has benefitted me in so many ways. Without their help, I don’t know what I would have done […] But with their support I was able to get my first apartment. Also they helped me start feeling hope again and get back on my feet. They helped make my first apartment feel like home. I haven’t felt like I was at home in years […] It was also amazing to know you have support after aging out of foster care. Thank you all so much.”
DeeDee received the Aspire Award at the 2020 WDBSCW Annual Awards Celebration for her perseverance and accomplishments.