VOLUME 2, ISSUE 12     
Wisconsin PR OMISE  Newsletter 
For a text only version, click HERE  
December 2015   
INSIDE THIS ISSUE



Testimonial

"I think Wisconsin Promise will help my son become a productive member of society, feel good about himself, and set goals and fulfill them."  


Include Us in Your Newsletter!

Do you connect with youth and their families through a newsletter, or know of an agency that does? Let us know if you'd like information about Promise to include in your newsletter - we'll gladly provide a brief article and graphics. Simply contact us at http://promisewi.com/contact/ or 1-855-480-5618.

We are currently at 1400 individuals enrolled in Promise or 70% of our goal.


Calendar of Events 
Click Here for Calendar
 
Join our mailing list





Visit our website

at


National Website

Can be found HERE
OSEP Ideas that work
U.S. Office of Special Education Programs


Steering Committee Profile Members and Emails 



The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Cooperative Agreement H418P130004. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.


 
Enroll in Wisconsin Promise Today!
Enrollment is limited and ends April 30th, 2016
Call 1-855-480-5618 or visit www.promisewi.com/enroll
  
 
FREE Information Session
Wisconsin Promise is hosting a FREE information session on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 from 5 PM - 6:30 PM at the Milwaukee Public Library. Download and share the flyer.


  
 
Refer Someone You Know to 
Wisconsin Promise 
Do you know someone who is 14, 15, or 16 years old and receiving SSI? Refer them and their family to Wisconsin Promise and you may win a $25 Wal-Mart gift card. Click here to complete and submit the form. The first drawing will be on December 18th!!


  
 
Our Gift To YOU! 
Families who participate will receive $30 in gift cards and participants have a 50% chance to receive a computer tablet and additional services. 


If you're a parent of a child who is 14, 15 or 16 and receives SSI benefits, Wisconsin Promise is a FREE program that can help your child and your family gain more independence and financial stability. Share the Promise Holidy Postcard with Someone You know! 
  
 
Youth and Family Members Work Stories

Wisconsin Promise youth are WORKING in Wisconsin. Promise Counselors meet with youth and their families in their communities. They talk with them about their educational, career, and life goals and help them plan how to meet their goals. Counselors team with youth and their families to make sure they get the support they need to experience success in school and on the job. Read stories about working youth and families across Wisconsin

 

 

  
 
Promise Presentation at the 2015 Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Conference
In November Wisconsin Promise co-presented a poster with ASPIRE, Maryland Promise, and New York Promise at the 2015 Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) Conference in Portland, Oregon. The poster illustrates Wisconsin Promise demographics, its connection with WIOA, and unique findings. You can download a copy of the poster here.


Dr. Ellie Hartman, Wisconsin Promise Grant Manager, and Dr. Audrey Trainor, New York University, also presented on how Wisconsin Promise DVR Counselors are using Motivational Interviewing to engage youth and families in Wisconsin Promise. Visit Wisconsin Promise's website to learn more about motivational interviewing and how Promise uses it to help youth and their families identify school and work goals, and the path to achieving those goals.
  
 
Save the DATE! 
Participate in a conversation about how your community can increase employment for youth who face barriers because of disability, lack of job experience, and other challenges.  Attend one of the upcoming January Promise Community Conversations in Lacrosse (January 12) and Racine (January 14)!  Learn more... 

  
 
Self-Advocacy Training 
Contact your Promise DVR Counselor to participate in this self-guided, online training. You'll learn how to:
  • Use disability-related terminology
  • Self-assess disability and accommodation needs
  • Identify possible careers of interest
  • Understand laws and legal rights
  • Set goals for the short-term and long-term
  • Plan for education
Discover your potential with Wisconsin Promise!


  

Financial Independence 
Wisconsin Promise can help youth ages 14-16 who receive SSI develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve financial independence.

Wisconsin Promise Presents Financial Independence
  
 
Meet Our Promise Recruiters
Jennifer Gundlach Klatt

"I believe Wisconsin Promise has the potential to be a life-changing experience for youth and their families."

 

Jennifer Gundlach Klatt is a Promise recruiter working out of Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute in Menomonie, Wisconsin. She also makes sure we all stay connected and learn about current happenings with Promise Wisconsin through all the Promise social media outlets. Send her a text @ 715-308-2660 and she will help get you signed up. 

To connect directly with a recruiter, call 1-855-480-5618 or send an email. 
  
 
Meet the Promise DVR Counselors

"...unconditional positive regard, hope and respect are paramount to helping clients be successful."

 

Annie Mesich obtained her Masters in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2004. Her first job in the field was a Limited Term Employee with DVR in 2005. Annie has now been with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for 10 years and holds a professional counselor license. Annie is really excited about the opportunity to work with the PROMISE program and to serve transitioning youth and their families. Annie believes that unconditional positive regard, hope and respect are paramount to helping her clients be successful. 

 

To meet more Promise DVR Counselors, visit https://promisewi.com/counselors/  

  
 
Partner with Promise
Promise helps teens and families achieve their goals and move forward with a stronger financial future. We are partnering with state agencies, legislators, schools, community organizations, and individuals to help get the word out about Promise. Learn the variety of ways you can help us share information about Promise with youth and families. 

  
 
Community Events
Wisconsin Promise had a presence at these November events.

 

  • November 2 - MATC Looking Forward
  • November 3 - Your Child Can Work
  • November 9 - Your Child Can Work: Employability and College Readiness 
  • November 10-11 - Children Come First - 26th Annual Conference 
  • November 10-11 - Self Determination Conference
  • November 13 - Care Integration Summit
  • November 16-17 - Special Education Technology Conference
  • November 21 - Promise Wisconsin Community Event in Milwaukee, WI
  
 
PROMISE Intake Coordinators (PIC) Update
As of November 23rd, 751 youth and families have worked with a Promise Intake Coordinator (PIC) to navigate the enrollment process or receive their gift cards.  If you know of a family who would like to work with a Promise Intake Coordinator to complete enrollment, please have them call Erin at 855-480-5618. 


 

Don't forget: Erin can work with families over the phone to complete the intake form and help facilitate the enrollment process.  Encourage parents with eligible children to take advantage of this new option and call today!

  
 
Need Promise Promotional Items for an Upcoming Event?  
We have a variety of items promoting Promise including pens, pads, decals, lip balm, pencils, highlighter, etc. which you can now order online. Although we can't guarantee requests for specific items, we'll do our best to accommodate you! 
Order Promise promotional items for your next event online at http://promisewi.com/materials.

 

  
Check out the latest Wisconsin Promise happenings on social media.