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Financially Responsible and Having Fun!
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Frances Watson recently opened her Promise Matched Savings Account, her first bank account in her own name. She has been working for several months as a dishwasher, and spends her money on her own essentials, as well as on clothes and coffee. However, she is committed to cutting back on her spending to put money aside in her savings account. Frances is looking forward to purchasing an iPad, a bike to ride to work, and maybe a computer.
Frances will also be participating in a weekly financial education group session at her school through Wisconsin Promise. She and some classmates will learn how to manage their money and be financially responsible.
Frances is setting a great example for her classmates already. We’re looking forward to seeing her continue to save and reach her goals!
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Using Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Soft Skills Training
On May 9th, 2017 we held a Universal Design Training in the Pyle Center on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The training was attended by thirteen Skills to Pay the Bills trainers and service providers from eight different companies/agencies. Training was provided by Hedy Burke; Transition Job Developer for the Stoughton School District. Universal Design for Learning Instruction encourages instructors to deliver content in multiple ways to engage students in active learning. The learning environment encourages students to explore the content based on personal interests, preferences, or abilities. Students are allowed to demonstrate their skills and knowledge of content using one of several methods.
Participants rated the training has highly informative and valuable content. Participants stated the training provided them with “Different adaptations and ideas”, “Visual Modifications”, “New ideas”, and “Different ideas and ways to provide curriculum”.
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University of Wisconsin-Stout to host first ever Wisconsin Promise Overnight
Youth involved in the Wisconsin Promise Program, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Department of Labor are invited to a 2-night event on University of Wisconsin-Stout's campus from July 19th - 21st, 2017 at no cost to youth or families involved in Wisconsin Promise. During their stay, youth will have the opportunity to hear from a range of presenters looking to provide a big picture perspective of the concrete steps needed to get to and through higher education. Youth do not need to be exclusively interested in attending Stout to attend, but should be willing to explore the possibility of higher education. Youth will have the chance to develop soft skills through group activities, attend sessions of Skills to Pay the Bills, identify strengths through the Strengths Finder inventory, and participate in financial literacy workshop offerings.
Registration deadline is June 23rd - Click here for more information.
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Ellie's Updates
As more Promise kids and families take advantage of opportunities and access Promise services, we're beginning to hear more feedback from participants whose lives are changing as a result.
Our most recent Success Story:
A 15 year-old high school freshman applied for Promise services in March 2016. She was found eligible for services based on having significant pancreatic insufficient cystic fibrosis with severe lung disease. Due to her ongoing health concerns, her school attendance was sporadic during the 15-16 school year. This youth was spending at least one week in the hospital every month and in August 2016, her doctor advised that she was in the end stage of cystic fibrosis. The doctor estimated she had only 1-2 years before her lungs stop working completely. In October 2016, this youth and her family traveled to St. Lois where she was evaluated by a pediatric transplant team. She was determined to be a viable transplant candidate and in late November, she and her mom moved to St. Lois where she awaited her new lungs. She underwent a successful lung transplant on February 5th and on April 29th she and her mom were able to move back home to Green Bay.
Before leaving for St. Lois, this youth's mom expressed concerns about her Promise file closing due to inability to participate in services. When assured the file would remain open, mom asked if services could be provided remotely. Mom was given access to the online Health Literacy and Self-Advocacy trainings. She and her daughter completed the financial literacy training while in St. Lois and mom will soon be opening a Promise Matched Savings Account. Mom also received work incentive benefits counseling during their time away.
This youth's physical and emotional changes since her transplant are incredible. She's able to engage in conversation and she seems excited about moving ahead. She has asked to resume job shadow services and she'd like to obtain her driver's license. Before her transplant, it was difficult for her to walk into the DVR office. She was fatigued and short of breath during meetings. While she expressed interest in participating in services, she was often physically unable to do so. Because of the flexibility with the Promise Grant, this family was able to continue working towards their goals and at their own pace during their time away.
Be sure to check out our enrollment updates and more success stories.
Read More
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Act Now to Find a Summer Job
Having a summer job can be fun and set you up for future success. You can meet new friends, learn new skills, and earn extra money.
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Jackie: A Girl on the Go
Jackie came to Promise in March of 2015 as a sophomore in high school. Inpatient hospital stays to treat her disability had caused her to miss a lot of school, so she enrolled at the alternative Dottke High School in 2013. With tremendous support from her Mom and teachers, she has stayed focused in school with a positive attitude. You can read more about Jackie's success here.
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Promise Family Advocates
Terri DeGaro
West Allis, WI; WDA 2 & 3
Terri is working for the Family Advocate Network in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington Counties. She has worked for the Wisconsin Promise Grant since its inception as a Recruiter and PIC. As a parent with a special needs child she has been active with Wisconsin Facets, Parent 2 Parent, the West Allis Drug and Alcohol Coalition, PTA, and other groups. Her specialty training is in ADHD; as a parent she has faced some of the challenges with this disorder. She understands the stress a parent of a special needs child deals with and can empathize. A parent can only do the best they can with the information they have. Terri believes in helping parents get the resources and knowledge needed to effectively advocate for their children to make their lives better.
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Steering Committee Profile Members and Emails
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Project Director
Meredith Dressel
Project Manager
Ellie Hartman
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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.
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