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TANF Section, WIOA Combined Plan Modifications 2026

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Analysis of Workforce Development Activities Wisconsin has a robust structure of locally-centered workforce services offered to parents and caretakers with children who receive public assistance. The 11 regionally-specific workforce development boards act as facilitators of relationships between local elected officials, and economic, education and workforce partners which expands and targets workforce opportunities to parents and caretakers receiving assistance. These services are delivered through one-stop hubs, such as the American Job Centers, many of which offer co-located services from both the WIOA program and Wisconsin Works and related programs.

At these one-stop delivery offices, job seekers can find resources such as supportive services, and career or training services. Each local Workforce Development Board, in consultation with job center partners and other community service providers, coordinates supportive service delivery in the local area. Examples of supportive services may include, but are not limited to, referrals to community programs/services, referrals to state and federal public assistance programs, assistance in accessing childcare, transportation, housing, and educational testing, needs-related payments, reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, tools and equipment, and uniforms and other work attire.

Due to the local nature of the Workforce Development Boards, their partnership with WIOA- funded services, and the delivery model of one-stop co-located WIOA and TANF-funded services, there is a nimble response to the local job market and WIOA workers and/or Wisconsin Works agency staff can match program participants to job training or educational needs easily. Below you will see examples of WIOA and Wisconsin Works program participants’ success as demonstrations of how these services work in concert to support job seekers in Wisconsin.

Participant Examples Ebonie, a mother experiencing trauma after her children’s father was shot and killed, came to Wisconsin Works for help. Her team connected her to services to help her find a home, transportation, clothing, and food. After her family’s immediate needs were met, she used the training and education support offered by the co-located WIOA and TANF service provider, Forward Service Corporation, to earn her driver’s license and be placed in a job as a caregiver, which she has held for two years. (Name and story shared with permission https://fsc- corp.org/going-beyond-survival/ .)

A father and former salon owner, Gewelesis, wanted to become an electrician but getting the money to pay for training was a challenge. He sought out the Wisconsin Works and WIOA programs to support his education, enrolling in the 1-year Electrical Diploma Program at Fox Valley Technical College. He’s currently completing the program and is excited to start a new career. (Name and story shared with permission https://fsc-corp.org/education-jolts-gewelesis- dream/ .) Erin, a Wisconsin Works participant with five children experiencing domestic abuse, used the Wisconsin Works program and supportive services of the W-2 agency’s domestic violence counselors to begin her journey to independence. Her case manager helped Erin to find childcare, supported by state aid, and build skills through a job at Meals on Wheels; building on