Success Stories

Maximus W-2 Participant Success Stories

Lena and her family’s Journey to Stability

Lena and Romual are asylum seekers from Haiti who arrived in the United States with family members in February 2025. After arriving, they received Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), FoodShare, and healthcare benefits. The family rented a small apartment and worked together to cover rent and household expenses. As their RCA eligibility period came to an end, they transitioned to the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program and were introduced to a Maximus Sr Counselor who is also from Haiti, helping them feel supported as they navigated their new community.

While Lena stayed home during her pregnancy, Romual and his two brothers secured full-time jobs at a food production facility, earning $20 per hour. They maintained steady employment for more than a year, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving financial stability and self-sufficiency. After the birth of Lena and Romual's baby, the family received supportive services through the program, including a stroller and other essential baby supplies. They are also working with an attorney to renew their employment authorization and advance their asylum case as they continue building their future in the United States.

Lena and Romual expressed deep gratitude for the support they received through Maximus. They shared that the program played a critical role in helping their family establish stability and independence during a time of significant change and uncertainty.

From being discouraged to gaining stability

A recent participant who applied for Emergency Assistance (EA) at the Maximus agency in Milwaukee, WI was experiencing job loss and facing significant financial and personal challenges. She shared with agency staff that her spouse had been unable to work for the past several years. She was feeling discouraged and reported feeling isolated and overwhelmed by ongoing bills and occurring late fees.  She was concerned that she wouldn’t be able to overcome her obstacles and debt, making it difficult to catch up.

The applicant met with agency staff to discuss her situation in further detail.  During their conversation, the EA lead worker advised her to apply for W-2 to explore and receive additional support options. She was also given information for an upcoming Maximus job fair and was encouraged to pass the information on to her husband as well.

A month later, the family was very excited and shared that he was offered three different job opportunities. The family also was approved for and issued EA funds.  The applicant indicated that receiving EA payment provided considerable relief, and because of attending the Maximus job fair, her husband has recently secured employment.  She was also able to gain employment.  Both are excited for their ‘fresh start’ and grateful for the assistance agency staff provided them.