RENEW.Displaced Homemaker Program

Katherin Holman, a single parent, college student and displaced Homemaker Program client finds that encouraging advice and assistance can be ingredients for success.

When a family emergency forced her to leave a job several years ago, she sought help from Western Dairyland's Displaced homemaker Program, known as RENEW. Today, she's advancing toward a nontraditional career in electro-mechanical technology at Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire. Her demanding program includes such courses as computer software, mathematics and applied technology.

"I've got one daughter at home and two grown sons," the second semester CVTC student noted last winter. "My oldest son said he plans to return to school because of my progress in college."

A dedicated, achieving student, Holman commutes to campus from her home in Jackson County, arriving at 7:30 a.m. and often staying on campus until 9 p.m. Like her younger male classmates, Holman knows her good grades and associate bachelor's degree will be highly valued by employers.

"She's an inspiration," said Jeanne Semb, case manager for RENEW. "It's tremendously rewarding to see people meeting their goals. Offering them the encouragement and support to help them succeed is very satisfying."