For Jen, returning to work was about more than finding a job. It was about rebuilding confidence, rediscovering her abilities and finding a place where her skills and interests could shine. That journey eventually led her to Sweet Net Farms, LLC, where a partnership with Goodwill NCW has created a success story for everyone involved.

Finding a Path Back to Employment

Goodwill NCW Employment Services help individuals facing barriers to employment, find and sustain community-based jobs. Employment placement specialists work with participants to identify their interests, skills and goals, then connect them with employers whose needs align with those strengths.

For Jen, the process began nearly a year before she started at Sweet Net. Following a traumatic brain injury and a long period away from work, she was referred to Goodwill NCW for a 20-day work assessment at the Oshkosh West Goodwill store. The experience allowed her to ease back into the workforce, develop job skills and rebuild her confidence.

After completing the assessment, Jen worked with employment placement specialists to create a résumé, practice interview skills, complete applications and explore employment opportunities in the community.  

A Business Need Meets the Right Skills

Jennifer and her husband, Matt, have operated Bittersweet Farm for about 25 years. The farm primarily provides horse boarding, training and lessons. As an offshoot of the business, Jennifer created Sweet Net LLC, which produces handmade grazing muzzles designed to help prevent horses from overeating.

Each muzzle requires careful attention, creativity, counting and repetitive hand work. As the business grew, Jennifer and Matt needed additional employees who could handle that type of work.  

While at a Culver’s restaurant in Oshkosh, Matt noticed individuals with disabilities working there and asked the manager how they had connected with those employees. The manager recommended Goodwill NCW Employment Services.

The match quickly became clear.

“Jen was looking for something that was routine and repetitive, and she loves art and creativity,” said Jodi, Jen’s Goodwill NCW Employment Specialist. “The two came together perfectly.”

From Nervous First Day to “I’ve Got It”

When Jen first arrived at Sweet Net, she was both nervous and excited. The horse farm was initially overwhelming, particularly when it came to interacting with the horses.

But when it was time to learn the Sweet Net process, Jen’s willingness to try made an impression. Jennifer created instructional videos that Jen could watch on an iPad, demonstrating the steps involved in making the muzzles. The videos gave Jen a resource she could return to as she learned the process. Goodwill NCW employment coaches also provided support during her shifts.

Over time, Jen needed less assistance. The repetitive nature of the work helped reinforce her memory while allowing her confidence to grow. She began arriving at work knowing where she had left off and what needed to be done next. Instead of waiting for reminders, she could pick up where she had left off and work independently.

A Partnership That Supports Everyone

Goodwill NCW’s role doesn’t end when someone gets a job. Employment coaches continue to provide support and check in with both the employee and employer to help maintain a successful placement. At Sweet Net, that ongoing support has helped build a strong working relationship. Jen now works with a high level of independence, but Goodwill NCW remains available whenever she needs assistance.

For Jennifer, that support has made a significant difference. The Goodwill NCW team has been involved from the initial conversation about Sweet Net’s needs, through the search for the right employee and into Jen’s ongoing employment. That partnership has allowed Jennifer to focus on watching Jen grow.

The Power of the Right Fit

For Jodi, Jen’s experience illustrates what can happen when an individual’s abilities and interests are matched with the needs of a workplace.

Jennifer sees the impact, too. Jen’s enthusiasm and progress have become part of what makes the workplace rewarding. “She puts the smile on my face every time I see her,” Jennifer said.

For employers considering working with Goodwill NCW, Jennifer’s recommendation is simple: reach out. “There are a lot of amazing people out there that can do the job,” she said.

With the right support and the right match, an opportunity can become much more than a job. For Jen, her work at Sweet Net has become a source of confidence, independence and purpose. For Jennifer and her business, it has become a valued partnership and a perfect fit.