Two programs coordinated through the Waukesha-Ozaukee-Washington (WOW) Workforce Development Board (WDB) highlight how the Board works for Wisconsin workers. 
 
The Keys to Work Program addresses the challenge that transportation can pose for people living in the WOW counties, where bus lines are limited or non-existent.  Keys to Work is a vehicle loan program, started in July of 2005, available to people for whom transportation is a barrier to employment.  Funded through the state's Wisconsin Employment Transportation Assistance Program (WETAP), the program establishes a loan guarantee fund, which helps people who do not qualify for conventional financing to get a loan from a bank by protecting the banking partner, First Federal Bank, in the event of a default. 
 
Since the inception of the program in July 2005, 73 no-interest loans, at a maximum of $3,600, have been made.  In order to qualify for a loan through the program, an individual must have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, and be able to show that their household income would allow them to make monthly repayments after other expenses are covered.  Once participants are approved for a loan through the program, they are required to complete a budgeting program.  After purchasing a vehicle at a licensed auto dealer, participants are responsible for making monthly payments to the bank over two years, which helps them to establish their credit. Click here for the full article...