Meet our graduates

A page within Self Sufficiency Program

Most SSP graduates attend UW-La Crosse, Viterbo University, or Western Technical College and many carry a B or better grade point average. The example set by student-parents often results in their children's increased success in school and community activities.

Since 1988, students who completed our program and attended college have degrees and careers in many fields: nursing, education, law, medicine, art, administration, psychology and social work. Many of them live in the community and continue to support as well as benefit from their SSP connection.

SSP graduates also qualify for our Locally Grown Scholarships, a cash scholarship for our students who are in their first four semesters of college, as long as they remain in good academic standing.

Ben Groth

“My life today is the exact opposite of how I figured it would be. I’m happy today, and want to do anything I can to be the best version of myself I can be. I want my kids and wife to look at me with pride and see that nothing is too difficult to do when you put your mind to it. Today, I am blessed. Today, I am grateful. Today, I am sober and happy.”

Ben Groth completed SSP in Spring 2023. Ben is pursuing an associate degree in human services at Western Technical College and intends to complete a social work degree specializing in substance abuse.

Harley Groth

“There was a time in my life when college was a dream. I wanted to become a lawyer. But, school didn’t come easy for me, and I quickly gave up on those dreams. College felt so far out of reach. Since then, I have overcome many obstacles, addictions, and unhealthy relationships. I believe these things have made me stronger. They are the reasons I want to continue my education journey. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, not only in life, but a second chance to truly live.”

Harley Groth completed SSP in Spring 2023. Harley is a student in the Human Services Associate Degree program at Western Technical College.

Cassidy Yates

"I can’t help but look back at what huge, hard things I’ve accomplished over the last three years. I went to treatment, I came out victorious over addiction. I completed SSP and learned I was capable of higher education. I enrolled at Western and maintained the President’s List every semester. Through it all, I learned I can do hard things. And that’s a win for me."

Cassidy Yates, completed SSP Fall 2021, Graduated from Western Technical College with an Associates of Science degree Spring 2023. She is pursuing a B.S. in Neuroscience at Bethel College, St. Paul, MN.

Melissa Touche

"It is not an exaggeration to say SSP changed my life. SSP was instrumental in helping explore my educational goal. It has been the hands that lifted, encouraged, and empowered me to successfully completing my bachelor’s degree."

Melissa completed SSP Fall 2018, Graduated from UW-L with a B.S. in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies December 2020.

Sara Sheard

"SSP gave me the confidence and vision to go back to college. It was tough, but worth it. Life is Good"

Sara Sheard, completed SSP Spring 2015, Graduated from UW-L School of Education, December 2019.

"I started my position as an Early Childhood Consultant at the Parenting Place (La Crosse) in January, 2020. I meet with and help other early childhood professionals, both in home centers and group centers, increase the quality of care they provide. I am able to use my past experience plus knowledge I have learned while in college, to help others."

Jen Scaccio

Jen Scaccio was a Social Work major at Viterbo University, and graduated in May 2009. She was the featured student speaker at the SSP Locally Grown Scholarship Breakfast in November 2008. Jen attended SSP in 2004 when her oldest son was a newborn. She is the mother of three boys: Joey, Jackson & Jonathan.

Roseanne St. Sauver

"Sometimes it is extremely difficult to deal with challenges in my life, work, and school, and often it would be so easy to throw in the towel, but I don't because it is my time to realize my dream, no matter what... Thank you for opening my eyes and mind to say, ‘Yes I can,’ because I promise in time it will be, ‘Yes I did.’ Belief is hard to come by when you are so busy surviving and struggling to get by, but that is one of the many gifts given to me by SSP."

Rosanne St. Sauver finished SSP in the Fall 2007 and majored in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) on her way to a law degree so that she can have the most impact possible when standing up for victims of oppression and violence. Rosanne was the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies' 2012 winner of the College of Liberal Studies' Excellence Award for students.

Audreyona Chavez

Audreyona Chavez finished SSP in Spring 2004 and graduated from UW-La Crosse in May 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology/Biomedical Concentration and Pre-Professional Veterinary Medicine. Audrey has one son, Aesop. She is on the SSP Advisory Board and is actively involved in autism awareness organizations.