Madison Apprenticeship Program Series

The Madison Apprenticeship Program is a community-based, 12-week course in life skills, job-skill training, and confidence building that serves residents of the Allied-Dunn neighborhood. The photos in this series were taken over the course of 12 weeks, as the students trained together, preparing to enter the workforce.

by Mario Koran | 2012.02.01.

Diana Shinall is MAP’s founder, director and instructor, but she says she knows hard times as well as any of the students who come through her door. A native of Gary, Indiana, Shinall simultaneously experienced divorce, supported her son as he faced prison time, and endured the death of her grandson. Shinall wrote a book about her experiences, which now she hands to each student when they enroll in class.

Shinall established MAP in 2005 after she decided that Madison’s struggling Allied Community needed a program that could strengthen peoples’ self-esteem as well as their job-skills. Shinall used her background in social work to start a case management brokerage firm, which she still operates along with MAP.

In this audio slideshow, Shinall discusses where she finds the inspiration to continue her work.

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Jason Simmers, 29, is a father, felon and MAP graduate. Originally from Cudahy, Wisconsin, Simmers lived a transient lifestyle while growing up. He said he found drugs, alcohol and legal problems at an early age, and learned habits that would eventually send him to prison for burglarizing a convenience store.

After his release, Simmers moved to Madison and supported himself by working odd construction jobs and riding his bike to work at McDonald's.

"I was just living a meager little existence. Working odd jobs, drinking ‘til the sun came up and doing it all over again," said Simmers.

Simmers eventually found MAP and excelled in the program. With Diana Shinall’s help, Simmers later earned a job interview at the Madison's Children's Museum. He was hired, and now works full-time as the museum's assistant building supervisor.

In this audio slideshow, Simmers talks about personal stability and security.

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At first glance, Jackie Briggs is an intimidating presence: tall, heavy-shouldered, and a face that seems to regard friendship and violence with equal indifference.

Briggs is 37. He's a father, grandfather, and a convicted felon. He now uses his experience and street credentials as an assistant instructor for the Madison Apprenticeship Program.

As a convicted felon, he's had trouble finding regular employment and said he often feels powerless.

Yet while he said he is open with the MAP students about his struggles with drugs, alcohol, and the choices that led him to prison, there are some challenges that he shares with very few people.

"Where I'm from, you don't talk about depression," said Briggs. "People are gonna see that as weakness, and throw that stuff in your face."

Briggs shares openly in this audio slideshow, looking optimistically towards the future.

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Angelina French is 27. In 2003, her sister Carla was diagnosed with Goodpasture’s Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease. Carla fell ill while she was pregnant and gave birth prematurely. The baby survived, but weeks later Carla seized, suffered heart-attacks, strokes, and was placed on life-support. She died several months later, at the age of 20.

After Carla's death, Angelina became dependent on oxycontin, and later heroin. One day, in a grocery store parking lot, police arrested Angelina for possession of narcotics. She was offered deferred prosecution on the condition that she complete drug court. She accepted.

As part of the agreement, Angelina accepted treatment at an area methadone clinic. She eventually stopped using heroin, and is now an expectant mother living with her fiancé, Frankie. She hopes to return to college, possibly to become a therapist or social worker, but says her priority is now the baby.

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In this last slideshow in the MAP series, students from the 15^th graduating class reflect on what they have gained from the program during their cap-and-gown ceremony.

The audio includes comments from class speaker Juliette Howard, city of Fitchburg Mayor, Shawn Pfaff, and program founder Diana Shinall. Shinall's daughter, Emelle Holmes, sang the solo that runs through the audio.

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