LIMA — Getting ready to begin its fifth year, Project SEARCH held an open house Wednesday at St. Rita’s Medical Center to attract the next round of interns for the program.
Project SEARCH is a collaboration between Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities, St. Rita’s, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, and Vocational Rehabilitation Contract Services that is a unique school-to-work program. The program facilitates a combination of classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on training through worksite stations. Students with disabilities can work internships, build résumés and job skills and get opportunities for competitive community employment. The program offers 16 different job titles ranging from central processing to grounds work.
Anyone with a disability is eligible to apply. A committee reviews the applications submitted. During the application process, the committee contacts people involved with the student, such as teachers and parents, to get a firm grasp on what challenges the student is ready to take on.
At the open house, the current crop of seven students highlighted what they have been doing through the program for people interested in applying to look at.
“It is just like anyone else at their job,” said program instructor Leigh Taylor. “They are expected to show up on time, dressed accordingly, ready to go to work.”
The student work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. They must be a senior and have met graduation requirements. The program gives them additional work skills and has led to regular jobs for many that complete the program.
Jessica Montano, 19, is in housekeeping through the program, which is funded by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. She said she is thankful for the program and getting a paycheck.
“It makes me more independent,” Montano said. “I can get what I need when I am paid and save the rest for my future.”
Mike Williams, also 19, said he is thankful for the position he is working in distribution at the hospital.
“I wanted to try something new,” Williams said. “I would like to get a job here when I am done.”
Steven Freed, 21, is one of the graduates of the program who has since secured employment. He works in patient transportation.
“It’s really fun and I would recommend it,” Freed said. “I was very social in school but I was able to become more social through this program.”
About 30 children have moved through the program in its existence. The application deadline for the next class is Feb. 16. Interns will be subject to a number of requirements, including a physical and a copy of their immunization records.
Those interested in applying can contact Taylor at 419-296-8491.
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