Project SEARCH 2021 Luncheon

We had a lovely luncheon at Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen to celebrate our three graduating interns! They have worked really hard these past nine months and we’re so proud of their dedication and commitment to their future. It’s so exciting to watch students go through the Project Search program and become confident in their skills and abilities.

During the luncheon, we celebrated our graduating interns with certificates of completion and gift cards to their favorite restaurants.

Of our three interns, two are already employed and one just accepted a job offer!

The Intern Experience

Orlando

A quiet and shy young man, Orlando started the year with limited confidence in his social and work skills. His first rotation was in Nutritional Services where he trained in food safety protocols, knife skills and customer service. During this rotation, he was able to operate the sandwich wraps station independently. In his second rotation, Orlando chose the engineering department. He learned how to change ceiling tiles and A/C filters, proper painting technique and how to switch out empty oxygen tanks. He maintained the cleanliness and organization of the engineering shop and also learned how to complete light repairs throughout the hospital (changing doorknobs, lights, etc.).  His third rotation was as a Steward (dishwasher) in Nutritional Services where he learned how to operate an industrial dishwashing machine,  organize and maintain all dishware, and maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen area. His excellent work habits, polite manner and quick learning made him a valuable team member. As a result, he was offered a permanent part-time position at the hospital as a Food Preparation Worker. Orlando’s confidence and work skills have soared through his three rotations. We are so proud of him!

Jeremy

Originally a Project SEARCH intern for last school year (2019-2020), Jeremy was not able to complete the program due to COVID-19 shutdowns. This year, he returned to Project SEARCH and successfully completed his training! In his last rotation, he chose Nutritional Services. As a Food Prep Attendant, he trained in food preparation, set up the food service area in the cafeteria and prepared and set out materials and foods for assembly. Jeremy applied for, and was offered, a part-time permanent position at SeaWorld Sharks Underwater Grill as a Steward. He is very happy with his employment and recently received a wage increase. Congratulations Jeremy!

Katelyn

With a deep desire to work in the healthcare field, Katelyn was excited to be part of Project SEARCH. Her first rotation was in the Sterile Processing Department where she learned how to assemble pre-op and post-op packets for patients, transport bed stretchers, sanitize pre-op rooms, properly use PPE, follow checklists and check dates to restock medical carts and storage closets with supplies. Katelyn chose the Sports and Medicine Department for her second rotation where she learned how to clean and sanitize exercise equipment after patient use, clean patient waiting areas, check water temperature, stock and replenish therapy supplies, organize linen rooms and replenish towels and blankets. In her last rotation, Katelyn trained in Supply Support and Transportation. Her training included how to assemble blood culture kits, how to stock supplies, and how to input data in the computer. She also learned how to transport patients to various parts of the hospital for tests. Already an outgoing and energetic person, this experience helped her hone her customer service skills. Katelyn is working closely with her Lead Skills Trainer to seek employment in the healthcare field with all of the new skills she has acquired throughout the Project SEARCH year. She recently accepted a part-time position as a Dietary Aid with Consulate Healthcare of Kissimmee!

About Project Search

Quest partners with the School District of Osceola County and the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to offer individuals with developmental disabilities a transition-to-work internship. This nine-month program allows individuals to seek competitive employment opportunities after high school graduation. For this past program year, interns participated in three 10-week rotations in various departments on a hospital campus to gain job readiness skills that will lead to integrated employment in the community.

Is Project SEARCH right for you or your child?

Entering adulthood can be a challenging time, especially for individuals with disabilities. At Quest, it can also be a time filled with exciting possibilities and personal growth.

Many of Quest’s programs provide young adults with developmental disabilities their first taste of independence. We meet the individuals we serve wherever they’re at on their journey and work with them to establish a path forward. From work and life skills training, to job placement and recreation, Quest provides a range of opportunities for young adults to spread their wings.

If you know a young adult or family looking for opportunities that expand independence, tell them about Quest’s programs below and our 60-year track record of helping young adults live their fullest lives.

Project SEARCH

Project SEARCH is a nine-month transition-to-work internship program for individuals with disabilities who have graduated from high school. Through hands-on training, interns acquire work skills while participating in rotations across a variety of career paths.

Employment Services

Quest cultivates the talent of our job seekers through our employment continuum — evaluation, education and job placement. The individuals we serve are provided with a strategic, intentional path towards success with on-site job coaching and follow up services.

Training Centers

Quest’s adult day training centers in Apopka, Orlando and Tampa offer a range of development programs that meet participant’s specific needs and align with their life goals. We offer vocational and life skills development, healthy living and cultural/social development and therapy services.

Quest Village

Quest Village is an innovative residential community designed for independent adults with developmental disabilities. Forty eight single-bedroom/single-bathroom apartments offer safety, comfort and a range of modern amenities. Quest Village also offers on-site services to assist individuals with daily-living activities.

Blossom

Blossom is a social venture by Quest, Inc. offering artisanal products handcrafted by individuals with developmental disabilities. This unique work opportunity employs adults from our Orlando training center and teenagers from the Work Study program at Quest Kids Academy. Our Blossom crafters are involved with every aspect of the business, from growing the herbs used in our products to packaging and shipping orders.

Quest’s Camp Thunderbird

Quest’s Camp Thunderbird provides engaging recreational programs for adults with developmental disabilities in an unforgettable summer camp setting. Six-day overnight sessions provide parents and guardians a break from the demands of 24-hour caregiving and allows guests opportunities to make life-long memories and friends.