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!
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?