First Interns Graduate from Project SEARCH Algoma and With Secured Jobs
It was in a packed room of ardent supporters, at Sault Area Hospital (SAH), where the first four interns with Project SEARCH graduated from their year-long program. During the graduation ceremony, the achievements of Domenic, Ethan, Ally and Seth were highlighted and celebrated.
The event coincided with ‘signing day’ for the four incoming Project SEARCH Interns for 2024-2025: Alex, Colin, Jason, Autumn and Jacob.
With Paula Mason (ADSB Instructor) serving as Master of Ceremonies, other podium guests included John Policicchio (Executive Director, CLA), Shauna Hynna (Vice President, People, Planning & Partnershps, SAH) and Brent Vallee (ADSB Superintendent of Education). Brock Dewar (Employment Advisor and Skills Trainer, CLA) presented the certificates to the graduates.
It was the inaugural graduation for Project SEARCH Algoma which provides employment training and experience to students through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on career training. It is a transition-to-work program for young people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Students worked in four different departments on a 10-week, three-rotation cycle in Laundry and Linens, Medical Devices Reprocessing, The iCcare Store, Environmental Services and Food Services. Skill training included time management, organizational skills, inventory, socialization, how to prioritize and teamwork. As part of their health and safety training, they also learned about disinfecting and sanitation. During the ceremony, the graduates also acknowledged, via the presentation, support they had received from various SAH departments.
The goal of Project SEARCH Algoma is for student interns to acquire transferable skills that they can use towards securing employment in the community, upon completion of the program.
The room was filled with applause when it was announced that each of the four interns had already secured employment in the community. The incoming group of interns - Alex, Colin, Jason, Autumn and Jacob - were warmly welcomed to the program.
Sault Area Hospital was the host site that generously provided space, time and resources including an on-site training room.
Staff includes Algoma District School Board teacher Paula Mason and Brock Dewar, an Employment Advisor and Skills Trainer from Community Living Algoma.
Other members included Sergio Iacoe (Manager of Inclusion, Employment and Education, CLA), Dave Mornix and Rocco Martone (Employment Advisors from the EMPLOYMENT Network.)