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Project SEARCH Sussex County

About the Program | Our Goal | Who is Involved? | Interested? | Program Website | Contact Us

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Project SEARCH provides real-life work experience combined with training in employability and independent living skills to help youth with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life.

During the program, each intern participates in 3 different internships, each lasting 10 weeks. Combining traditional classroom instruction and workforce training, each day begins with an hour of employment-related instruction, followed by hands-on work in their selected department.

In order to intern within a given department, each intern must learn about the department, prepare their resume, and interview to earn their spot. After placement, the interns undergo training and are held to the same expectations as regular employees from day one. By the end of the program, there is a noticeable improvement in each intern’s confidence, skill set, and level of independence.

OUR GOAL

The goal for each participant is competitive employment. The program provides real-life work experience combined with vocational training in employability and independent living skills to help youth with significant disabilities make successful transitions from school to productive adult life. Our interns learn job skills that can be transferable into any job of their choosing within their community.

INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAM?

If your student meets the criteria below, he/she may be eligible for our Project SEARCH program!

  • Age 18-21
  • Lives in Sussex County
  • Still enrolled in high school
  • Diagnosed with a developmental disability
  • Looking to work

WHO IS INVOLVED?

The Project SEARCH team hosted at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital is made up of different partners:

Direct Support Staff

  • John Frey, Community Integrated Services
  • Stephanie Tyler, Seaford School District
  • Christine Miller, Autism Delaware

Steering/Advisory Committee

  • Jessica Breeding, Delaware Department of Developmental Disability Services
  • Katina Demetriou, Autism Delaware
  • Sharon DiGirolamo, Seaford School District
  • Julie O’Donnell, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Sandi Hanley, Community Integrated Services
  • Melissa Martin, Autism Delaware
  • Nancy Murphy, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
  • Chris Stetler, Seaford School District
  • Frank Vignuli, Community Integrated Services
  • Jim Watson, Nanticoke Health Services
  • Autumn Adkins, Delaware Department of Developmental Disability Services

CONTACT US

Want more information? Interested in getting involved? Let us know!