Project Search graduates 12 interns from Singing River Health System

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) - Two graduation ceremonies mark the beginning of entering the workforce for young adults with disabilities.

Project Search Ocean Springs Hospital graduate Alyssa Wallace says, “I was for real holding back tears, and I still am.”

Wallace just received her diploma for the 9-month Project Search Program.

Project Search is a transition-to-work program that prepares those with intellectual and developmental disabilities to land a competitive employment position.

Throughout that process, Project Search Instructor Dena Wright says it’s not just about learning a trade.

Wright says, “Many of them, most of them, were very shy and they weren’t used to speaking up for themselves. They’ve learned to self-advocate, they’ve learned things about how to deal with their finances, in addition to all of the employability skills they’ve learned.”

With diplomas in hand, these graduates are ready to take the skills learned in Project Search and pursue their careers.

Project Search Graduate Tyler Thomas shares some advice after completing his internship at Pascagoula Hospital.

Thomas says, “Don’t be afraid, just achieve what you want to achieve. If you want a job, then go ahead and achieve it, and learn more about the program and more about the hospital and different areas and floors that you need to go to. That’s my advice that I’m willing to give.”

Singing River Health System Administrator Heath Thompson says Project Search not only impacts the interns now turned graduates, but also the hospital employees.

Thompson says, “It’s life-changing for all the staff that are around and supporting and mentoring them. It’s life-changing for them as well. It’s very rewarding and we love the program.”

12 total Project Search interns graduated from Singing River Health System.

Click HERE to view article.