Community Health System and nonprofit organization Best Buddies are giving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities employment training. 

Project SEARCH is a program that places interns into hospital roles at Community Regional Medical Center. Each cohort runs nine months, with interns rotating through three different departments. Participants learn hospital codes, how to work on a team, interview skills, and more.

“It’s been a full eight years, and we’ve had six cohorts since we launched the program,” said Jenna Pehanick, Human Resources Generalist at Community. “We’ve developed a really solid partnership with Best Buddies, collaborating with them on an annual basis to select really qualified adults for this program.” 

Why it matters: Interns get on-the-job experience, gaining confidence and strengthening their job readiness skills. After completing the program, interns graduate, and Best Buddies helps them find jobs.

The program also helps how teams at Community think about ability and inclusion. 

“I think with Best Buddies and Project SEARCH at Community, it’s helping create a more diverse workplace,” said Alex Mendoza, Program Director, Best Buddies. “There’s a lot of departments that have never worked with someone with an intellectual or developmental disability — so they get exposure to what that’s like.”

Who it impacts: Kalia Lopez is an intern who is using Project SEARCH to develop the skills necessary for getting her dream job, either at a grocery store or a coffee shop. The support she’s found through the program has helped her find confidence in other aspects of her life, like performing with her Polynesian dance group.

“I used to be scared to make friends,” said Lopez. “But since I joined here, I make friends easily. I’ve been sticking up for myself, projecting my voice. I never thought I could until I came to this program.”

Learn more: Meet Kalia Lopez and learn more about Project SEARCH on this episode of MedWatch Today.