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Project SEARCH Program Graduates Eight Students

by Berks County Intermediate Unit

May 31, 2023

The Project SEARCH Program through the Berks County Intermediate Unit, in partnership with Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, Berks County Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities Program, Goodwill Industries, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), graduated eight students on Friday, May 19, 2023. The graduation, held at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center (2500 Bernville Road, Reading, PA 19605), honored the students for their hard work, dedication, and completion of the program. The graduates are Julien Black, Antietam School District; Jaedin Bridges, Reading School District; Austin Ermold, Governor Mifflin School District; Taylor Krick, Conrad Weiser Area School District; Kahlil Mason, Reading School District; Ivan Ramos-Plasencia, Reading School District; Ryan Syret, Muhlenberg School District; and Iziah Velasquez, Reading School District.

The eight graduates participated in the nine-month internship program targeted for individuals whose goal is competitive employment. The program takes place in a setting where total immersion in the workplace facilitates the teaching and learning process as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. As interns, they participated in three internships to explore a variety of career paths. They worked with a team that included their family, an instructor, and local and state agencies to create an employment goal. All eight graduates completed their internships at the Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. Several of the graduates have already secured employment at Penn State Health St. Joseph (various locations), the Governor Mifflin School District, and the Reading School District.

During the graduation ceremony, Jessica Head, Program Administrator for Special Education and Student Services at the Berks County Intermediate Unit, shared, “Each of our interns proved themselves worthy of tackling the desire to obtain competitive employment. While nervous when first asked to rise to the level of independence required, each of them has shown that they can meet the expectation set within the workplace, and often even exceed it. Many of you have turned your goal into a reality. Your current employers are blessed to have you on their team. Others, now know the goal of employment is visible and within reach. I am here to tell you, continue reaching. You’ve got this!”

Individuals from Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center who served as internship supervisors include Kevin Clarke, Environmental Services Supervisor; Michele Gardner, Medical Office Supervisor; Ryan Hoopert, Multi-Service General Manager; Barbara Moyer, Director, Volunteer Services; Paul Moyer, Team Lead, Patient Transport Department; Karen Palladino, Resource Manager; Rich Rodriguez, Supply Chain Manager; and Marin Romberger, Practice Site Manager. Graduates were also supported by Project SEARCH Instructor Amanda Bentz.

Project SEARCH is driven by collaboration with many community partners: a host business, an education partner, a supported employment provider, vocational rehabilitation, and the local developmental disability organization. Project SEARCH is rooted in a primary objective to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities.

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