Project SEARCH Connects Capistrano Unified School District Students with Valuable Job Training at Hospital
Mission Viejo, CA (Oct 07, 08) – Five Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD) students headed back to
school this September, only this time at Mission Hospital where they are receiving an opportunity for hands on work experience. Project SEARCH, now in its second year, places senior-year students ages 18-22 currently enrolled in the CUSD Adult Transition Program in various hospital departments. Mission Hospital, a not-for-profit healthcare ministry, has partnered with CUSD as part of the hospital’s commitment to improve the quality of life of the communities it serves.
“The experiences gained by working at a place like Mission Hospital are invaluable – from the job skills acquired to the meaningful human interactions,” said Gerry Strickland, Director of Transition with the CUSD Adult Transition Program. “We could not be happier to partner with the hospital and continue this program for a second year.”
According to Strickland, last year’s program helped put Project SEARCH students on the right track toward career training and financial independence, success that the program managers look forward to repeating this year. The students, responsible for jobs ranging from clerical tasks to nutrition services, attain marketable skills for any industry through problem solving and communication.
“We are blessed to be able to provide an environment where these hard-working students learn what it takes to succeed in the workplace,” said Mission Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer Peter F. Bastone. “At the end of the program, these young adults will be able to apply their newly found confidence and skills to make a difference and to contribute right here in our community.”
The students report to Mission Hospital three days a week, and complete the training and rotation period necessary to be eligible for individualized job training and career placement after two semesters. Inspiring this year’s class are two 2008 program graduates who now work at Mission.
The five students participating in the 2008-2009 program are:
Amanda Rojas
Rojas is currently enrolled in a Reading Lab and Social Skills course at CUSD’s Adult Transition Program. She is working toward a Computer Information Management Certificate at Saddleback College, where she also takes tennis classes for fun. Through Project SEARCH, Rojas delivers meals to patients at Mission Hospital.
Courtney Hall
In addition to her enrollment in the CUSD Adult Transition Program, Hall is also a second year student at Saddleback College. She enjoys playing soccer, yoga and reading. At Mission Hospital, she currently works in the newly opened Mission Women’s Wellness Center where she assists the office manager with various office duties throughout the center’s many
programs.
Joseph Gorin
Gorin, also a student of the CUSD Adult Transition Program and Saddleback College, is a sport ambassador for Special Olympics Orange County for which he helps fundraise and promote awareness. He enjoys working with computers and digital media. Through Project SEARCH, Gorin works in the Marketing and Communications department, where he distributes the hospital’s employee newsletter, helps assemble informational packets and performs computer work.
Joseph Nelson
Nelson is currently in his second year with the Adult Transition Program, and also participates with Special Olympics. He enjoys playing video games and spending time with his friends. In his work with Project SEARCH, Nelson assists in the hospital’s Short Stay department, where he helps nurses prepare documents for incoming patients.
Thomas Casillas
Casillas has been enrolled in the Adult Transition Program since 2006. He loves to draw, write and spend time with his friends and family. He is currently working in Mission Hospital’s Sports and Wellness Center and Acute Rehabilitation Unit, where he assists with equipment maintenance and patient information organization.
Project SEARCH began in 1995 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and has since been adopted by several other hospitals nationwide. Strickland and Sheri Hightower, Bridges to Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator, manage Project SEARCH at Mission Hospital.
About Mission Hospital
Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo is a 301-bed acute care, full-service facility providing the most advanced healthcare services and diagnostic care to south Orange County. One of only three designated trauma centers in the county, the hospital offers 24-hour emergency care and specialized services through its Mission Imaging Center, Mission Heart Center, Mission Maternity Center, Mission Women’s Wellness Center and Mission Stroke Center. The hospital also offers the highest level of care in orthopedics, rehabilitation, cancer, spine and vascular services. A member of the St. Joseph Health System, the hospital is one of 14 not-for-profit hospitals sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange.
