CNBNews

Eighteen young adults received Project SEARCH graduation certificates, marking their participation in a longstanding work-transition program at Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Jefferson Stratford Hospital, and, for the first time, Jefferson Washington Township Hospital. These Project SEARCH interns attended classes at the hospitals every day throughout the school year, working and learning alongside Jefferson Health's employees.

Jefferson Health – New Jersey has been involved with Project SEARCH -– an international work-transition program for young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities -- since 2016. Since its launch, 69 students have “graduated” from the Project SEARCH program at Jefferson Health – New Jersey. Nearly a third of the graduates have been employed by Jefferson; others found employment with various businesses in the community.

Project SEARCH interns at Jefferson work in a variety of departments that teach them job skills, including Food Service, Patient Accounts, Storeroom, and Environmental Services, among others. The students also receive classroom instruction through the Y.A.L.E. School or the Bankbridge School.

The program is a collaboration among several partners. In Cherry Hill and Stratford, this includes Y.A.L.E. School, the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Samost Jewish and Family Children’s Service. In Gloucester County, the partners include Gloucester County Special Services School District, Arc of Camden, Bankbridge School, NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and the Division of Developmental Disabilities.

Project SEARCH and has more than 622 host sites worldwide. For more information about Project SEARCH at Jefferson Health, visit www.yaleschoolnj.com/about/project-search.