A unique program & partnership provides work experience to youth with disabilities
What happens when Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students graduate from high school? The difficulty in transitioning to “real life” is a pressing issue for the students and their families. Now, in an unprecedented partnership, Goodwill-Suncoast, Marion County Schools, Vocational Rehabilitation and Hilton Ocala are joining forces to launch a new Project SEARCH program in Marion County.
The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program is a business-led, one-year, school-to-work program which takes place entirely at the workplace. It’s designed for people with significant disabilities whose goal is competitive employment.
An Open House will be held Thursday, April 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Ocala, 3600 SW 36th Ave. All Marion County Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students and families are invited to attend to learn more about the program and how to apply. The program will begin in the next school year.
Goodwill-Suncoast was selected in December to operate in Florida for Project SEARCH, providing employment services to students with disabilities in Marion County. Goodwill will work with the Hilton Ocala to provide on-site job coaching, training and outplacement services to students. Internships will last the entire school year and after completion students will receive placement services from Goodwill’s Employment Services Program in Ocala.
To learn more about Project SEARCH visit www.projectsearch.us
Goodwill Industries-Suncoast is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to help people achieve their full potential through the dignity and power of work. The organization’s successful donated goods retail operation helps support its human services in 10 counties in West Central Florida including employment services, training centers for people with disabilities, affordable apartment communities for seniors and people with disabilities, and community corrections programs. For more information, visit www.goodwill-suncoast.org.