Certificates of Internship were presented to the second group of ProjectSEARCH HSN participants during a signing ceremony at Health Sciences North on September 13, 2023. Participating were, back row, from left, Jazmine Foreshew, Job Skills Trainer for March of Dimes Canada; Lexi Asunmaa, teacher for Rainbow District School Board; Emma-Rose Larcher, Job Skills Trainer for March of Dimes Canada; Jessica Diplock, Interim-Vice President, People Relations and Corporate Affairs at HSN; students Camryn Arthur, Jack Joyce, Kiyan Ghorbani, Nathan Courvoisier, Frank Kesek, Brandon Needham; Jennifer Way, Program Manager with March of Dimes Canada; Ward 1 Councillor Mark Signoretti; and front row, from left, students Ella Bourget, Riley Cornthwaite, Kaedan Dennie and Danielle Williamson, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services for Rainbow District School Board.
An international program that helps students who require additional support prepare for the world of work is in its second year in Greater Sudbury thanks to an ongoing partnership between Rainbow District School Board, Health Sciences North, the City of Greater Sudbury and March of Dimes Canada.
Certificates of Internship were presented to the second group of Project SEARCH HSN participants during a signing ceremony at Health Sciences North on September 13, 2023.
A transition-to-work program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on training, Project SEARCH HSN experienced tremendous success in its inaugural year. Students in their final year of high school develop skills required for employment.
Riley Cornthwaite of Lasalle Secondary School is grateful for the opportunity. "I am not sure what my future holds but I am excited to learn." Camryn Arthur of Lasalle Secondary School is also excited to gain new skills, and has an idea of where she might shine. "I will be good at cleaning and making beds."
Like last year, ten students from Rainbow Schools will engage in three internships in various departments at Health Sciences North. Placements are eight to ten weeks long and are determined by student interest and skill level. Internships are guided by skilled, experienced staff including a teacher from Rainbow District School Board and two job trainers from March of Dimes Canada.
"Project SEARCH challenges outdated barriers and aims to help create a more inclusive society - and everyone at HSN is proud to be a part of it," said Mark Hartman, Interim President and CEO of Health Sciences North. "The new interns will be a great asset to the hospital, and it will be our privilege to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive and build bright futures for themselves."
"Together, we can increase meaningful employment for these young adults," said Lesley Smith, Vice-President of Employment Services with March of Dimes Canada. "Work is an important part of people's lives - it helps build self-esteem, independence and a sense of self-satisfaction."
She added: "Project SEARCH drives impactful change, not only for the interns participating, but families and communities by creating an inclusive and barrier-free future. March of Dimes Canada is inspired to be part of a transformation program that supports all individuals to reach their full potential."
Project SEARCH was launched in 1996 at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in an effort to promote a vibrant, inclusive workforce. To date, there are more than 600 Project SEARCH sites worldwide.
"On behalf of the Rainbow District School Board, I would like to thank March of Dimes Canada, Health Sciences North and the City of Greater Sudbury for supporting Project SEARCH HSN," said Danielle Williamson, Principal of Special Education Programs and Services. "The first group of students to participate in the program made the most of every opportunity. Many have jobs today because of the skills they learned, the relationships they built, and the confidence they gained."
She added: "With each internship, we heard heartwarming stories from supervisors about the difference students were making. They were doing important work that was critical to the smooth operation of the department. For their part, students felt valued and appreciated and enjoyed being productive and contributing in a meaningful way. We are grateful for the partnership that has made this program possible in our community."
