Project SEARCH Monthly Newsletter
November 30, 2024
Project SEARCH Interns Finish Rotation #1 This Month
(Picture on right shows Cassidy preparing for Veteran's Day events within her Oak Crossing Activities Internship)
Project SEARCH interns had opportunities for public speaking this month. They presented a slide show during their second employment planning meeting to present job skills they gained and discuss their progress on individual employability goals. Growth was very evident when we compared the first evaluation (week 3 of internship) to the second evaluation (on week 8). We are excited to continue to witness each intern gaining confidence in their skills as we head into the 2nd internship experience that begins December 9th and goes through Feb. 28th.
At the end of this month, the interns expressed their gratitude to the Essentia Health departments at the Teamsgiving event the interns planned and provided light snacks for their managers and mentors!
Excitement and nerves were building this month as the 2nd rotation internships were announced as seen below. Keep up the amazing work interns!!
Zach Anderson - Nutrition Services
Ayden Thomas - Emergency Dept & Intensive Care Unit
Abigail Lipton - Lincoln Park Senior Living Housekeeping
Caden Tungesvick - Oak Crossing Homemaker
Jared Damon - Environmental Services
Cassidy Anderson - Medical-Surgical Dept & Birthplace
Community Speaker visits Project SEARCH
Whitney Isaacson, Outreach Coordinator for Dakota Medical Foundation, spoke to Project SEARCH & Project LIFE interns on digital wellness (healthy ways to use technology). Digital addiction related to the amount of screen time and the content we are exposed to is affecting the health of our society. Increasing our awareness to this crucial topic is important for all of us.
2nd Internship Reveal Day
Zach shows his excitement as he found out what his 2nd internship rotation will be that begins on December 9, 2024!
Zach Anderson
Zach says, "I am thankful to the amazing people in Guest Services and Patient Access Dept. for mentoring me on learning so many new job tasks. I was able to assist patients navigating the hospital and clinic and used communication skills for good customer service."
Jared Damon
Jared says, "I gained so many skills in the Lab Department like using the patient software program and answering the phone. I am thankful to my dept manager and all the lab techs for mentoring me during my first internship."
Caden Tungesvick
Caden says, "I wish I had more time in my internship. I did four hours of internship work each day and now I know I could do eight hours of work once I get familiar with the job tasks. Thanks to all the staff in Endoscopy and Pain Clinic for this experience."
Abigail Lipton
Abby says, "I know I want a job like the skills I learned as a Oak Crossing Homemaker. It is a big decision for me for my future job. I worked with ten different mentors in this experience and was so flexible to learn from many mentors. Thanks to everyone for my time in learning so much in the Oak Crossing Meadowbrook kitchen."
Cassidy Anderson
Cassie says, I really liked this internship and connecting with the staff and residents as an intern in Oak Crossing Activities dept. staff and residents encouraged me to consider this as my career in the future. My name even made the November activities calendar. I am so thankful to my manager and mentor for teaching me so much!"
Tour Project SEARCH in December:
On December 4th and 5th, the Project SEARCH interns will be leading an informational tour for prospective Project SEARCH interns or anyone interested in learning more about this transition program. Please reach out if you would like to join a slotted one-hour tour on this date/time. We would gladly arrange an alternative date if needed by contacting Rachelle Isaacson, Project SEARCH Instructor. risaacson@detlakes.k12.mn.us