Project SEARCH Letter

Project SEARCH Bayhealth interns are showing the love through their hard work and dedication in their second rotation internships as evidenced by the tremendous amount of praise received during their recent Employment Meetings. This year the team is using VocFit assessments to ascertain intern growth as rated by their mentors, supervisors and skills trainers. VocFit generates bar graphs, such as the one displayed, to allow interns to view eleven assessed areas, and their progress in each. This visual helps interns clearly see their areas of growth, and areas where they need to put forth more effort. As interns enter into their last rotation in a few weeks, this information will be invaluable as they begin their employment journey.

Interns received their first rotation stipend from DVR. The stipend was as much as $500; the amount was dependent upon each intern's adherence to Bayhealth's core values and their attendance. Interns understand that if they want to increase the amount of their stipend, they must be diligent with their behavior and professionalism. Thank you DVR for your commitment to our interns!

Project SEARCH Bayhealth's Intern of the Month for January was Tatianna Benson-Parker. Jon Ellsworth, Director of Resource Management, took time out of his busy schedule to present Tatianna her IOM Certificate. Tatianna has shown much improvement during her second rotation working in two departments, linen and diagnostic imaging. While working in each department, Tatianna performs her tasks independently and precisely. While learning several new skills during her work in the linen department and diagnostic imaging, Tatianna also has learned how to persevere through working at jobs that are not her favorite things to do. Congratulations Tatianna on your dedication to Project SEARCH.

Project SEARCH Bayhealth interns have joined Project SEARCH DelDot interns on Tuesdays, beginning February 4 through March 5, to participate in lessons delivered by Quinn Vermillion, from Planned Parenthood. Ms. Vermillion's lessons range from topics such as sexual identity, appropriate touch and online safety, to name a few. Interns are extremely interested in the information provided by Ms. Vermillion.

On February 13, Project SEARCH interns went to Doverama Bowling for their Community Based Learning outing for February. Everyone had such a good time that interns began discussing another bowling trip for their last CBL trip before graduation. Team Captains, Alanna Harrison and Rodney Hamilton, picked winning teams. The high bowler for the day was Alanna Harrison. Way to go Alannna!

It is difficult to believe that third rotation is right around the corner. Interns understand their last rotation should afford them the opportunity to obtain skills necessary for their desired employment goal. To that end, interns have already chosen where they want to interview. Tatianna Benson Parker wants to work in the dish room again, with her eye toward employment; Rodney Hamilton is looking forward to working in the warehouse; Iyonna Jones is hoping to get her foot in the door in patient transport; Kaitlynn William would like to explore the diversity of Food and Nutrition as a Nutritional Care Assistant and work in the dish room; Ian Sullivan is thinking about working in diagnostic imaging; Danyelle Harden wants to work with patients so she may interview with Outpatient Services; Alanna is thinking about one of the new internships in Facilities Management and Euan is looking forward to learning new skills in the Agility Department.

The Breakfast Bash for mentors and supervisors to celebrate the end of rotation two will be held on Thursday, March 6. This is the interns' way of saying "thank you" for all the guidance they received during their internships. We hope all mentors and supervisors can stop by for a delicious bite to eat.

Deadline for applications for the Class of 2025-2026 is February 28, 2025. Thus far, eight applications have been received for next year. Skills Assessment/Interview days are March 11 and March 12, and applicants will be notified shortly of the date they will be coming to Project SEARCH for their interviews and demonstration of skills.

Lots of news to share in the Coaches' Corner ...

• Interns are diligently working on travel training as one of the goals of Project SEARCH is to live as independently as possible. From making their own reservations, to calculating monthly costs of transportation, interns are preparing to live independent lives.
  

• With second rotation coming to a close, interns are diligently working on their readiness for employment. Between completing powerpoints to present to their mentors at the breakfast bash, to updating their resumes, interns are continuing incorporating new skills learned with ones already mastered.

• Nicole Barr, from DVR, came to Project SEARCH and met with interns to develop their Employment Plans. Representatives from Goodwill will meet with the interns to begin transition from Project SEARCH to employment on February 28.

February 17 - Project SEARCH Closed for Interns and Staff

March 6 - Rotation Two Ends, Breakfast Bash

March 7 - Project SEARCH closed for interns

March 11 and 12 - Skills Assessment Days

March 13 - Community Based Learning and Intern of the Month

March 17 - Rotation Three Begins

March 21 - Project SEARCH closed for interns

March 25 - Family Involvement Night - DVR Presentation