Project SEARCH expands to Pioneer Manor in Sudbury

Project SEARCH is a transition-to-work program that helps students in special education who require additional support to prepare for employment.

Eight students in their final year at Rainbow District Schools across Sudbury will take part in a six- to eight-week internship at Pioneer Manor thanks to a partnership between the school board, the City of Greater Sudbury and March of Dimes Canada.

Eight students in their final year at Rainbow District Schools across Sudbury will take part in a six- to eight-week internship at Pioneer Manor thanks to a partnership between the school board, the City of Greater Sudbury and March of Dimes Canada. (Photo from video)

"This is a fantastic opportunity for these kids and what Project SEARCH is doing (is) it's filling what I see as a real important gap in the educational system," said school board chair David Farrow.

"So we've got kids that have some disabilities and usually school ends and there's no actual moving into the community. Project SEARCH helps to give those skills the kids are missing."

The program at Pioneer Manor will be the second offered in the city.

"We've been going for three years at HSN, and many of our students have been so successful, they're being hired (as) workers," Farrow said.

"So that's great for the kids, but it's also great for the employers."

Students will engage in three internships in various departments.

"They're going to be working on things like customer service and working in other areas that are not related to health care, but will be helping in laundry, housekeeping and, working at our front desk,” said Aaron Archibald, the city's director of long-term care services.

Guided by experienced staff

Students will be guided by experienced staff, including a teacher from the board and two job trainers from March of Dimes Canada.

"I think many students coming straight out of high school going into the workforce face a gap, but students with disabilities face additional barriers," said Jennifer Way, program manager at March of Dimes.

"Oftentimes, there is no training program to assist them that's lengthy enough to give them the support that they need to gain those skills. And so that's why this program really does fill that gap and creates a seamless transition into employment."

"I want to learn more about health care and then how they interact with more of the elderly here," said intern Deshawn Sacobie.

"I'm most excited to learn about the different opportunities and on the different kind of parts of Pioneer Manor, and to see how I can … best help the residents and my fellow coworkers or classmates," said Gerrit Train, another intern.

"I'm very, very confident finding my way around the building and having building relationships with those around me," said another, Michelle St. Martin.

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Archibald said the program will benefit the broader community, as well as the more than 400 residents that call Pioneer Manor home.

"We've got a beautiful expansion happening and I'm really hopeful that the partnership that we have here today will continue," he said.

"We'll be able to build off it. And who knows, maybe we may have some future possibilities of internships at other areas within the city, building skills and getting ready for the labour market."

The first Project SEARCH was launched in 1996 at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in an effort to promote a vibrant, inclusive workforce. There are now more than 600 Project SEARCH sites worldwide.