Welcoming our 2024-2025 Project SEARCH Interns!

(Pictured left to right: Sarah-Jane Irvine, Chief Human Resources Officer at NGH; Jennifer Vanden Hengel, Skills Trainer; NACL; Aiden Vandehaar; Alaine Zufelt Crabb; Kyle Valade; Anthony Williams; Kerri Emberlin, Director of Volunteer & Spiritual Care Services at NGH; Joshua Nelson, Neil Louden, ; Hannah Ireland; Erika Massimi (Grand Erie); Paul Found, Job Links Supervisor at NACL; and Ryan Nightingale, Instructor with Grand Erie.)

(SIMCOE) – We have some exciting news to share! Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH) are pleased to welcome our second-year Project SEARCH interns.

Last September, NGH, in partnership with the Grand Erie District School Board (Grand Erie) and the Norfolk Association for Community Living (NACL), launched this life-changing program. We are proud to once again take the lead on Project SEARCH locally, making it the first program of its kind in Norfolk County and one of only 14 offered throughout Ontario.

“At Grand Erie, we’re committed to fostering a culture where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Programs like Project SEARCH through community partnerships highlight our mission to create a sense of belonging by providing meaningful opportunities for all students. We’re proud to reinforce our belief that ‘you belong here,’ not only within our schools but also in the broader community. We recognize the work of Specialized Services, educators and staff for their collaboration and commitment to providing students with this learning experience,” says JoAnna Roberto, director of education with the Grand Erie District School Board.

Project SEARCH is a globally recognized program that empowers youth with intellectual disabilities by giving them the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the workplace. Throughout the school year, our interns participate in three internships that combine classroom learning with hands-on training in various departments at NGH and NHNH. Last year, we welcomed four incredible interns, and this year, we’re excited to welcome seven new interns.

(Pictured left to right: Hannah Ireland; Alaine Zufelt Crabb; Aiden Vandehaar; Neil Louden; Anthony Williams; Kyle Valade, and Joshua Nelson)

These seven students from Haldimand-Norfolk high schools will embark on internships lasting eight to ten weeks, tailored to their interests and skills. With the guidance of a dedicated teacher from Grand Erie and two job trainers from NACL, our interns will receive the support they need to thrive.

The success of Project SEARCH speaks for itself: around 70% of students who complete the program find meaningful employment within a year of graduation. This program not only empowers our interns but also helps create a more inclusive and diverse work environment for everyone.

“Project SEARCH challenges outdated barriers and helps create a more inclusive environment. Everyone at NGH and NHNH is proud to be a part of it,” said Sarah-Jane Irvine, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Our new interns will be a wonderful addition to the hospital and nursing home, and it’s our privilege to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to build bright futures.”

Stay tuned for more exciting updates about our involvement with Project SEARCH in the near future!

Media Contact:

Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications & Public Relations
Norfolk General Hospital
519-426-0130 ext. 2454