From Project SEARCH to Paid Employment and Growing
When Anthony graduated from Project SEARCH in June, he was excited about what would come next.
“I am proud of the progress I have made in skill development and job hunting. I am excited to enter the real world after graduation.”
Anthony spent his final year of high school as a Project SEARCH intern at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, gaining hands-on workplace experience while preparing for employment after graduation.
Through internships in information technology, food services, endoscopy and environmental services, Anthony had the opportunity to explore different kinds of work, develop new skills and discover more about his own strengths and interests.
Project SEARCH is a partnership between KW Habilitation, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Cambridge Memorial Hospital and Waterloo Regional Health Network that helps students in their final year of high school build skills and gain workplace experience as they prepare for the transition from school to employment.
For Anthony, graduation wasn’t the end of that journey.
After Project SEARCH, he continued working toward employment with support from KW Career Compass at KW Habilitation. With support from Job Developer Saina Mahali, Anthony strengthened his résumé, searched for opportunities and continued building on the skills he had developed during his internships.
That work helped Anthony secure two paid employment opportunities. He returned to Cambridge Memorial Hospital for a paid contract position in Environmental Services and began working at Thrift on Kent, where he continues to work today.
Anthony says that support has made a difference.
“[KW Career Compass at KW Habilitation has] helped me gain so many skills with building my resume and looking for jobs, and because of their assistance and support, they helped me get, not one but 2 jobs, and I’m forever grateful for all the support.”
And he’s continuing to learn and grow. At Thrift on Kent’s Industrial Rags Social Enterprise, Anthony has found work he enjoys and a team he likes being part of.
“I like working at Thrift on Kent’s Industrial Rags Social Enterprise because I enjoy the people I work with. They are really friendly, easy to get along with, and fun to talk to. I also enjoy cutting the textiles into rags, and I am proud of the work I am doing.”
Anthony’s experience is a reminder that finding a job is only one part of the employment journey. Having the right support along the way can help people develop new skills, build confidence, navigate new experiences and become increasingly independent at work.
When Anthony graduated from Project SEARCH, he said he was excited to enter the working world. Now he’s doing just that, contributing his skills at Thrift on Kent and continuing to discover what’s possible.
As we head into National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, Anthony’s story is also an opportunity to recognize the importance of inclusive employment and the contributions people with disabilities make in workplaces throughout our community.
Because when people have opportunities to contribute their skills and talents, our entire community benefits.
Learn more about employment supports at KW Habilitation