July 30, 2024

WILMINGTON, DE

The Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has awarded a contract to Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County to serve as the Community Rehabilitation Provider in Kent County for the Project SEARCH® program. Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized program dedicated to training individuals with disabilities to obtain job skills necessary to secure competitive employment and possess the self-confidence to enter the workforce after graduation.

“The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation welcomes Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County as one of our newest partners for the Delaware Project SEARCH Program in Kent County. This partnership is a collaborative effort with the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Bay Health Hospital, Capital School District, Caesar Rodney School District and the Delaware Division of Vocational Rehabilitation,” said  Brenda Rodriguez, Senior Social Service Administrator at DVR. “The Project SEARCH program, with sites nationally and internationally, assists students to gain skills and employment. The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation is excited to partner with Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County, an organization that has committed to affording opportunities to students with disabilities in Delaware on their journey ahead!”

Originally launched in Cincinnati, Ohio and has since spread across the globe, the impact of Project SEARCH is driven through total immersion in the employment environment coupled with continued classroom training and mentoring. Over the course of nine months, participants will be provided three internship rotations. During their rotations students will acquire competitive, marketable, and transferable skills, enabling them to apply for jobs related to the skills developed during their internship. Students also build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that are important to their overall development as young workers.

Kathryn Enge, Project SEARCH Program Coordinator at Bayhealth Hospital stated, “As Project SEARCH Bayhealth begins its eleventh year, we are looking forward to beginning a new era with Goodwill Industries.  We are excited to be able to work with an established organization who will serve next year’s class of eight interns through skills building and training to enable interns to successfully obtain employment in an integrated environment.”

Bayhealth Hospital and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) serve as the host businesses for Project SEARCH that will train interns from both the Capital School District and Caesar Rodney Countywide Programs.

“Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County have been a terrific partner for our successful Work A Day Earn A Pay program, and we are excited to grow this partnership through the Project SEARCH program,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “DelDOT’s Project SEARCH program has been a great success by helping more than 70 students to date gain valuable work experience and find meaningful employment.”

Megan Polichetti, Assistant Principal had this to say, “At CR Countywide Programs, we believe in the power of community and working together for the good of students. Partnering with Goodwill for Project SEARCH at DelDOT, we proudly support their mission of empowering individuals through education and employment opportunities. Together, we can make a difference, fostering hope and creating brighter futures for all. We are excited to work together and see the outcomes for students!”

About Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County

Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people facing barriers to self-sufficiency, through the Power of Work! Our community-based workforce development programs provide essential job skills, work-based learning opportunities and employment support services that empower people to reach their full potential, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to the economic and social growth of their communities. Please visit www.GoodwillDE.org to learn more and join us in building brighter futures.

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