MANSFIELD, Ohio - OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital continues to grow its’ associates thanks to a transition to work program. Project SEARCH allows students with disabilities a chance to explore career opportunities and develop job skills. In its 18 years at Mansfield Hospital, 49 students have been hired by OhioHealth. One of them just received his job offer at this year’s graduation ceremony Tuesday.
James Fanello, one of three graduates of Project SEARCH this year, accepted his impromptu offer from the Environmental Services Department on the spot. “It’s going to be exciting,” said Fanello. “I’m sure my mom’s proud.” According to Project SEARCH Instructor Katie Getz, Project SEARCH is the only transition to work program in Richland County. The program is made possible by a collaboration between OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, Pioneer Career and Technology Center, and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. It provides a community-based work setting for students looking to learn new work skills. While some classes have been small, such as this year’s, Getz says the end result is always worth it. “I’m in awe of their professional growth,” said Getz. “We have such a unique environment being immersed within a business that the students’ professionalism and work skills grow by leaps and bounds. They are the only intern within their department, so our Project SEARCH interns are completely surrounded by associates of all ages and are having professional behaviors and interactions modeled for them first hand.”
While Fanello just accepted his part-time position with Environmental Services, the department is no stranger to Project SEARCH graduates. In fact, one of their managers graduated from the program 11 years ago. “One of our Project SEARCH graduates, Dylan Withrow, … has worked his way from our food and nutrition dish room, to linen services washer operator, supervisor, and two years ago, promoted to manager of our second shift Environmental Services Department,” said Tom Fesler, Director of Support Services at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. “Because of the amazing Project SEARCH leadership team, we have been blessed with talented, hard working and proud graduates who are ready for the workforce.”
Project SEARCH will begin its’ 19th year with 13 students. According to Getz, any student between 18-22 years old with a disability can sign up for Project SEARCH. For more information, call the Project SEARCH classroom at 419-526-8026. You can also email Getz at getz.katie@pioneerctc.edu to schedule a thirty minute tour.