Project helps overcome barriers to employment for young adults with disabilities

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Five Utica Community Schools students have had the opportunity to learn communication, computer and customer relations skills in a unique partnership between the school district and the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department.

In Project SEARCH, a program that creates a more inclusive workforce and helps break down barriers to employment for young adults with disabilities through three 10-week internships, UCS and the city of Sterling Heights have created a first-of-its-kind collaboration between a municipality and a school district in Macomb County.

Christie Petras, a UCS teacher and Project Search instructor, said she worked at the high school for several years with students with special needs, so when Project Search came to her attention, she thought it was a great opportunity.

“I think my favorite thing about Project Search is how we are teaching people how to become independent and how to really be successful as young adults,” she said.

She said she thinks it is a great format to get work-based experience.

“I really feel that the interns are learning new skills every day, especially interacting with people. They are immersed every day doing jobs that teach them employable job skills,” she said in a press release.

The five interns interviewed for the program last year and were selected based on their current abilities and future goals.

Sterling Heights Recreation Superintendent Kristen Briggs said the interns are learning quickly.

“I think they are doing fantastic. We get very busy around here, and they have stepped right up,” Recreation Specialist Jennifer Rizzo said in the release.

The Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program is a one-year employment preparation program that takes place entirely at the workplace. Classroom instruction, career exploration and hands-on training all come together through the worksite rotations.

Becca Lynn, adaptive recreation specialist at the Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation Department, said Sterling Heights has always prioritized offering accessible amenities, recreation, programs and events to community members with disabilities, so Project SEARCH is an extension of that initiative.

Some of the responsibilities the students take on include clerical support, customer service, park maintenance and program support.

Lynn said that at Sterling Heights Parks and Recreation, they believe in the potential of every individual.

“This new program complements our growing list of popular adaptive recreation opportunities, and we want to continue to foster programs like this where our community members can learn, grow and thrive,” Lynn said in the release.

Utica Community Schools Superintendent Robert Monroe said Project SEARCH is an example of how community partnerships are opening doors for graduates.

“This first of its kind collaboration will give our students with disabilities essential job skills that will empower them to realize their future goals and dreams,” he said in the release.

Ta’Shaun Eades, an intern, said the program is going well.

“I’m learning a lot of new skills. My favorite part of the job is meeting new people. I’m happy because I get to be part of the city,” Eades said.

Intern Kennedy Schebil said the program is giving her a head start on something she would like to do after she leaves UCS.

“I want to work in an office so I am excited to be here,” Schebil said in the release. “I am learning how to be a part of an office.”