CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – Dozens of special needs adults had the opportunity to interview for a year-long internship at Conway Medical Center on Friday.
The job opportunity is thanks to Project SEARCH, a national employment program for adults with intellectual disabilities.
Liem Pope, a participant, says having a job is important to him. He already works two part-time jobs, in addition to his chores at home.
“I like to work because it can help you get more money, it can change your life and it can help you become more independent,” Pope said.
The co-director of Project SEARCH, Susie Rutkowski, says it is vital for people with special needs to have the opportunity to have different jobs throughout their lives.
“Work is so important for people. Work gives us purpose, work gives us enjoyment and fulfillment,” Rutkowski said.
“Young people with disabilities don’t get many opportunities to experience different kinds of work, so they don’t know all of the different areas that they could be involved with.“
On Friday, applicants took a variety of tests to determine if they were fit for the internship, including making a hospital bed, sorting dishes and going through a formal interview.
If selected, they will work three different jobs at the internship to find out what kind of work they like best.
Gene Warren, Social Media Strategy Coordinator at Conway Medical Center says Project SEARCH benefits the hospital, not just the applicants.
“Getting to be even more involved in people’s lives in a place that’s beyond just making them feel better and helping them stay feeling better- we want to do more than just that. We want to help people’s lives as much as we can,” Warren said.
For Pope, the internship would be life-changing.
“I would feel really excited (if I got the internship); just overwhelmed,” Pope said.
SOS Health Care, Conway Medical Center, CCU LIFE Program, Horry County Schools, Vocational Rehabilitation, and SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs joined forces to prepare adults with disabilities for competitive employment through the Project SEARCH Program.
To learn more about Project SEARCH, click here.