Project SEARCH Newton, KS

Hermin is an outstanding intern! Currently in his second rotation, he is gaining valuable experience in the Environmental Services Department. Hermin demonstrates a strong ability to learn quickly and performs tasks with professionalism. Notably, he is our first intern to clean patient rooms following patient discharge. The process of “stripping” a patient room involves numerous steps, but Hermin is mastering these tasks and is on track to complete a room independently in the near future.

NMC Health Project SEARCH

Eli is busy learning new skills in the In-Patient Physical Therapy Gym. This Rotation requires him to change tasks every few minutes and also to be very thorough. These are skills he can carry into permanent employment when he completes Project SEARCH. He also has an outstanding work ethic and positive attitude.

NMC Health Project SEARCH

Josh has officially started his second rotation, and this time he’s diving into the world of Food and Nutritional Services! He’ll begin by mastering the Dish Room and then transition into hands-on food preparation. With a strong passion for cooking and baking, this rotation is the perfect opportunity for Josh to sharpen his culinary skills and gain valuable experience for future employment.

NMC Health Project SEARCH

Lucas has begun his second rotation in the Materials Management Department. During this rotation, he is developing essential skills that require focus and attention to detail. The materials Lucas manages are distributed throughout the hospital and must be accurately counted, bundled, labeled, and prepared for use.

The department staff have consistently demonstrated strong support for our Project SEARCH interns. Their commitment to helping interns succeed—both within the department and in future employment opportunities—is truly commendable.

Thank you to all who invest in our Interns.

At Project SEARCH, we believe in the power of physical exercise!

It’s more than just movement—it’s a way to build stamina so you can thrive through a full workday. Exercise also boosts your mood, helping you feel better when you’re tired or feeling down.

And guess what? It can be FUN! Walking and laughing with a friend turns fitness into a social event you’ll look forward to.

Project SEARCH NMC Health

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Project SEARCH Newton, KS (Newton Schools) on receiving a national award for excellence!

This honor reflects the 2023–24 class's extraordinary 100% employment success—an achievement our NMC Health team was thrilled to help facilitate.

🎓The Class of 2023-24
"The 2023-24 class of Project SEARCH interns at NMC Health was remarkable for their unified drive to gain and maintain employment," says Larry Boettcher, Project SEARCH director.

"Every intern demonstrated a clear desire to succeed in the workforce, which set a strong foundation for their growth. This determination was reinforced by robust support systems, both within the program and at home."

Another key factor he notes was the collaboration with NMC Health departments. "Staff members took the time to identify each intern's unique strengths and worked intentionally to build on them." New challenges also helped expand their skill sets and confidence.

💙 Our Mission in Action
This isn't just a feel-good story; it’s NMC Health's mission in action. As President and CEO Val Gleason says, "A 100% employment success rate is a tangible metric of community well-being. It shows we’re contributing to economic stability and dignity, which are the cornerstones of long-term health."

By providing these internship opportunities, we are changing lives permanently—from dependence to independence—together.

💪 The Impact on Our Culture
The dedication of the interns, like their commitment to reliability and teamwork, has fundamentally enriched our workplace.

"We see every person’s unique contribution – skills that make us a better hospital," says Val. "We see our NMC Health staff actively seeking ways to integrate the Project SEARCH interns, demonstrating that the strongest teams are those that prioritize lifting up every member."

We are honored to be an integral part of this life-changing program!

➡️ Quick Question for Our Community: Which soft skill do you think is the most valuable trait an employee can bring to any workplace today? Let us know below! 👇

ATTENTION PROJECT SEARCH GRADS and FAMILIES -

Project SEARCH is an international organization with program sites across the globe. Each year, hundreds of interns enroll and successfully graduate from these programs. One of the unique benefits of participating in Project SEARCH is the opportunity to join the Alumni Association.

The Alumni Association is open to current interns, their family members, and program graduates. Membership offers access to valuable resources, including:

Information on employment, independent living, benefits, and other updates relevant to alumni

Opportunities to share feedback about your Project SEARCH experience and celebrate your post-graduation progress

Webinars and learning sessions designed to keep alumni and families connected to the broader Project SEARCH community

We invite you to learn more and become a member of the Project SEARCH Alumni Association by visiting:

Alumni Information about employment, independent living, benefits, and other resources to keep members updated on new developments. Opportunities to provide feedback on your Project SEARCH experience and share your progress after graduation. Webinars and learning opportunities for alumni and families to he...

Abby is in her first Rotation in In-Patient Rehabilitation. This Rotation has several different tasks that require thoroughness. She cleans the equipment that is used to help patients recover from many different injuries and illnesses. These tasks help to keep patients and staff safe and are extremely important. Abby is learning thoroughness and follows a complicated aginda.

Abby tells us that she enjoys working around the patients and staff. She allows has a smile and great attitude.

Project SEARCH NMC Health

Josh is doing fantastic in the NMC Health Materials Management Department. He sorts, stocks, pulls, and delivers medical materials throughout the hospital. He tells us that he enjoys what he is doing and that he finds it interesting. Some of the skills involved in his Rotation are organisation and accuracy. Josh is doing excellent at mastering these skills.

Project SEARCH Newton Schools

Lucas is in his first Rotation and is learning several different tasks in NMC Health's Environmental Services Department. Pictured below Lucas is making his rounds through the hospital utility rooms picking up soiled laundry. One of the major skills he is learning is time management. He must move from one task to another throughout the day. If he falls behind laundry and trash will pile up throughout the hospital. This is another case of 'keeping up is easier than catching up'.

Project SEARCH Newton Schools

Eli has started his first Rotation at Project SEARCH, NMC Health. He is learning skills in the Nutritional Services Department. Eli is learning very quickly what it takes to keep the Kitchen moving efficiently by making sure pots, pans, dishes, ect. are clean and in the correct place. Once Eli masters this area there may be opportunity to learn in other parts of the department. One of the big lessons in this department that will carry over into employment after he graduates is that 'it is easier to keep-up than it is to catch-up'.

Project SEARCH Newton Schools

Project SEARCH, NMC Health Intern, Hermin, is starting his first Rotation. He is learning job skills in the Emergency Department. This department is often very busy and requires him to be alert and to move quickly. Pictured below, Hermin is turning over a trauma room. He cleans the bed and equipment between patients. This process has several tasks that must be completed quickly and thoroughly. He is doing a great learning the tasks and has a great attitude.