An internship program to increase work skills for young adults with developmental disabilities is coming to the Darien YMCA, which is hosting an information session Wednesday, Oct. 6 for anyone interested in learning more about it.
— an announcement from Darien YMCA
The Project Search Training Program, is a partnership between the Darien YMCA, the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services and Abilis, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides services for individuals with special needs and their families in lower Fairfield County.
Project Search is a nine-month internship for young adults 18 to 30 years old with developmental disabilities. It is targeted for individuals whose goal is competitive employment.
The program immerses young adults in the workplace. Interns participate in three, unpaid internships throughout the program, explore a variety of career paths and acquire marketable skills.
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The Project Search open house event starts at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the Darien Y.
Along the way, the interns increase their independence, self-confidence, and self-esteem, preparing them for future employment.
“We are so excited to be part of this very important program that supports our community,” said Jennifer Gardner, chief executive officer of the Darien YMCA.”It represents the YMCA’s mission of creating opportunities and being a for-all
organization.”
Anyone interested in learning more, is encouraged to come to the first info session at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6 at the Darien YMCA, 2420 Post Road. Registration is required.
YMCA memberships and programs are open to everyone. When the costs of services prevent an individual or family from participating, the YMCA will offer financial assistance when available, for those who are eligible.
The Project Search programs with Abilis are held in partnership with Greenwich Hospital for hospital-related jobs, and with the Darien YMCA in many different departments in the facility, including the childcare center.
For more information on the Project Search internship program being at the Darien YMCA, visit this Web page or contact Suzanne Richards, director of youth development and special needs programs at 203-655-8228 ext. 1331 or via email at srichards@darien-ymca.org.
To learn more about Abilis’ Project Search, contact Monica Smyth, program manager with Project Search at smyth@abilis.us.
Applications for the Darien YMCA Project Search program are being accepted now. Applications are in both English and Spanish and available online at abilis.us/project-search. All applications are due by Oct. 15.
Project SEARCH was developed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The program is a business-led, one-year work-preparation program for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most participants are enrolled while transitioning from high school to work.
The hallmark of Project Search is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training. Project Search’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for every program participant.
About the Darien YMCA
The Darien YMCA is a charitable, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community service organization committed to putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind & body for all.
It operates a full service wellness facility located at 2420 Post Road, Darien, Connecticut.
About Abilis
Abilis is celebrating its 70th year in 2021 of being a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families from birth throughout their lives.
Abilis is a leader serving the special needs community in Fairfield County in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport, Weston and Wilton, and has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high quality care.