Project SEARCH Makes a Comeback at Mary Lanning Healthcare

Six high school students are returning to work at Mary Lanning Healthcare on Wednesday as part of Project SEARCH.

The students signed up in May to take part in the one-year work training program, which involves Educational Service Unit #9, Hastings Public Schools, Adams Central Public Schools, Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Health and Human Services.

The program gives students with disabilities the opportunity to explore careers and develop skills while working in a real-life setting. They receive individualized job and personal development training, rotating jobs every 10 weeks to find the right fit.

Instructor Amy Vetter said the ultimate goal of the program is for students to become independent adults who are able to work in a competitive environment.

“Several of our former students continue to work at MLH and other businesses in Hastings,” Vetter said. “It is fun to watch them grow and see them thrive in their jobs.”

Eric Barber, MLH President & CEO, said Hastings is lucky to have a program like Project Search in the community, and MLH enjoys welcoming the students as perspective employees.

“Project SEARCH provides a win-win situation for the students and MLH,” Barber said. “We are happy to host this amazing program.”