June 11, 2024

(TRENTON) –  The Hudson County Office of Inclusion and Accessibility, in collaboration with local partners, has expanded employment training for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The initiative is funded in part by an Inclusive Healthy Communities grant from the Human Services’ Division of Disability Services.

Inclusive Healthy Communities (IHC) is a grant program that was established in 2020 to help communities and organizations engage in projects that promote the health and well-being of individuals with disabilities (I/DD) in the communities where they live.

“We are proud to partner with Hudson County on this innovative initiative where young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to go through a workforce training program as they transition from school to a professional work setting,” Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “Through this program, individuals with I/DD will learn key skills to have autonomy and independence over their lives in the places where they live, work, and play.”

Project SEARCH is a one-year internship program that provides hands-on work experience and job training to help young adults with I/DD make a successful transition from school to adult life. The program takes place entirely at host businesses under the supervision of an instructor, skills trainers, and employers. Hudson County Project SEARCH has three host business sites – RWJ Barnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Jersey City, and Hudson County Community College.

IHC funding was focused specifically on young adults with I/DD who had already graduated high school and were looking for an opportunity to enter the workforce. Funds were also used to expand accessible and affordable transportation for people with disabilities in Hudson County.

 “Through the IHC grant program, we are working to ensure spaces throughout the state are accessible for all, and that includes employment settings,” Human Services Deputy Commissioner for Aging and Disability Services Kaylee McGuire said. “Diversity in our workforce leads to a more inclusive and dynamic society, where young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will be able to thrive in their chosen careers.”

“The transition from school to work can be extremely difficult for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially if it’s been some time since they graduated from the school system, and they no longer have the structure of a day-to-day routine,” said Peri L. Nearon, Division of Disability Services executive director. “Project SEARCH bridges that gap and is helping create a more inclusive workforce by providing an opportunity to gain essential skills in a supportive, real-world work environment.”

“I am very grateful to the state for the IHC Grant and Project Search initiative, which will help our young people with IDD maximize what they can achieve in life,” Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said. “My administration is about prioritizing services and opportunities to ensure our residents have a better quality of life in Hudson County, and helping young adults with I/DD enter the workforce and be successful in their employment is key to this.”

“Every day is a new lesson,” said Johan Heredia about his experience as a Project SEARCH intern. Heredia now works as a patient transporter at RWJ Barnabas Health Jersey City Medical Center. “Thanks to [Project SEARCH, I got this job,” he continued. “I still remember their training every single day.”

Once employed, graduates of Project SEARCH receive follow-up services to help them adjust to their new workplace, address any challenges they may have encountered, and remain employed.

“Project SEARCH isn’t just for a job. It can help the interns start a career,” said Erin Ross Burgess, Administrator of the Office of Inclusion and Accessibility at the Hudson County Department of Health & Human Services. “In some instances, they receive raises, they receive benefits, and they receive opportunities to grow.”

Learn more about the Hudson County Project SEARCH program and submit an application at hcnj.us/projectsearch.