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Freeholder Board Announces Sponsorship of Project Search at Overlook

Unique Program seeking Union County youths with disabilities for internship that provides employment training and life skills

The Union County Board of Freeholders today announced it is co-sponsoring the Project Se program that assists youth with disabilities to obtain a unique, life-changing school-to-work internship that provides them with employment training and with independent living skills.

“Overlook is only one of four locations statewide that hosts Project Search, and we are proud to  be co-sponsoring this program for our residents,” Freeholder Chairman Bruce Bergen said. “Project Search provides teens with the opportunity to become self-sufficient and transition into the work force, which is a very worthwhile goal.”

The announcement is one of Bergen’s Freeholder initiatives for 2017. Vice Chairman Sergio Granados, who spoke at last year’s kick-off for Project Search, concurred with Bergen.

“We look forward to working with our partners in ensuring the Union County program is the leader and a model for all other Project Search programs to follow across the state,” Granados said. “We’re happy to be part of an initiative that helps others; and we are committed to making it grow.”

The Freeholder Board would like interested candidates to know that the Project SEARCH-Overlook Medical Center program is currently recruiting for the school year, 2017-18 student cohort.

Project SEARCH-Overlook is looking for students who meet the following criteria:

  • Must be 18-20 years old and plan to still be in high school next school year;
  • Diagnosed with a developmental or intellectual disability including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder;
  • Basic and effective communication skills (verbal or supported by technology);
  • Ability to take direction and change behavior if necessary;
  • Desire to work competitively in the community.

An informational session and tour will be held on Tuesday March 1st,  7 pm at the Overlook Medical Center in Summit. Please feel free to share with families you know who may have a child that would benefit from applying to Project SEARCH. Click here to register.