This summer was a busy and exciting one for the Project SEARCH team and interns at the Milwaukee County Zoo and General Mitchell International Airport. Interns from both sites successfully completed the program and took part in a well-attended ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments.
There were many guests at both ceremonies, including Wisconsin Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch who spoke at the airport ceremony. Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele shared his personal excitement and dedication to the programs and the Milwaukee County team members who help make the programs happen.
In her comments at the airport ceremony, Goodwill President and CEO Jackie Halberg said, “I want to thank everyone for being here today to celebrate the achievements of our Project SEARCH interns. One of the key measures of success for any employment program is how many individuals have jobs after completion. I am happy to report that over the past two years, 80% of our graduates are working. That is an incredible outcome! Many of you have truly made a difference in the lives of these young men and women.”
So where are they now? Let us share updates on four of our recent graduates:
Isabella
Isabella was hired by HMS at the airport as Starbucks Utility Worker in the D-concourse store. During her shift she cheerfully greets customers, ensures product is stocked and organized, keeps the store looking pristine, and completes essential closing shift duties after Starbucks closes to passengers. She is doing so well that she receives just one weekly check in from her job coach. Congratulations Isabella!
Anthony
Anthony always had a passion for airplanes and airline travel as he grew up. From the time he was a kid, his parents brought him to the Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport so he could be near the planes he loved. It is no surprise that his goal was to work at the airport after Project SEARCH graduation. We are excited to report that his dream became a reality! Anthony is now working with two airport vendors - Eulen and Quantum – and does various tasks for each. Anthony cleans and maintains Delta areas throughout the airport, and he also works on the tarmac right alongside planes unloading packages. During his first week working both jobs, Anthony said to his job coach, “I’m living the dream of coming to the airport for work every single day! My favorite part is taking my cart out on the tarmac.” Nice work Anthony!
Jordan
Jordan is a hard worker who proved himself so valuable that the other airport vendor decided to hire him on after graduating from Project SEARCH. Jordan now works for Paradies Lagardère in their Warehouse compiling orders and making deliveries to the 10 stores throughout the airport. Jordan is a dedicated and focused employee. When his job coach comes to check in, he never stops working. He moves around the warehouse with his list quickly and gracefully, filling totes and checking tasks off his to do list. He is now one of the employees that has set the standard for others in the same position. His coworkers note that he is reliable, personable, and always willing to help others. Way to go Jordan!
Kenneth
After graduating from Project SEARCH, Kenneth was hired at Lakefront Brewery where he built his skills working as a dishwasher in the kitchen. The galley-style kitchen challenged Kenneth to work quickly, carefully, and efficiently. Kenneth joined the team as a one-man dishwashing machine and continued to focus on being a good team member there. Recently, Kenneth joined in on a group tour of Sodexo’s back kitchen at Wisconsin Lutheran Kitchen and was beaming after seeing the team approach to dishwashing there. Sodexo sought Kenneth out for an interview and hired him on the spot. He is now in the midst of the onboarding process there. Keep working hard Kenneth!
Alex
Alex started his job at the Downtown Wisconsin Athletic Club in June and has not missed a single day since. His coworkers note that they have never seen the gym cleaner! He is precise, dedicated, and can always be found working hard. He provides excellent customer service by keeping gym areas clean, talking sports with various members, and ensuring gym equipment and free weights are organized and easily accessible to members. Since graduating from Project SEARCH, Alex has also learned how to utilize the bus system to get from home to work and his Beyond WORK program. We are proud of you Alex!
For more information, on Project SEARCH, including information about applying or how to invite Project SEARCH interns to apply for open positions at your business, please contact Christine Schulz, Manager of Community Employment and Connection, at (414) 847-1954 or Christine.Schulz@goodwillsew.com.
