Sedgebrook wraps up second year in project SEARCH Program
Sedgebrook senior living community in Lincolnshire is wrapping up a second successful year of participating in the Project SEARCH program.
Sedgebrook has partnered with Clearbrook, the Special Education District of Lake County), and Illinois Department of Human Services in the program, which places young people with developmental and cognitive disabilities into internships at area businesses and organizations.
The students learn job skills, take on responsibilities and practice interpersonal relationships, all with the idea of getting them prepared for success in the workforce.
Sedgebrook first participated last year after they were approached by a representative from Clearbrook seeking opportunities for students transitioning from high school into the working world. Widely considered to be a win-win program, the retirement community gladly agreed to repeat the experience.
Ten young interns participate in Project SEARCH at Sedgebrook. They start the day in a classroom provided by Sedgebrook, where they discuss employment, resumes, interviewing, etc. They then work in a rotating, 10-week internship in various departments.
The students all return to the classroom at the end of their shift to talk about their day. The program helps the students build strong vocational skills while gaining solid experience.
Alex Lancaster, who started out as a Project SEARCH intern this year, was ultimately hired full-time at Sedgebrook by the dining services department. Starting his internship as a prep cook, Lancaster did such a good job that he was trained on the cash register for a position that was created for him.
"The staff really wanted to keep him around, so management talked and the position evolved for him," said Brent Greiner, teacher coordinator of Project SEARCH.
On a scale of one-10, Lancaster said, he rates the job at Sedgebrook a solid 10.
"It's a really good job. I like working here. The residents are really nice. I look forward to coming to work every day."
As graduation from Project SEARCH draws near, just about all Sedgebrook's 10 interns have secured full-time jobs either at the retirement community or in the area.
"The outcomes are really amazing," said Brent. "Sedgebrook is making such a difference in these young peoples' lives."
"I hope to work here for a long time. They like having me here and tell me I'm doing a really good job and am very professional. I look forward to doing an even better job, and making sure we're providing good customer service," Lancaster said.
Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living, and amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC.
For information, visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call (847) 901-3319.
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