Regional Medical Center | Thrive for Life | Summer 2018

IN AUGUST 2017, RMC Anniston welcomed student interns with Project SEARCH, an international community-based program that teaches career-readiness job skills for young adults with special needs. Worksite rotations at RMC Anniston help to create an immersion experience that combines classroom instruction, career exploration and on- site training to equip these students for success
in work and in life. “Doug Scott, HR director, and Susie Cleveland, HR generalist (at RMC), leaned in; they opened their hearts,” says Charlene Hill, executive director of Student Support Services for Calhoun County Schools. “They saw the potential for RMC to impact the community, not just as a health care provider, but as an employer and good neighbor.” Hill shares her gratitude for the support of RMC’s administration, staff and patrons. “You’ve meant the world to us. In fact, you’ve changed our world forever!” she says. “You stepped up, took a chance on these young people and invested in their future by providing them internships all over the hospital. You never gave up or turned us away.” Hill continues to reflect on the experience at RMC: “When our interns made mistakes, you were patient. When they were vulnerable and unsure of themselves, you have been protective and encouraging. You have treated them with dignity and given them access to a level of independence their families never imagined they would have.” She says this program has far exceeded Alabama Department of Education expectations. Six of the eight interns graduated on May 18 with full-time employment and benefits. “Our mission is to help all residents in Calhoun County find and live a healthy, productive life,” says Louis Bass, RMC CEO. “We are honored to help these students prepare for the next chapter of their lives. In fact, working with them, we gain a lot more than we give!” About Project SEARCH More than 300 U.S. and international sites host Project SEARCH students. RMC Anniston’s program is coordinated by Calhoun County Schools and
is supported by the Opportunity Center, the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Alabama Departments of Education and Mental Health, and the Alabama Council on Developmental Disabilities. To apply, students with disabilities should contact a student support services teacher at their local school. “You stepped up ….You never gave up or turned us away.” —Charlene Hill, Executive Director, Student Support Services, Calhoun County Schools Project SEARCH graduation 11 rmccares.org