As Trevor bustles through the halls of the Dauphin County Courthouse, he is smiling, yet focused. He realizes that people are counting on him. Trevor started working as an intern at the courthouse through Project SEARCH. In September 2016, Trevor was hired as an employee.
Dauphin County Clerk of Courts Dale Klein said, “It’s not easy finding qualified candidates and Trevor is a hard, motivated worker.” Dale added, “He’s learning to docket and helps with filing and communications, whatever is needed.’’ Commissioner George P. Hartwick, III said, “With various departments and many different kinds of jobs, we realized the county could provide excellent, real-world internship opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities.’’
For Trevor, he likes being part of a team. He said, “It’s nice to be needed. I like that people depend on me. I always wanted to work in an office.”
Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities. Project SEARCH programs have been implemented throughout the state, though Dauphin is the only one offering county internships.
Project SEARCH is 36-week program and provides job opportunities in a variety of areas, including court-related support and facilities maintenance. A Goodwill staff member has an office at the county where career classes are taught. Project SEARCH is made possible through a partnership and funding from Dauphin County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Program, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Goodwill Keystone Area.
During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Goodwill served 25 people through Project SEARCH.
For more information about Goodwill’s programs and services, contact Sue Soderberg
ssoderberg@yourgoodwill.org
717.394.0647
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