Project SEARCH: Community Impact

There was an applicant at the Project SEARCH Skills Assessment Day who 6 years ago required a personal aide and had a code word when his behavior became uncontrollable at his previous school. Additionally, most of his conversations revolved around Disney movie scripts. After attending Unicorn Village Academy for the past 5 years, he now takes Uber to a part-time job where he recently received a raise following his performance review. At the assessment at Boca West Country Club, he was identified as the top pick by all department managers. Some of the characteristics that were shared included: self-starter, critical self-checker, best conversationalist, detail oriented, and meticulous.

Together, we are clearly opening doors to opportunities for personal growth and inclusion. Thank you for all that you do to support these efforts!

Project SEARCH Skills Assessment Day

Time to select our 2nd cohort of Project SEARCH interns at Boca West Country Club today!

BREAKING NEWS: Project SEARCH

Adults, aged 18 to 24, with intellectual and developmental disabilities are training for the workforce thanks to a partnership between Boca West Country Club, Project SEARCH, Unicorn Children's Foundation and Unicorn Village Academy.

Young Adults with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Train for the Workforce through Boca West Country Club and Unicorn Children’s Foundation partnership

Adults, aged 18 to 24, with intellectual and developmental disabilities are training for the workforce thanks to a partnership between Boca West Country Club, Project SEARCH, Unicorn Children's Foundation and Unicorn Village Academy.

Last week 11 of these adults participated in the Boca West Country Club Project SEARCH Skills Assessment Day in which they were paired one on one with Club’s department heads.  During the half-day session, Boca West identified candidates for the August launch of a pre-employment internship-training program.  It is expected that all student interns will learn competitive, transferable, and marketable job skills and at least 74% of interns will find competitive and meaningful employment following completion of this intensive program.

“Unfortunately, 80% of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities are unemployed despite their desire and ability to work,” said Sharon Alexander, CEO of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation.  “We are so grateful for our partnership with Boca West Country Club, which will help these candidates join the workforce and learn valuable skills.”

Boca West Country Club Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Matthew Linderman, CCM, met with the candidates and their families.  “The number one attribute we look for in a Boca West team member is attitude,” he said.   “We are so impressed with the great attitudes of these candidates and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the internship program.”

Project SEARCH Skills Assessment Day

What an amazing day as we co-hosted the Project SEARCH skills assessment day to select interns for the pre-employment training program that will build competitive and marketable employment skills for students with special needs!

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