Natalie
“I think Goodwill is a unique place for individuals to get good job experience. I am enjoying the opportunity the program (Project SEARCH) gives me and I like my worksite. My goal is gaining transferable skills that I will use to get in and through different work sites.”
Natalie has made great strides in 9 short weeks, working with UPMC in anesthesiology through Goodwill's Project SEARCH program.
At a recent IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting at Natalie’s school the room was filled with accolades of the program and Natalie’s achievements in only 9 short weeks. Around the conference table sat Natalie’s mom and school personnel who have known Natalie since she started high school in 2003. Their faces told the story of how impressed and proud they were as they listened to Natalie explain UPMC Project SEARCH and her piece in that program. “I am in anesthesiology,” she said and their eyes widened. Before the meeting adjourned, Natalie’s vice principal turned to her and told her how proud he was of her and how much she had matured and grown. “You are one of our success stories,” he proclaimed with a smile. Natalie and her mom beamed back and they both have great reason to smile.
