Abilis, the nonprofit organization providing services and support to more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families throughout Fairfield County, is pleased to announce the launch of its third internship program with Project SEARCH for young adults with disabilities, which recently started in partnership with Stamford Health. The nine-month long internship program teaches new job skills and is part of the national Project SEARCH program, which traditionally partners with hospitals around the country. Stamford Health is Abilis’ third Project SEARCH location in Fairfield County, with other programs running at Greenwich Hospital and the Darien YMCA.

“Our team has been working for the past eight months to be able to offer Project SEARCH at Stamford Health and we are so thrilled that our first class of interns officially started a few weeks ago,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “The Stamford Health teams have been exceptionally welcoming to Abilis and those we support, and we are very excited about this new partnership.” 

Project SEARCH is a successful national program that offers total immersion in the workplace by facilitating the teaching and learning processes, as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. Students participate in three unpaid internships throughout the program and explore a variety of career paths. 

Abilis is a certified and licensed Project SEARCH program provider and is excited to be able to offer this beneficial program at more Fairfield County locations, including Stamford Health. 

“It is important for us to have job training opportunities in the communities where those we support reside,” noted Amy Montimurro. “Having Project SEARCH programs in Greenwich, Darien and now Stamford, really helps expand the reach of these programs and helps young adults obtain the much-needed job skills right in their own community.”

The Project SEARCH program at Stamford Health includes rotation of jobs in three different departments throughout the hospital, including materials management, environmental sciences, food services and the operating room. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Abilis to bring Project SEARCH to Stamford Health and the communities we serve,” noted Sal Mancino, Stamford Health vice president of Human Resources. “At Stamford Health, we are committed to being a ‘Great Place to Work’ for all and providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Our four interns from Abilis are making immense contributions and leave a lasting impression on everyone they encounter. I would like to thank the teams across our organization who are mentoring our interns and helping them learn meaningful employment skills for the future.”

The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training. Project SEARCH's primary objective is to secure competitive employment for every program participant. Along the way, the interns increase their independence, self-confidence and self-esteem, preparing them for future employment. Abilis is a certified and licensed Project SEARCH program provider and is excited to extend this beneficial program at more Fairfield County locations.

Abilis and its Project SEARCH programs also collaborate with local school districts and the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services to place interns in the program. To be eligible for Project SEARCH, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have a developmental disability and want to work competitively. If the young adult is currently a high school student, a recommendation is required by their school district. For other young adults, tuition is paid by the Department of Developmental Services (for those eligible) or a family may choose to pay privately. 

Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals and their families from birth throughout their lives. Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful supports to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care. For more information, visit www.abilis.us, or follow on Facebook @Abilis, Inc., Instagram @abilis_us or Twitter @Abilis.

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system with more than 3,800 employees committed to caring for the community through a wide range of high-quality health and wellness services. Patients and their families receive expert, compassionate care through the system’s 305-bed Stamford Hospital; Stamford Health Medical Group, with more than 40 offices in lower Fairfield County offering primary and specialty care; a growing number of ambulatory locations across the region; and support through the Stamford Hospital Foundation.

Stamford Health is known for its expert, person-centered care through its many recognitions and partnerships. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Stamford Hospital as a High-Performing Hospital. The Leapfrog Group awarded Stamford Hospital an “A” for patient safety. The American Nurses Credentialing Center has granted Stamford Hospital Magnet Status, which recognizes superior patient care with the highest level of safety, quality, and patient satisfaction. Stamford Health is Planetree Gold-Certified for Excellence in Person-Centered Care and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work.

Stamford Health is a major teaching affiliate of the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and offers treatment and expertise from Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s nationally recognized heart surgeons. Stamford Health and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have created a premier center for specialty orthopedic care right in Stamford, Connecticut. Stamford Health’s Carl & Dorothy Bennett Cancer Center has a robust collaboration with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Dedicated to being the community’s most trusted health care partner, Stamford Health puts patients first to build long-lasting relationships. For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.