On a gorgeous fall day, the newest class of Project SEARCH left the walls of Catholic Medical Center and took to the parking lot to show their appreciation to the hospital and its staff. It was the first ever “Give Back to CMC” volunteer effort, brainstormed and organized by Kaite Carmody, the lead teacher of Project SEARCH.
“This is a way for us to thank Catholic Medical Center for their accommodation and support,” she said.
The students and staff of SEARCH focused their revitalization efforts on the CMC doctors’ parking lot, raking and disposing of leaves, picking up trash and taking down climbing vines from the building walls. The entire day was devoted to the enterprise, running from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., giving the students a different look at what it means to be part 0f a working community.
“Even though we’re outside doing different work than we’re used to, there are still important principles we’re learning,” Carmody said. ”The students are getting a sense of what it means to give back as well as experience jobs that they normally wouldn’t investigate. ”
Carm0dy noted that the students embraced the opportunity, enjoying the mild weather and the opportunity to show their appreciation to CMC. Likewise, the Catholic Medical Center community has been grateful for the manpower, relaying their thanks for the SEARCH work crew and their willingness to pitch in.
“We’ve heard good feedback from both the students and the CMC personnel,” she said. ”It’s been a good day.”
Project SEARCH is a joint operation of the Bedford School District, New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation, Catholic Medical Center (CMC) and The Moore Center. The program brings in Moore Center clients (individuals with developmental disabilities) to CMC for classroom work and on-the-job training in various hospital departments.
The career-building curriculum features a combination of classroom-based education (e.g., resume writing, interview strategies, social skills) and real-world, on-the-job internships.
