NASHUA – The National Host Business Excellence Award was presented to St. Joseph Hospital for its long-term collaboration with Project SEARCH, a partnership between St. Joseph Hospital, The PLUS Company, Gateways Community Services, New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation and Nashua School District.

The program combines classroom instruction, vocational training and internships to individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities. The internship segment, which St. Joe’s has been a part of, offers candidates a 10-month position that includes three rotations, in various departments throughout the hospital. The goal is for each intern to secure employment within the community after graduation thanks to the skills they acquire during their Project SEARCH internship.

“We’re proud and honored to have partnered with Project SEARCH over the last 12 years. More than 100 interns have graduated from our program. We strive to go above and beyond to create a welcoming environment for our Project SEARCH interns and ensure they have a positive experience where they both learn and refine practical skills as well as grow personally,” shares Michele Canto, Manager of Volunteer Services and Project SEARCH Business Liaison, St. Joseph Hospital. “Every person in the hospital that interacts with a Project SEARCH intern knows how special and valuable the interns are to our community. To be recognized for excellence, as a host business, is humbling.”

“The program was established to open doors for those who may otherwise not have an opportunity to learn new skills, be gainfully employed and contribute to their community,” she added.

For more information about Project SEARCH at St. Joseph Hospital, please visit stjosephhospital.com.