Project SEARCH is a nine-month program through Northwestern Medicine that prepares young people with disabilities for success in competitive integrated employment. The program provides real-life work experiences to prepare participants for employment and independent living skills.
Meet the Life School Participants
Jonah Malecki grew up in Sycamore and attended South Prairie Elementary School. He loves to sing, dance, watch movies, do voices, and listen to music. Project SEARCH will help him learn more about different skills that will be needed throughout life. With the help of Project SEARCH, Malecki wants to be a grocery store cashier
John Engh is 20 years old. He grew up in Sycamore and attended Southeast Elementary School. He enjoys listening to music, watching sports, and playing video games. In Life School, he volunteers once a week at the Sycamore Community Center, Walnut Grove Vocational Farm, Genoa Food Hub, Spartan Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, and the United Methodist Church Food Pantry. He is excited to be a part of Project SEARCH with Jonah and Sheridan and would like to work at Upstaging.
Sheridan Bolden is 19 years old and has lived in Sycamore since 2019. Before moving to Sycamore, she lived in Washington, Minnesota, Arizona, and Missouri. In her first year at Life School, she has grown so much and made new friends. Bolden enjoys spending time with family, singing, dancing, and playing basketball. Project Search will be helpful by continuing to teach her skills to live independently. With this opportunity, she wants to obtain a job in retail.
For more information about Project SEARCH, visit projectsearch.us.