First graduates from Project SEARCH at Stemilt set sights on employment

The first seven interns in the Project SEARCH program at Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers graduated June 6 — not only with a certificate, but also with experiences and support to prepare them for new work opportunities.

Project SEARCH, a transition to work program that helps secure competitive employment for people with disabilities, has prepared the interns to find work at Stemilt, in the community and in continuing education, according to a news release. It is a collaboration among Stemilt, the Eastmont School District in Wenatchee, the Chelan-Douglas Developmental Disabilities Program, Washington’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, the state Developmental Disabilities Administration and Link Transit.

“Each intern entered the program with various work, school and life experiences,” Eastmont Transition Coordinator Michelle Sadewasser said in the release. “Throughout the past year, they have gained not only the hands-on experience of working in a business setting but increased their confidence of their own personal abilities. They gained new perspectives about certain jobs and careers and built much more independence than when they first walked into the Project SEARCH program.”

Project SEARCH strives to maintain an active, ongoing program of technical assistance, program evaluation, program development and continuous improvement. The program was developed to help young people with disabilities gain real-life work experiences combined with training employability and independent living to help them successfully transition to a productive adult life, according to the release.

“I am extremely proud of our interns,” Stemilt Director of Human Resources Zach Williams said in the release. “I was fortunate enough to be a part of this awesome program at Stemilt. Each intern has grown so much in their confidence and abilities. The program was extremely successful, especially for the first year! I must admit, I am sad that I won’t get to see them around the workplace anymore. Although, two interns have found jobs at Stemilt!”

After graduation, three Project SEARCH interns were hired for employment within the community and at Stemilt. Emily Hensley has been hired as a professional assistant in Stemilt’s finance department, and Cole Hale will also join the company as a shipping clerk. Olivia Leonhardt has been hired at ABC Learning Center in Wenatchee; Karen Cervantes will continue her education at barber school; and Josh Hernke, Kennon Watson, and Luis Perez are open to new opportunities.

“These interns have demonstrated to our staff, the Stemilt team, their families and our community as a whole that they are capable of many things if given the opportunity, time and support,” Sadewasser said. “As they graduate and move on to their next endeavors, we know that Project SEARCH Stemilt has helped equip them with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to be successful in life.”

The interns joined the Project SEARCH Stemilt program in September 2022, with graduation held at Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee. A combination of Eastmont and Stemilt staff, family and friends joined to celebrate the accomplishments of the interns with live music, a taco truck, speeches and a Project SEARCH Stemilt-themed cake custom made by a Project SEARCH skills trainer.

After the group was presented graduation certificates from Eastmont High School, intern Emily Hensley received a surprise Intern of the Year Award. 

“Stemilt really benefited from the addition of the Project SEARCH program and the interns who participated,” Williams said. “They enhanced our culture and work environment with their enthusiasm, great personalities and the bonds they made with our Stemilters.”

Thanks to the support from the collaborating partners, the interns set the bar high for the next to come to Project SEARCH at Stemilt, Sadewasser said. From office decoration events to celebrating birthdays, Stemilt and Project SEARCH interns built a culture of engagement in Stemilt’s human resources, retail, human capital, finance, shipping, procurement and production departments throughout three internship periods, according to the release.

“It's been a learning experience for all of us,” Williams said. “The Stemilt team and the Eastmont staff really put their hearts into helping these interns learn the tools they need to be successful. This wouldn’t have been possible without their leadership and hard work, and we can’t wait to welcome the next interns to the Project SEARCH Stemilt program in the fall.”