Project SEARCH in River Falls is one of 781 programs in 9 countries. Locally, Project SEARCH is unique in the way it is coordinated with River Falls Area Hospital (RFAH). Interns in the program here complete 3 10-week rotations, learning employment skills while supported by a team that includes instructors, family, skills trainers, and support agencies. The goal is competitive employment of at least 16 hours per week. The local program serves both high school students and adults 18-30. To be eligible, interns must qualify for special education services, desire to work in the community, and meet other criteria. Click READ MORE for the rest of the story.
Typical intern days includes a mix of work exposure and classroom time, and the program follows the school calendar. Natasha noted that skills emphasized in rotations include effective communication, responsibility, time management, stamina building, and learning specific job-related tasks. The classroom curriculum includes team building and workplace safety along with other needed skills. Natasha also shared examples of work in the Courage Kenny, surgery, materials management, nursing home, and cafeteria at RFAH.
Ms. Herum concluded with some student testimonial statements and by summarizing the benefits to interns: participation in a a variety of experiences at RFAH; developing competitive , transferable, and marketable job skills; gaining increased independence, confidence, and self-esteem; obtaining individualized coaching, instruction, and feedback; and developing links and relationships with Vocational Rehabilitation and other adult service agencies.
About the Speaker: For the past seven years, Natasha Herum has been the instructor for Project SEARCH in River Falls. Prior to this role, she taught special education at Meyer Middle School for three years and also worked as a special education teacher at Prescott High School for one year. In addition to her professional work, Ms. Herum also serves on the board of the Feyereisen Foundation, which provides funding to help individuals with disabilities become successfully integrated into their communities. Natasha and her husband Marty have two young daughters, Aubrey (3) and Braylee (2) with a baby on the way in March. Both Marty and Natasha grew up in River Falls and feel incredibly connected to their hometown. Outside of his work, Marty is an assistant for UWRF baseball, which means that a lot of family time in the spring will likely be spent at the ballfield cheering on the team! Natasha enjoys walking, shopping, and eating out at the great restaurants around us (though she doesn't consider herself a "foodie"). She also keeps busy with volunteering whenever she can, including helping to organize for Sharing Families, our local holiday gift-giving program for struggling families.