BOCES 2 Project SEARCH at URMC

04/24/2026

Dominic’s first internship was in Cold Food Prep within the Food and Nutrition Department. In this role, he portioned fruits, vegetables, cakes, and other food items for patients with care and attention to detail. Dominic accurately labeled items with correct dates to ensure freshness, assembled complete trays on carts, and stored them properly in the cooler. He consistently maintained a clean and sanitary workstation, demonstrating a strong understanding of food safety expectations.

Dominic’s second internship took place in Hospital Stores, where he supported essential hospital operations. He cleaned and sterilized medical equipment such as feeding pumps, IV pumps, and epidural pumps. Dominic was responsible for delivering sanitized equipment and removing soiled machines from various units throughout the hospital, showing reliability and respect for important health and safety procedures.

Dominic’s third and final internship is with the Ronald McDonald House Charities. In this role, he assists with stocking snacks and cleaning supplies, organizing and cleaning family waiting rooms, and supporting laundry tasks. He is learning how to “turn over” rooms after families check out, picks up Instacart orders, and helps assemble volunteer orientation folders. Dominic approaches each responsibility with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Throughout the year, Dominic has demonstrated remarkable growth as both a student and a worker. He is bright, funny, and eager to share his knowledge with others. Dominic enjoys engaging in conversations on a wide range of topics and often takes pride in teaching staff what he knows. He is helpful, creative, curious, and increasingly independent, making him a valued member of the classroom community. Dominic is passionate about his interests and delights in sharing “Dominic’s Daily Dose,” a daily trivia question or fun fact that brings joy to the class. He has a very bright future ahead of him!

03/06/2026

Project SEARCH at URMC is proud to recognize our intern, Cairo Vargas. Cairo's outstanding work ethic and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done is sure to open the door to full-time employment after his graduation this June.

Cairo's internship sites have included Hospital Stores and Environmental Services where his kindness and hard work has been noted by his fellow employees. In Hospital Stores, Cairo and his coworkers collected, cleaned, sanitized, and then delivered the equipment used by the hospital to assist patients with pain management and feeding. In Environmental Services, Cairo has used his cleaning skills to help maintain the high standards of cleanliness required by URMC. Cairo is in charge of cleaning the offices and restrooms in several hallways. He has learned to use an iPad to record the progress of his work.

After graduation, Cairo's goal is to get a full-time job here at URMC, to save money and to build a better life. Cairo feels that Project SEARCH has helped him to grow in life. We are very proud of the contributions that Cairo has made this year and are looking forward to what he will do in the future.

02/20/2026

BOCES 2 Project SEARCH is a collaborative effort involving partners: the ARC of Monroe, ACCES-VR and University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). As a one-year transition program, it is designed to give participants with disabilities, ages 18-21, the skills needed to find competitive employment in the community.

BOCES 2 has been guiding Project SEARCH since 2009, and the program is familiar to most people. However, seeing the interns in action as they move through their day adds an eye-opening perspective to understanding the scope and importance of the program. Read more: https://www.monroe2boces.org/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=5UYAP2&dasi=33AY

02/06/2026

Happy February from Project SEARCH!

01/23/2026

We are proud to recognize Brandon Williams for his outstanding contributions to Project SEARCH! Brandon successfully completed his first internship with Ronald McDonald House Charities, where he played an important role in supporting families during challenging times. His responsibilities included stocking snacks and cleaning supplies, folding laundry, and organizing and cleaning family waiting rooms. Brandon frequently engaged with families, often going the extra mile by offering to make them a cup of coffee. Through his dedication and kindness, Brandon helped ensure that the House Within the Hospital remained a clean, welcoming, and comforting home away from home for families in need.

Brandon has recently begun his second internship with the Food and Nutrition Department, where he continues to grow his skills and confidence. In the Cold Food Prep area, Brandon is developing valuable life and workplace skills by portioning fruits, vegetables, cakes, and other foods for patients. He carefully labels each item with the correct dates to ensure freshness and safety. Brandon consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and a positive attitude, always willing to practice new skills and take on challenges until he masters each task. Brandon’s dedication, kindness, and perseverance truly make him an asset to every team he joins!

Brandon consistently treats everyone he meets with kindness and respect. He is thoughtful, helpful, and brings a positive attitude to everything he does. Brandon’s friendly nature shines through as he warmly greets others with a genuine smile, making those around him feel welcome and appreciated. He is a dedicated and hardworking young man who always strives to do the right thing. Keep up the amazing work, Brandon, we are so proud of you!

Reflecting on his experience, Brandon shares:
This year has been going pretty well! I have made a lot of friends and met some cool coworkers that are really nice. Project SEARCH is a full day program in case anyone wants to know that. I would like to work in the preschool building for my next rotation because my goal is to work with children.

12/19/2025

Workshop Week marks the end of the first job rotation for the interns of Project SEARCH. During this week, interns participated in activities which gave back to the community. This year we chose to help out by purchasing items and then bringing them to the Verona St. Animal Shelter. We also did bell-ringing for Salvation Army's Red Kettle Drive. We made special treats, played games and did arts and crafts. It was a wonderful week! From our Project SEARCH family to yours, we wish you happy holidays!

12/08/2025

Recent comments made by prominent public figures highlight a deeply concerning trend affecting our communities: the resurgence and amplification of the R-word.

Originally introduced as a medical term for people with intellectual disabilities, the R-word has since become an insult used to belittle someone's abilities or worth. Today, it is understood as a profoundly offensive slur that harms people with intellectual disabilities, as well as their families and supporters.

Project SEARCH joins our community partners in condemning the use of this dehumanizing language. It belittles the dignity of individuals with intellectual disabilities and dismisses the decades of advocacy that have pushed for equity and inclusion. We are steadfast in our commitment to fostering communities where people with disabilities are valued and recognized for their abilities and contributions, and above all, seen simply as people. Let's all continue working toward a future rooted in respect and belonging.

11/24/2025

Charles Hall is one cool customer!

He consistently steps up to ensure the job gets done, no matter the challenge. When the industrial dishwasher broke down, Charles immediately took action to support his coworkers, demonstrating his resourceful nature. He understands the importance of his role and approaches every task with confidence and responsibility.

Charles is an integral part of the main kitchen team and works closely with the other porters to ensure patients receive their meals on time. His positive attitude and strong work ethic have earned him the respect and appreciation of his colleagues. He is very well-liked by his co-workers.

Charles says, “My job is pretty interesting, and I’ve made a lot of friends. There are a lot of opportunities for getting a job there, too.”

Beyond his contributions at work, Charles shows remarkable independence and commitment. He drives himself to Project SEARCH every day, manages his own schedule, and always arrives on time—never once being late.

Charles’ hard work and can-do attitude will help him to be successful.

From all of us at Project SEARCH, we wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

10/31/2025

We are proud to recognize Owen Lozy-Lester for his outstanding contributions during his first internship at Strong Internal Medicine. Owen plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment by diligently cleaning and disinfecting exam rooms and medical equipment. He consistently follows all proper procedures and safety protocols with care and precision. Owen is also responsible for stocking and organizing exam rooms with essential supplies, including gowns, sheets, gloves, urine cups, gauze, and Band-Aids. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensure that each room is fully prepared for patient care.

Reflecting on his experience, Owen shares:
“My year is going really well, and I like it a lot! I really like the work that I am doing, and I am doing well at it. This is a great experience! My goal is to get a job, so this program is helping me achieve that goal. I am thankful and grateful to the staff at Project SEARCH and to my family for all their support in helping me to reach my goals!”

Owen is a motivated and determined individual who exemplifies integrity and a strong work ethic. His dedication and positive attitude are inspiring, and we are confident that he has a bright future ahead. Keep up the amazing work, Owen!

10/01/2025

The Project SEARCH interns of the class of 2025-2026 have been busy learning the ropes here at URMC! They have participated in fun group activities designed to help them learn to navigate the hospital, learn about the expectations here, as well as learning about themselves and each other. Most of our interns are already working on their first internship sites. This is a very exciting time here at Project SEARCH and we are looking forward to another great year!

06/23/2025

Thank you, The Arc of Monroe!

06/23/2025