Sue and Dorthy share a powerful bond: both are mothers of young men who have spent the past year as interns in Goodwill of Orange County’s Project SEARCH program. Through this experience, they’ve witnessed not only the growth of their sons—but also their own transformation as parents.
Project SEARCH provides non-paid internships for adults with developmental disabilities, offering hands-on work experience in various fields. Hosted in local hospitals, the program includes onsite classes in partnership with community colleges, focusing on job readiness and professional development. Interns receive support from skills trainers, instructors, and mentors, blending education with real-world training.
Diana, a Program Manager for Project SEARCH, shared:
“The Goodwill OC mission allows the power of connection—connection of families and connection to the community. The mission embodies confidence because we are driven by employment, and I think employment brings purpose. A place of belonging allows our participants to flourish in their abilities.”
Dorthy’s son, Teo, is a proud and enthusiastic intern at Kaiser Irvine. After high school, Dorthy was relieved to find a transitional work program that could support Teo’s next steps.
“Goodwill of Orange County means possibility to me. From the very start when we went to the Project SEARCH workshop, it has opened up new doors for us. To be offered this opportunity, hope and structure for a sustained period is a gift.”
Teo has grown in ways Dorthy never imagined. She deeply appreciates the care and insight shown by both the Kaiser and Goodwill OC teams.
“Project SEARCH has been such a nurturing atmosphere for Teo and all the interns.
They are looked at as people with possibility. For Teo, it helped him find newfound confidence and possibility, and learn what skills are important to hold a job and to be successful in his career—and to encourage him in that way.”
Sue, a physician, speaks tearfully about her son Shervin. She describes him as joyful, intelligent, and full of pride.
“Shervin has the biggest heart and he is very intelligent and loves life. After graduating high school he went on a job search journey and applied to a lot of jobs both on his own and with the help of Goodwill OC. He had a hard time landing a job and we all felt the pain and rejection for him. Since he started Project SEARCH we do see him flourishing.
Even in social settings, I see a difference.”
Sue is relieved to know that Shervin has a place where he can be supported independently. She emphasizes the importance of structured support:
“Without this program and this support, even with all the advocating we have done as parents, we cannot be with him on a day-to-day basis. That structured support is what made Shervin capable of taking steps towards employment.”
Both Dorthy and Sue have watched their sons work hard, build skills, and gain confidence. Goodwill OC’s Project SEARCH program has opened doors to possibility and elevated its interns.
“This notion that when I grow up I am going to be somebody—that comes with employment. The ability to support yourself and possibly your family. It’s the cornerstone of growing up and development. Individuals with disabilities also have that dream.
I think they deserve to have that as well,” Sue exclaimed.
As Teo and Shervin continue to grow, so does their confidence in what’s possible. Goodwill OC’s Project SEARCH program not only opens doors—it empowers its interns to reach higher and realize their potential.
To learn more about partnering with Goodwill OC and work with individuals like Teo and Shervin, visit: https://www.ocgoodwill.org/hire-from-goodwill.
