Connect

This is the latest installment in our Connect article series “Hope at Work” — showcasing inspiring stories about how our team members contribute to UVA Health’s 10-year strategic plan: “One Future Together Health and Hope for All.” No matter where you work, you have an opportunity to inspire hope in others. These stories show how:

During a ceremony at UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, the Project SEARCH Transition-to-Work Program proudly celebrated its 13th graduating class, recognizing nine exceptional young adults who have completed the year-long internship. The program supports individuals aged 18 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities — helping them develop valuable career and life skills to achieve meaningful employment — all with the foundation of an earned Applied Studies diploma. 

Powerful Partnership

This inclusive, business-led internship offers a one-year, unpaid experience that prepares participants for employment and independent living. The program is a collaborative effort among Project SEARCH, UVA Health, Prince William County Schools, Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), and Didlake — an accredited non-profit agency based in Manassas, Virginia that provides employment and day support services.

Together, these partners create a comprehensive and supportive environment that fosters growth and success. Interns work three hours per day, five days a week — greeting patients, cooking meals, sorting linens, fixing lights and plumbing, and more — while building confidence, focus, and independence. 

Mike Barkema, MHA, Assistant Vice President, UVA Health Prince William Medical Center, welcomed the graduates and their families to the celebration. He honors the graduates’ chosen theme of family, which perfectly captured the spirit of their journey — and emphasizes how the graduates, mentors, and supporters form a strong bond, encouraging and lifting one another up throughout the program. According to Mike, "The program’s success is a direct result of this powerful partnership."

Value and Purpose

One of the graduates, Nathan Kannard, spoke candidly about his emotional journey. Diagnosed with autism, he shared he often felt overwhelmed, and the path was not always easy. However, he found comfort in the program's supportive environment and deep friendships formed. "My coworkers became like family," he recalls. "The laughter, support, and memories we shared helped me discover what I’m capable of and reminded me every day that I have value and purpose." 

Graduate Sam Baisas proudly announces he has been hired full-time in Guest Services, UVA Health Prince William. He shares how his internship experience helped him build leadership skills and inspired others in the program. His advice to future participants: “Never give up! If you make a mistake, learn how to problem-solve. And if something doesn’t work out, believe in yourself — things will get better.” 

The graduates describe themselves as an eclectic group: self-taught graphic designer, manga artist, dancer, “big teddy bear,” aspiring model, “word-of-the-day guy", chef, “momma bear,” and an "old soul who loves ’70s music." They come from varied cultural backgrounds and formed a tightknit community throughout the year. 

Lasting Memories

During their time in the program, they celebrated “Friendsgiving” with mentors and special guests, practiced money-handling skills as aspiring cashiers, connected with Public Safety (and received some fantastic goody bags), and cared for one another — like the day one intern got a new scooter and the others followed behind with crutches, just to show support. 

These graduates now take with them not only skills and experience, but also lasting memories and the strength of a newfound family as they move forward into the workforce and their adult lives. 

Cultivating Healthy Communities

Project SEARCH Manassas is part of a national and international program with 783 program sites. The program is located in 47 states and nine countries and has served 49,098 students since 2010.

UVA Health began its partnership with Project SEARCH Sept. 1, 2011, and to date, has supported the graduation of 107 interns. Over the years, 13 of the interns have been hired to work at UVA Health. This collaboration is not only valuable to the interns, but cultivates healthy communities.