ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital - Waukesha, 2025 Community Benefits
ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital Marks More Than a Decade as a Project SEARCH Host Site
Since 2013, ProHealth Care has partnered with Project SEARCH to provide young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a pathway to employment through immersive, on-site training. Over the past decade, ProHealth has hosted more than 100 interns, positioning itself as a long-standing partner in preparing transition-aged students for successful careers. Interns participate in a nine-month program that mirrors the traditional school year. Each day includes classroom instruction and department rotations, blending employability coaching with practical application. Participants spend up to six hours daily developing workplace skills ranging from professional communication and teamwork to navigating relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and patients. After rotations, interns return to their training room to reflect, share insights, and evaluate progress.
ProHealth Care, TransCen, Inc., and the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation play key roles in the program, working alongside local school districts, long-term care organizations, and community partners. This collaboration ensures interns receive personalized career development and guidance.
“Each group of interns is so different from the last,” noted Jennifer Alcorn, Project SEARCH Skills Trainer. “One of the most satisfying things that happens in the beginning of the year is matching the personalities of the interns with the awesome mentors we have here at Waukesha Memorial.”
Graduates of Project SEARCH at ProHealth have gone on to secure meaningful employment within the organization and across Waukesha County. Many remain in roles that directly apply the skills they developed, contributing to the strength and inclusiveness of the regional workforce.
“Being a Project SEARCH host site for more than a decade has been an incredible part of our community benefit work,” said Sarah Butz, Director of Community Benefit. “The program helps young adults see what’s possible for their future, while enriching our teams with interns who bring dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm.”
ProHealth’s partnership in Project SEARCH reflects its mission of improving community health. By supporting young adults with disabilities in achieving employment and independence, ProHealth strengthens the social and economic well-being of the communities it serves.
ProHealth Care, TransCen, Inc., and the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation play key roles in the program, working alongside local school districts, long-term care organizations, and community partners. This collaboration ensures interns receive personalized career development and guidance.
“Each group of interns is so different from the last,” noted Jennifer Alcorn, Project SEARCH Skills Trainer. “One of the most satisfying things that happens in the beginning of the year is matching the personalities of the interns with the awesome mentors we have here at Waukesha Memorial.”
Graduates of Project SEARCH at ProHealth have gone on to secure meaningful employment within the organization and across Waukesha County. Many remain in roles that directly apply the skills they developed, contributing to the strength and inclusiveness of the regional workforce.
“Being a Project SEARCH host site for more than a decade has been an incredible part of our community benefit work,” said Sarah Butz, Director of Community Benefit. “The program helps young adults see what’s possible for their future, while enriching our teams with interns who bring dedication, resilience, and enthusiasm.”
ProHealth’s partnership in Project SEARCH reflects its mission of improving community health. By supporting young adults with disabilities in achieving employment and independence, ProHealth strengthens the social and economic well-being of the communities it serves.
