Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden, Arkansas, runs a nine-month Project SEARCH program for adults aged 18-35 with disabilities, featuring three 10-week hospital internships to build workforce skills.
Program Impact
The initiative has enabled dozens of participants to secure community jobs, fostering independence, purpose, and confidence through hands-on training in areas like clerical work, maintenance, and food service. Graduates often transition to employment at the hospital or elsewhere, with program leaders noting major personal transformations in social skills and self-assurance.
Success Story
Sarah Tuberville, who entered at age 25 with autism after struggling to find work, progressed from shyness to roles in quality, HR, and nutritional services at the center, crediting the program’s supportive trainers. Her instructor highlighted her growth from a reserved start to thriving professionally, overcoming early predictions she would never read, write, or speak.
Application Details
Applications for the 2026 session are open until January 31 at projectsearcharkansas.org, with similar programs in six other Arkansas cities. Contact coordinator Beth Morgan at 501-515-0578 or beth.morgan@accessgroupinc.org for inquiries.
