AdventHealth Project SEARCH Group Visits The Mission Project
The Mission Project recently welcomed a group from AdventHealth’s Project SEARCH program for a visit centered on employment, independence, and long-term success for adults with developmental disabilities.
As part of the visit, Mallory and Oscar, two Mission Project participants, shared their personal journeys and provided tours of their apartments. Both gave testimonies to the group, offering firsthand insight into what it looks like to live and work independently.
Mallory was invited to speak because she works permanently at AdventHealth as a Food Service Host. As someone employed within the same organization where Project SEARCH interns train, she served as a powerful example of what long-term employment can look like. Her experience provided a tangible model of career growth and stability for the interns considering their own futures.
Oscar, who is employed at Cinemark Theatres, also shared his story. He spoke about his journey at The Mission Project, his employment experience, and the steps he has taken toward independent living. Together, Mallory and Oscar highlighted how employment, housing, transportation support, and life skills development all work together to create lasting independence.
Connecting Workforce Development and Independent Living
Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized transition-to-work program that prepares young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for competitive, integrated employment. Through partnerships with host organizations like AdventHealth, interns gain immersive workplace training and build the skills necessary for long-term employment success.
The visit demonstrated how employment training programs and independent living programs complement one another. While Project SEARCH focuses on workforce readiness, The Mission Project supports adults through housing, transportation coordination, life skills development, and social connection—ensuring that employment success can be sustained beyond the workplace.
We are proud of Mallory and Oscar for stepping into leadership roles and representing not only The Mission Project, but also themselves and the broader disability community. Their stories reinforced what is possible when opportunity, preparation, and support align.
We are grateful to the AdventHealth Project SEARCH team for visiting and for their continued commitment to expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the Kansas City community.
Organizations interested in partnering with The Mission Project to support independent living and workforce development are encouraged to connect with us.
