06/25/2026
🎓 Congratulations to the very first graduates of Project SEARCH Haldimand!
On behalf of Haldimand War Memorial Hospital, we are incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone and recognize the achievements of our inaugural Project SEARCH interns.
Our Project SEARCH journey began in May 2024 after seeing a LinkedIn post from a Project SEARCH site in Welland. The program seemed almost too good to be true—and perhaps beyond the reach of a small rural hospital like ours—but we were determined to learn more.
What followed was something remarkable. Every phone call was returned. Every email was answered. Host businesses, community partners, and Project SEARCH leaders generously shared their experiences, offered guidance, connected us with others, and opened their doors for site visits. Everywhere we turned, we saw enthusiasm, encouragement, and a genuine belief in the value of this program.
Looking back now, we can confidently say that bringing Project SEARCH to Haldimand was one of the best decisions we have ever made.
The days our interns are here are simply better days.
Many of our staff have had the privilege of serving as mentors, and the experience has been transformative. We have seen firsthand how these interns have strengthened our workplace culture, inspired our teams, and created meaningful connections across departments. Comments such as "This has been the best day I've had at work in a long time" have become common. There is even friendly competition among departments hoping to host the next intern placement. The energy, positivity, and excitement our interns bring create a buzz throughout our halls.
Most importantly, we are incredibly proud of our graduates. Throughout this year, they have demonstrated resilience, growth, professionalism, and commitment. They have earned the trust and respect of their colleagues and set a high standard for future interns. They are ready to enter the workforce and will be valuable additions to any organization fortunate enough to hire them.
As we celebrate the success of our first year, we are reminded that the true magic of Project SEARCH lies in the community that surrounds it. This program is built on inclusion, opportunity, partnership, and support.
We are deeply grateful to our on-site team, our mentors, and our community partners at Community Living Haldimand and the Grand Erie District School Board, whose dedication has helped make this program such a success.
To our staff, thank you for embracing our interns, sharing your knowledge, and creating opportunities for learning and growth.
And to our graduates—congratulations. We are so proud of all that you have accomplished and cannot wait to see where your future takes you.
đź‘Ź Congratulations, Class of 2026!
