Cincinnati Children's and Project SEARCH Awarded Grant
$225,000 Grant to Fund Adult Education for Healthcare Positions
CINCINNATI -- Project SEARCH, a collaboration among Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development, and the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD, has been awarded a $225,000 grant from the Empowerment Zone to train adults, including those with disabilities, to work in the healthcare setting. This grant is the first of its kind for Project SEARCH and Cincinnati Children's.
The Cincinnati Empowerment Corporation, created in 1999, is responsible for the management and distribution of funds that Cincinnati receives as part of a federal program to reduce poverty and unemployment and improve housing in nine Empowerment Zone neighborhoods: Avondale, Clifton-Fairview Heights, Corryville, Evanston, Mount Auburn, Over-the-Rhine, Queensgate, Walnut Hills and the West End.
"We've provided healthcare training programs for adults for 2 1/2 years as part of Ohio Works First. Now, we are excited about partnering with Empowerment Zone neighborhoods and providing families within them the opportunities and education they need to sustain their communities," says Erin Riehle, co-director of Project SEARCH at Cincinnati Children's.
Project SEARCH is a collaborative effort that provides employment and educational opportunities in a healthcare setting for individuals with significant barriers to employment, such as people with disabilities, those on public assistance, and unemployed or underemployed people. The program is dedicated to workforce development that benefits the individual, community and workplace.
Project SEARCH's healthcare training program is a 12-week program dedicated to training and employment for adults over 18 years of age who have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and are interested in a position as a health unit coordinator or a state tested nursing assistant. The program is offered every other month and is located on Victory Parkway in Walnut Hills. The next two classes begin January 28 and March 25. For more information on how to apply, Empowerment Zone residents can call (513) 636-2571 or (513) 636-3448
Since the healthcare training program's inception, it has had a 90% employment rate, placing more than 120 individuals in healthcare positions. One-third of the individuals have chosen employment at Cincinnati Children's, while additional graduates have chosen to work at other local hospitals, doctor's offices and long-term care facilities. Once the individuals are hired full-time at Cincinnati Children's, they also have opportunities for further career advancement.
"Our hope is that the $225,000 granted to Project SEARCH will assist zone residents to obtain employment and advance in their careers," explains Harold Cleveland, CEO of the Empowerment Zone Corporation.
James Anderson, president and CEO of Cincinnati Children's adds, "Cincinnati Children's is excited to have the opportunity to offer healthcare positions to residents of the Empowerment Zone neighborhoods and build relationships with families in and around our community."
Cincinnati Children's vision is to be the leader in improving child health. The medical center currently employs more than 6,500 professionals, serving the healthcare needs of infants, children and adolescents, and provides research and teaching programs that ensure delivery of the highest quality pediatric care to our community, the nation and the world. The 426-bed facility consistently ranks as one of the country's top 10 pediatric hospitals.
Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development
Great Oaks is committed to developing a highly skilled workforce that will strengthen the region's economy, generating success for business and students, employers and the community. It is the largest career and technical school district in the United States, serving students from 36 affiliated schools.
Great Oaks annually prepares more than 3,000 high school juniors and seniors in full-time programs and another 3,000 youth in part-time programs. Students select from 50 career majors that emphasize sound academic preparation, employability skills, and competitive occupational training.
More than 70,000 adults benefit from full- and part-time learning programs, as well as training customized for businesses. Programs range from public safety and office skills to healthcare and computer programming. Great Oaks has four campuses, three economic development centers and an instructional resource center with conferencing capabilities.
Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
Since 1967, Hamilton County Board of MR/DD has provided educational, vocational, coordination and residential services to adults and children with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities.
Thanks to the passage of the Mental Retardation Services Levy by Hamilton County taxpayers every five years, the county offers early intervention services, early childhood services, school age services, adult services, residential services and contracts with community agencies. Presently, over 10,000 participants lives are enhanced by these programs and services each year.
Contact Information
Amy Caruso (
amy.caruso@cchmc.org) 513-636-5637
