The MolinaCares Accord Supports Project SEARCH Expansion in Bexar County for Texans with Disabilities
Media Contact: Caroline Zubieta, Molina Healthcare, Caroline.Zubieta@molinahealthcare.com, 562-951-1588
BEXAR COUNTY, August 22, 2022 – The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Texas, announced new funding to support expanded operations in Bexar County for Project SEARCH, a program that helps secure meaningful, integrated community employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The $20,000 grant will allow Project SEARCH to engage San Antonio community partners in developing a transition-to-work program for a cohort of young people with disabilities. Funding will support the expansion of the Project SEARCH model in Texas by implementing a program site in Bexar County and developing interorganizational partnerships for its long-term sustainability.
“Workplace training and exposure to different careers and skills is an important part of any young person’s path,” said Chris Coffey, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Texas. “Project SEARCH empowers individuals, preparing them for competitive employment. Molina looks forward to this partnership as it expands to provide Texans with disabilities meaningful opportunities to earn a living and kickstart their careers.”
Project SEARCH combines real-life work experience, employee training, and independent living skills with the goal of total workplace immersion and successful transitions to adult life for its participants. Interns spend nine months in intensive employment preparation, exploring career options and training in different workplace environments. The program’s collaboration with schools, local agencies, and employers allows for an internship model and job search process that ideally results in employment that matches individuals’ interests and newly acquired job skills.
“Project SEARCH is so excited to have this opportunity to expand our reach in the state of Texas,” said Joy Burress, Project SEARCH consultant. “Each new program site means that more young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have the chance to experience the life-changing benefits that accompany meaningful employment.”
The Project SEARCH model is currently in operation at 685 program sites in the U.S. and around the world and has served approximately 35,000 young people with disabilities since 2010. An estimated 70% of program graduates achieve competitive, integrated employment, earning at least the minimum wage and working at least 16 hours per week.
To learn more about Project SEARCH, apply to be an intern, or find more information on how local companies can sponsor internship programs, visit the website.
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About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., the MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of Texas
Molina Healthcare of Texas has been providing government-funded health care since 2006. The Company serves members through Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Health Insurance Exchange programs, with service areas across Texas. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.1 million members as of June 30, 2022. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Texas, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.