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Project SEARCH helps Macon County student find confidence … and a job

2015-06-12
Photo of John Jenkins
Matthew John Jenkins of Franklin holds a rescue dog at the Appalachian Animal Rescue Center/Macon County Humane Society where he now works part-time as a custodian.
 
Photo of John Jenkins and Devonne Jimison
Devonne Jimison (right), SCC’s Project SEARCH® teacher, recently dropped in on soon-to-be graduate Matthew John Jenkins at the Appalachian Animal Rescue Center/Macon County Humane Society where Jenkins is now employed.

 When Matthew John Jenkins signed up for Southwestern Community College’s Project SEARCH® last summer, he had his share of apprehension.

“I was scared at first, and a little worried about the travel,” recalled Jenkins, a 21-year-old Franklin resident who was part of the first class to participate in the program based at Sylva’s Harris Regional Hospital.

Fast-forward nine months, and all the anxiety is gone. All that remains is a confident young man who now has the skills and education he needs to hold down his own job. He was the first Project SEARCH® student to get placed in a job – as a part-time custodian at the Appalachian Animal Rescue Center/Macon County Humane Society.

Project SEARCH® is a national non-profit program which partners with businesses to create internships for young adults with disabilities. Jenkins was one of five students in SCC’s program who attended classes and completed internships at Harris Regional.

They’ll be honored in a graduation ceremony on June 29 at Harris Regional.

When asked how Project SEARCH® helped him, the softspoken Jenkins scratched thoughtfully at his goatee and said: “I feel better about myself.”

Devonne Jimison, SCC’s Project SEARCH teacher, said the program allowed Jenkins to flourish and reach his potential.

“I’ve seen great growth in him,” Jimison said. “His social skills have improved so much; he’s far more comfortable talking to people. He has leadership skills; I see it in the workplace. His work ethic is excellent. He would eventually like to be a supervisor here or somewhere else.”

For now, Jenkins is thrilled to be getting paid for working at the rescue center – the same facility at which he’s volunteered since his high school years. He works four days a week assisting in a variety of tasks such as keeping the center clean, tending to the animals and helping with pet adoption days.

“He’s doing great,” said Todd Ortiz, the shelter’s manager. “Project SEARCH® definitely helped him a lot. I can tell a difference even from when he used to volunteer here. He has tremendous leadership skills and he follows directions very well. It’s a great program.”

Jimison and Danielle Chambless, a career readiness instructor and job coach at SCC, are currently interviewing candidates for the next class of Project SEARCH® students.

For any potential students or their parents who may feel some apprehension, Jenkins offered some words of reassurance.

“You get rid of the nervousness fast,” he said. “Devonne and and Danielle are friendly and make you comfortable.”

For more information about the program, contact Chambless (d_chambless@southwesterncc.edu or 828.306.7036) or Jimison (devonnej@southwesterncc.edu or 339.4486).

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