Skip to content
Rhinelander, WI — Eight interns will graduate on May 27, 2026, from Goodwill North Central Wisconsin’s (NCW) Project SEARCH site at Aspirus Hospital in Rhinelander, a nine-month program that prepares people with disabilities to enter the workforce.
Nationally, 69% of those who participated in Project SEARCH in 2023-24 secured employment after completing the program (Source). Overall, since the start of the program at the Aspirus site, nearly 65% of the interns who have completed the program have obtained employment.
“This program shows how a partnership with a shared vision can lead to a future full of opportunities for these students”, said Shana Herzfeldt, Director of Mission Operations at Goodwill NCW. “It is extremely rewarding and inspiring to see their remarkable progress and achievements. The skills and experiences they gain during their internship will serve as a strong foundation for their future.”
Goodwill NCW operates the Rhinelander site in partnership with the School District of Rhinelander, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development – Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Ascension Mercy Hospital, TMG, Lakeland Care and Inclusa.
The Rhinelander Project SEARCH program is a hybrid site, welcoming students referred to the program by local school districts as well as adults enrolled with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. While participating in Project SEARCH, the interns rotate through various departments within the hospital to gain hands-on skills that will help them in their future employment. The hospital setting provides a variety of job experiences. For example, interns may support the Radiology team, work in environmental services, the cafeteria or in other areas of the hospital.
Providing hands-on experience that is transferrable to jobs and culminates in a graduation ceremony. Goodwill NCW then continues support by helping students through an individualized job search to obtain competitive placements at the host business or in the community.
About Goodwill North Central Wisconsin (Goodwill NCW)
Goodwill NCW is a nonprofit organization with a mission of Elevating People by Eliminating Barriers to Employment. We are committed to understanding and addressing the unique needs of our communities. We empower individuals and families, creating a lasting impact by breaking cycles of poverty and transforming lives through skill-building for sustained employment and improved financial stability. We see people for who they are and believe in the power of work, within our retail stores and workplaces throughout our community. We are proud of the life-changing impact we make in our communities and to our planet with the help of our donors and shoppers. Learn more at goodwillncw.org