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Oshkosh, WI— Eight interns graduated on May 29, 2026, from Goodwill North Central Wisconsin’s Project SEARCH site at Ascension Mercy Hospital in Oshkosh, 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 Ascension site, nearly 75% 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 Oshkosh site in partnership with the Oshkosh Area School District, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Ascension Mercy Hospital, TMG Wisconsin (IRIS) and Lakeland Care Inc.
The Ascension Project SEARCH Site has supported young adults enrolled with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in the Oshkosh and surrounding areas, primarily recruiting from the Oshkosh Area School District.” 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 cancer center, work in environmental services, the cafeteria or in other areas of the hospital.
Providing hands-on experience and transferrable job skills, the internship ends with a graduation ceremony. Goodwill NCW continues to support by helping interns through individualized job searches 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