Pictured left to right: Deborah Visconi, Bergen New Bridge President and CEO, Josh Remland, Bergen New Bridge Volunteer Manager. Project Search Interns now employees: Felice Sacco, Bryan Kim, Abraham Antigua, Hannah Berman, and David Castillo. Project SEARCH new interns: Felice Sacco, Bryan Kim, Abraham Antigua, Hannah Berman, David Castillo. Michelle Ardanza, Project SEARCH Program Coordinator and Donnalee Corrieri, Bergen New Bridge Chief Communications and Marketing Officer

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Welcomes Project SEARCH Interns

Bergen New Bridge was the first hospital in Bergen County to host a program only for adult interns

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center welcomed seven new Project SEARCH interns during a reception attended by department heads, staff and hospital leadership. Project SEARCH’s primary objective is to secure competitive employment for people with disabilities.

Bergen New Bridge’s program was the first to focus solely on adult interns. Participants must be between 18 and 30 years old with a high school diploma or GED.

“We are thrilled to continue being an advocate for inclusion and diversity, education and mentorship,” said Bergen New Bridge President and CEO, Deborah Visconi. “This program is important not only for the interns but for our organization as Bergen New Bridge expanded its staff by hiring five interns from last year’s Project SEARCH program.”

During the internship, participants will complete three ten-week rotations throughout different departments at Bergen New Bridge. The goal of the program is to allow interns to develop work and other soft skills to help prepare them to enter the workforce.

“Project SEARCH’s adult program has been a game changer in our community for adults who are differently-abled and want to work,” said Tammy Molinelli, Executive Director of the Bergen County Workforce Development Board. “Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s continued commitment as a partner in Project SEARCH demonstrates their dedication to diversity and inclusion in the workforce.”

“Project SEARCH is essential to help prepare these adults for fulfilling work and a better quality of life,” said Tracy Zur, Chairwoman, Bergen County Board of Commissioners. “I am thrilled to see the successful partnership between the program and Bergen New Bridge continue.”

“This program has a positive impact not only on its participants but on all of the lives they will touch during their time at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center,” said Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III. “The impact of their internship experience will also be felt by their future employers who will benefit from the skills they develop during their time in the program.”