Goodwill of Orange County I Finding Purpose: Alex’s Perfect Match
Alex Z. was on a mission to find a workplace where he truly belonged. Despite facing numerous closed doors, he never gave up. His perseverance paid off when he discovered Goodwill of Orange County ’s Project SEARCH program, which led him to an incredible opportunity at Kaiser Permanente.
Project SEARCH offers non-paid internships for adults with developmental disabilities in various fields, providing invaluable, onsite work experiences. The program is hosted in local hospitals and includes onsite classes in collaboration with community colleges, focusing on work preparation and readiness. Project SEARCH combines educational and on-the-job training with support from skills trainers, instructors, and mentors.
Alex eagerly embraced his role as a Housekeeping Assistant in the Environmental Services Department (EVS). It was a perfect fit from the start, boosting his confidence, professionalism, and social skills. “My favorite part of the job is talking to the patients. The first time I worked at a hospital, it was so exciting. I feel fantastic, enthusiastic, and energetic,” Alex exclaimed.
His responsibilities include keeping the hospital spotless and organized, a crucial part of Kaiser’s operation and its ability to save lives. Michelle McReynolds, the Assistant Department Administrator and Alex’s manager, says, “He’s not just doing a basic job. He’s doing something extremely important for the health of our patients. We’re saving lives every single day, and he brings a brightness of ‘Yes, we can do it.’”
This experience has given Alex a profound sense of purpose and pride, impacting not only him but also his family. “As a parent, it’s beautiful to see your child’s happiness expand and their purpose come to life. My son, Alex, has found his place in the world, and it’s been incredible to watch his world expand,” Alex’s mother tearfully expressed.
Now with his full-time role at Kaiser, Alex has been able to grow both professionally and personally. His kindness, humility, and hard work shine through in everything he does. With the support of his job coach, he fulfills his daily tasks with pride. Kaiser is thrilled to have him as an exceptional team member.
“Here at Kaiser Permanente Orange County, we are proud to partner with Goodwill OC and provide jobs for people like Alex, watching them grow every single day,” Michelle exclaimed.
To learn more about hiring from Goodwill OC and to be a part of stories like this, please visit ocgoodwill.org/hire-from-goodwill/.