Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City is creating opportunities through Project SEARCH

Posted on: 7/18/25

Since 2010, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City has partnered with Project SEARCH to help area young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain real-world job skills and meaningful employment. Project SEARCH is a nationally acclaimed program.

Each August, 8-10 students begin a school-year journey filled with mentorship, workplace training, and real-world experience in both clinical and non-clinical settings in the hospital. To date, 17 interns have been hired, with 11 still working at Mercy – proof of the program’s lasting impact.

One shining example is Timothy “Timmy” Williams, who joined Mercy through Project SEARCH. After interning in outpatient diagnostics, he was hired full-time. Three years later, Timmy was honored with Mercy’s Light of Mercy Award for his dedication and compassion.

Mercy’s community partners on the project include Francis Tuttle Technology Center, OU’s National Center for Disability Education and Training (NCDET), and the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. Mercy is proud to support Project SEARCH and its mission to help every individual discover their purpose, potential, and a path forward. (Submitted by Taylor Rhoades)

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