St. Rita’s and Marimor Industries expand partnership

(Lima, November 8, 2016) Building on an already successful partnership, St. Rita’s and Marimor Industries are now offering a new career development program at the Medical Center.

“CBA’s, or Community Based Assessments, provide work experience to those with disabilities as they identify their strengths and potential career opportunities,” said Angela Mierzejewski, program coordinator and career coach with Marimor Industries. “We are excited to now be offering CBA’s at St. Rita’s, and in a variety of different job options.”

Participants in the program will be referred by OOD, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, and will be assessed in positions such as unit clerks, environmental specialists, patient transports, dietary specialists, or distribution specialists. During the 20-40 hour assessment program, a career coach will stay with the participant and provide advice and guidance about how to be a great team member and employee.

“It’s an honor to be able to work with Marimor on this project,” says Aimee Kuhlman, Director of EVS, Patient Transport, & Communications at St. Rita’s. “Our mission is to help friends and neighbors in need—and this is just one more way where we can truly have a positive impact on lives in our community.”

St. Rita’s and Marimor Industries have a long-standing relationship with another program, Project SEARCH. This program places up to ten high school students in internships at St. Rita’s for a year. The program allows individuals to learn job skills and soft-skills so that they might find rewarding work after graduation. Last year’s Project SEARCH class had 100% job placement after graduation—some at St. Rita’s.

The new CBA partnership agreement has been finalized and will begin with its first student in approximately one week.

Editor’s note: A photo opportunity with Project SEARCH students would be available to include with the story.

 

                                                                                                                For more information, please contact:

Courtney O’Banion

Communications Coordinator

St. Rita’s Health Partners

O: 419-226-9802

C: 567-242-4078

  CLO’Banion@mercy.com