Pascagoula Hospital Holds Project SEARCH Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony

Singing River Health System’s Pascagoula Hospital hosted a graduation ceremony for the Project SEARCH Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 14, at 9:00 a.m. in the Pascagoula Hospital Medical Staff Conference Room.

This event celebrates a major milestone for interns who have completed the year-long program, many of whom secure employment with Singing River Health System or its dining and hospitality partner, Morrison Healthcare. 

Project SEARCH is a business-led transition program that helps young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain real-world job experience and successfully transition into competitive, integrated employment. It is the first initiative of its kind on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and is a partnership between Singing River Health System, local school districts, and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services. 

The program offers unpaid internships that allow participants to rotate through various departments, where they learn essential skills for employment. Training focuses on areas such as workplace readiness, communication, and independent living to help prepare interns for long-term success in competitive job settings. 

During the 2025–2026 program year, interns gained experience at key locations, including: Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center, Environmental Services, Facilities Department, and Morrison’s Singing River Café. 

Congratulations to Derrick Clark Jr., Marcus Richardson, Carlaisha Tubbs, and Hunter Worbington on reaching this milestone after a year of hands-on learning, growth, and hard work throughout the program.

To learn more about the Project SEARCH program and how to apply, contact Brandi Nickles, Project SEARCH Mississippi Coordinator at 601-506-5240.