What began as an internship has grown into a meaningful career opportunity for Jack Edwards, a guest services attendant who is now one of the first faces you see at Phoenixville Hospital.
In 2024, Edwards joined Project SEARCH at Phoenixville Hospital with the intention of building job skills to prepare for the workforce. Project SEARCH is an onsite job training program that collaborates with KenCrest, an employment service provider, and local high schools to offer individuals with disabilities valuable employment skills.
To date, the hospital has hired five employees from the Project SEARCH at Phoenixville Hospital program.
“I know there are people that can be close-minded about people with disabilities,” Edwards said. “But we can do things, too. It’s one of the best things I have ever done in my life.”
In Project SEARCH, interns rotate through three hospital departments during the nine-month program. For Edwards, this included patient registration, volunteer services, and nursing administration. From signing in patients to curating volunteer spotlights for the employee newsletter, he experienced many moving parts of hospital operations.
“I initially had no interest in the medical field, but I was really excited about the program, so I gave it a chance and I’m glad I did,” Edwards said.
It was his time in Volunteer Services that truly stood out for Edwards. While there, he connected with Kathy White, a volunteer coordinator whose mentorship and kindness made each day fun and memorable.
White has mentored Project SEARCH at Phoenixville Hospital interns for three years, sharing that interns often come in feeling nervous but leave with newfound confidence.
“It’s a really amazing program,” White said. “I love watching the interns come in and just blossom as they build their skillset and become empowered. And when Jack came in, well, he was just a star.”
Before the internship, Edwards said he never considered himself to be outgoing. Yet, those who have come to know Jack described him as warm and welcoming. Patients and staff alike recognize him as a familiar, friendly face who is always willing to lend a hand.
“Jack says the program changed his life, but it changed mine for the better, too,” Kathy White said. “I’m grateful just to be part of this whole process and for the connection I share with Jack. It’s a really special thing.”
Edwards shared he was emotional about leaving Phoenixville Hospital and all of the relationships he made after completing his internship.
Lucky for him, the hospital wasn’t ready to let go of Edwards either. He was hired as a guest services attendant and serves as a Project SEARCH mentor – a full-circle moment.
“My job is a lot more than just greeting people,” Edwards said. “You’re the face of the hospital and someone’s first impression, so it’s an important job.”
Edwards shared he is especially grateful to White, as well as Phoenixville Hospital president and CEO Rich McLaughlin, MD, MBA, and chief operating and nursing officer James Cook, DNP, MBA, RN, NE-BC.
“Rich makes himself known to the Project SEARCH interns and makes them feel connected to and part of the hospital,” Edwards said. “You can tell that it’s not just about optics. They really do care about the interns.”
For more information about Project SEARCH at Phoenixville Hospital or volunteer opportunities at Phoenixville Hospital, please email Kathy White at Kathy.White@towerhealth.org.