Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital & Clinics, Inc. - Wisconsin Rapids, 2025 Community Benefits
From Intern to Employee: Celebrating Success with Project SEARCH
Central Wisconsin teen Rapids Khang found an opportunity true to his name at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital through Project SEARCH. Rapids is a typical 19-year-old; he enjoys working out, scrolling Netflix and YouTube, and hanging out with his friends. Like many teens and adults, he also lives with a learning disability. This year, he’s one of 11 students graduating from Project SEARCH at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital, one of 29 Wisconsin businesses hosting the program during the 2024-25 school year.
"Initially I heard about Project SEARCH through the teachers at my high school," said Rapids. "The Project SEARCH instructor came over to our school and gave a presentation. My teachers assisted me with completing the application and getting me to skills day."
Project SEARCH is a nine-month program administered in Wisconsin by the Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The program provides students with disabilities hands-on job training through workplace rotations at local businesses. Interns receive classroom instruction from local school districts and personalized support from disability service providers. DVR offers job search assistance and provides individualized support to participants both during the program and after graduation.
After being accepted into the Project SEARCH program, Rapids completed two job rotations at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids. His first was in the food and nutrition department, where he took inventory and stocked the hospital's kitchens, cleaned dishes, and prepped meals for home delivery. His second job rotation proved to be the most impactful, with the internship eventually turning into a permanent role.
"The thing I am most proud of in applying to Project SEARCH is obtaining my current position at the hospital, Rapids said."
Rapids was hired as a part-time dietary aide at Aspirus. His responsibilities include delivering food trays to patient care floors, helping with food prep, assembling home-delivery meals, retrieving trays from patients, and dishwashing. This year marks a dual milestone for both Rapids and his employer. Not only has Rapids reached a significant personal goal with his new job, but Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is celebrating their tenth anniversary as a Project SEARCH host site.
"The class of 2025 is our tenth graduating class from the Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Project SEARCH program," said Jane Walczak, system manager of organizational learning and development.
"Initially I heard about Project SEARCH through the teachers at my high school," said Rapids. "The Project SEARCH instructor came over to our school and gave a presentation. My teachers assisted me with completing the application and getting me to skills day."
Project SEARCH is a nine-month program administered in Wisconsin by the Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The program provides students with disabilities hands-on job training through workplace rotations at local businesses. Interns receive classroom instruction from local school districts and personalized support from disability service providers. DVR offers job search assistance and provides individualized support to participants both during the program and after graduation.
After being accepted into the Project SEARCH program, Rapids completed two job rotations at Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids. His first was in the food and nutrition department, where he took inventory and stocked the hospital's kitchens, cleaned dishes, and prepped meals for home delivery. His second job rotation proved to be the most impactful, with the internship eventually turning into a permanent role.
"The thing I am most proud of in applying to Project SEARCH is obtaining my current position at the hospital, Rapids said."
Rapids was hired as a part-time dietary aide at Aspirus. His responsibilities include delivering food trays to patient care floors, helping with food prep, assembling home-delivery meals, retrieving trays from patients, and dishwashing. This year marks a dual milestone for both Rapids and his employer. Not only has Rapids reached a significant personal goal with his new job, but Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital is celebrating their tenth anniversary as a Project SEARCH host site.
"The class of 2025 is our tenth graduating class from the Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Project SEARCH program," said Jane Walczak, system manager of organizational learning and development.
Supporting Youth Mental Health Through SEL in Wisconsin Rapids
There is a critical need to promote mental health and well-being for young people, helping them build resilience, cope with challenges, and grow into healthy, well-rounded adults. Yet, across the nation and in our local communities, the mental health of children and adolescents has become a growing concern. Stressors ranging from academic pressures to family struggles and social challenges are taking a toll on youth well-being.
Recognizing this need, Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital has proudly supported the Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area in advancing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs for its members. SEL programming provides youth with the foundational skills to thrive not only in school, but also in life—skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship-building, problem-solving, and resilience. The Boys & Girls Club has seen firsthand the difference SEL makes in the lives of its members. For many young people facing real-world challenges, these programs provide a safe place to learn how to identify, understand, and manage their emotions. This leads to healthier coping strategies, reduced conflict, and improved communication. SEL also strengthens peer and adult relationships by fostering empathy, teamwork, and active listening—skills that create a more inclusive environment. Youth engaged in SEL demonstrate improved classroom behavior and academic focus, giving them an advantage as they prepare for higher education or future careers. For those navigating trauma, anxiety, or unstable home situations, SEL offers tools for long-term mental wellness and a stronger sense of self-worth. Perhaps most importantly, SEL instills lifelong skills such as leadership, decision-making, and empathy, helping to raise not just good students, but engaged, responsible citizens.
Both Aspirus and the Boys & Girls Club share a deep commitment to supporting mental health, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Together, we recognize that untreated mental health challenges in childhood and adolescence can negatively affect academics, relationships, and overall quality of life. They may also increase vulnerability to substance use, violence, or risky behaviors.
“By investing in Social and Emotional Learning programs, we’re investing in the future of our community,” said Sarah Beversdorf, Community Health Improvement Specialist at Aspirus. “These programs give kids the tools to manage stress, build positive relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging."
Recognizing this need, Aspirus Wisconsin Rapids Hospital has proudly supported the Boys & Girls Club of the Wisconsin Rapids Area in advancing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs for its members. SEL programming provides youth with the foundational skills to thrive not only in school, but also in life—skills such as emotional intelligence, relationship-building, problem-solving, and resilience. The Boys & Girls Club has seen firsthand the difference SEL makes in the lives of its members. For many young people facing real-world challenges, these programs provide a safe place to learn how to identify, understand, and manage their emotions. This leads to healthier coping strategies, reduced conflict, and improved communication. SEL also strengthens peer and adult relationships by fostering empathy, teamwork, and active listening—skills that create a more inclusive environment. Youth engaged in SEL demonstrate improved classroom behavior and academic focus, giving them an advantage as they prepare for higher education or future careers. For those navigating trauma, anxiety, or unstable home situations, SEL offers tools for long-term mental wellness and a stronger sense of self-worth. Perhaps most importantly, SEL instills lifelong skills such as leadership, decision-making, and empathy, helping to raise not just good students, but engaged, responsible citizens.
Both Aspirus and the Boys & Girls Club share a deep commitment to supporting mental health, diversity, inclusion, and belonging. Together, we recognize that untreated mental health challenges in childhood and adolescence can negatively affect academics, relationships, and overall quality of life. They may also increase vulnerability to substance use, violence, or risky behaviors.
“By investing in Social and Emotional Learning programs, we’re investing in the future of our community,” said Sarah Beversdorf, Community Health Improvement Specialist at Aspirus. “These programs give kids the tools to manage stress, build positive relationships, and feel a true sense of belonging."
