Project SEARCH graduate Nick Kenzie, Abby Adam and Josh Holsinger.

 Project SEARCH graduate Nick Kenzie, Abby Adam and Josh Holsinger.

Denise Jones, The Resource Center’s chief executive officer, thanked TRC’s employment services team and UPMC for their commitment to Project SEARCH.

“I’m very excited to see this program grow in Chautauqua County,” she said.

Addressing the graduates, Jones told them, “I’ve seen so much growth and confidence in the three of you as you’ve gone through this project.”

Katie Geise, executive director of Chautauqua Works, was the keynote speaker at the ceremony. She praised TRC and UPMC for partnering on a program that can help diversify the local economy.

“What we need in Chautauqua County is to have every, single person feel welcomed and have a place in the workforce,” she said. “Project SEARCH did exactly that.”