DEMING – The City of Deming celebrated a milestone in workforce development and inclusive public service this week as the first local cohort of Project SEARCH interns completed the program and were recognized during a graduation ceremony at City Hall.
The ceremony was held May 26 and was followed by a reception at the 19th Hole Bar and Grill. Four interns successfully completed Deming’s first Project SEARCH program, marking what city officials described as an important step forward for both the interns and the community.
Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized workforce development transition program that helps young adults with disabilities gain meaningful, real-world workplace experience while building career readiness skills. In Deming, the program began as an effort to support workforce development, but city officials said it quickly became something larger: a workplace culture initiative focused on inclusion, service, growth and opportunity.
Throughout the program, interns worked alongside City of Deming staff members in a real workplace setting, learning job skills, adapting to new responsibilities and gaining confidence through hands-on experience. City officials said the interns demonstrated self-initiative, adaptability and self-advocacy, qualities that are valuable in any workplace and any community.
Mayor Michelle Shillito said the success of the first cohort showed what can happen when a community works together with compassion and purpose.
“These interns not only gained workplace experience, but also helped strengthen our organization and remind us what public service truly means,” Shillito said.
Lt. Gov. Howie Morales attended the ceremony and delivered special remarks, commending the graduates and recognizing the collaboration that helped bring the program to life in Deming.
Certificates of recognition were also presented on behalf of the New Mexico House of Representatives by Rep. Jennifer Jones, honoring the interns for their accomplishments and dedication.
City officials said Project SEARCH also reinforced one of the most important ideas behind local government and public service: serving one another. The relationships built during the internship experience showed how communities grow stronger when people are valued, empowered and given the opportunity to contribute.
The City of Deming thanked the many partners who helped establish and support the program, including the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Love of Rose, Deming Public Schools, Deming Luna County Economic Development, Luna County, local business owners, community leaders, mentors and advocates.
As Deming looks ahead to future Project SEARCH cohorts, city officials expressed optimism that the program will continue to grow as both a workforce pipeline and a model for inclusive public service in the region.
For the graduates, the ceremony represented more than the completion of an internship. It marked a public celebration of ability, perseverance and the value of opening doors for people who are ready to work, learn and serve.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications – john@bravomic.com
