For more than three years, Francisco Gonzalez has been making dreams and jobs come true.
Gonzalez, manager of hospitality and concierge services at Texas Health Dallas, oversees the hospital’s Project SEARCH program. The one-year, unpaid internship program provides high school seniors with disabilities, an opportunity to learn life skills and hands-on training at a host business site.
Gonzalez’s desire to improve the lives of people with disabilities started 40 years ago when he began volunteering with the Special Olympics. “It’s a passion of mine supporting programs for special needs — and being the voice for this group.” A few years ago, he learned about Project SEARCH and in his words, “took the ball and ran with it.”
Since 2017, the collaborative effort has involved Texas Health Dallas, Richardson Independent School District, Project SEARCH and Quest Employment Services. Before acceptance into the program, students must apply and pass an interview process. From there, they work three 10-week rotations. With more than 25 departments committed to the program at Texas Health Dallas, students have the option of interning in a wide range of locations, from Environmental Services (EVS) to Surgery.
“We’ve had about 40 students come through the program and out of 40, we’ve been able to hire 14 of them,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez is like a proud father when he speaks of the students he works with.
“These young men and women that come into the program become my family,” Gonzalez said. “To hear these success stories of them reaching their goals, gaining the ability to be on their own. Its very hard for me to hold back my tears. Anytime you see these kids learn and flourish, right before your eyes…its like ‘Wow! This is amazing!’”
We’re proud to call Francisco Gonzalez this week’s KRLD Difference Maker.
If you know someone making a difference in the community, send us an email at differencemaker@krld.com .