Riverview School to recognize Cape Cod Healthcare President and CEO Michael Lauf, with “Dream Maker Award” at Annual Gala

Filed Under: Other News

On Friday, June 16, 2017 at 5 p.m., Riverview School will hold the 19th annual “Village of Dreams” Gala on its campus at 551 Route 6A in East Sandwich.
This year, the School will present its “Dream Maker Award” to Cape Cod Healthcare President and CEO, Michael K. Lauf, who has made a significant difference in the lives of its students through Project SEARCH, an innovative vocational training program that Cape Cod Hospital has been participating in for the past two years, and will expand to include Falmouth Hospital this fall.
Project SEARCH is a nationwide business-led collaboration that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration. The Project SEARCH partnership between Riverview School and Cape Cod Healthcare is a one-year workforce alternative. The transition program is available to students who are in their last year at Riverview. It focuses on building skills that are useful to employers. Students participate in three internships at Cape Cod Healthcare including positions in the ER and administrative departments. The on-the-job training and education prepares students for competitive employment.
“Cape Cod Healthcare’s dedication to Riverview students has been nothing short of life-changing. Students who participate in Project SEARCH at the Hospital develop fantastic job skills, but also self-confidence and self-advocacy skills that they will use for the rest of their lives,” said Riverview Head of School, Stewart Miller.
Current Riverview students participating in the program agree. “Being a part of the Project SEARCH program has helped me gain job experience while working in a big company like Cape Cod Healthcare. There’s a lot to do, I’m always busy and I get to learn new skills all the time. I also really enjoy helping people out,” says student Alex Holder.  Stephanie Curtin, another Riverview student enjoying the program says, “I enjoy helping others at Cape Cod Hospital. It makes me feel good to see them smile,” she said.
And Riverview’s Project SEARCH students have both patients and Cape Cod Healthcare staff members smiling and feeling good too.  Michael K. Lauf, President and CEO of Cape Cod Healthcare, who is responsible for the thriving partnership said, “The partnership between Cape Cod Healthcare and Riverview School has been great for everyone involved. The Riverview students are well-trained, polite and a pleasure to work with. We are proud to be able to provide them with our state-of-the-art facilities in which to learn, and with jobs that both challenge and inspire them. The fact that we are expanding the program to Falmouth Hospital this fall is testament to just how well it’s going.”
Mr. Lauf will be honored at the Village of Dreams Gala, which attracts more than 350 guests and includes a live and silent auction. For more information, please visit riverviewschool.org/gala or call Riverview’s Special Events Manager, Kristen Sarkarati at 508-888-0489 x302.