Workforce and Transition Services

THRIVE Academy

Workforce & Transition Services

At Family Initiative, we believe that preparing students for adulthood means creating opportunities to build independence, develop workplace skills, and explore meaningful career paths.

Through our Workforce & Transition Services programs, students and young adults with different abilities gain real-world experiences, workplace readiness skills, and individualized support that prepares them for competitive employment.

In partnership with Thrive Academy, Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Lee County Government, our programs support individuals ages 14–25 as they prepare for life beyond school.

Workforce and Transition Services are led by Jayme Fusco, Director of Transitional Services at Family Initiative, who works closely with students, families, educators, and community partners to support successful transitions into adulthood and employment.

Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS)

Developing Career Skills Before Graduation

Pre-Employment Transition Services are federally funded through Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and are designed to help students with different abilities ages 14–21 prepare for employment and life after graduation.

Programs may include:

  • After school Pre-ETS pilot programming
  • Seasonal Career Camps
  • Career Exploration and job readiness activities
  • Job shadowing and work-based learning opportunities.

SERVICES FOCUS
ON FIVE KEY AREAS:

1

Job exploration counseling

2

Work-based learning experiences

3

Workplace readiness training

4

Instruction in self-advocacy

5

Counseling on post-secondary opportunities

PROJECT SEARCH

Where Workplace Experience Builds Career Pathways

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized employment preparation program for young adults with different abilities ages 18–25.

Founded in 1996 at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the program provides immersive workplace training designed to prepare participants for competitive employment.

Our Downtown Fort Myers site is hosted at Lee County Government and operated by Family Initiative in partnership with Thrive Academy and Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Our program is proud to be the first Hybrid Project SEARCH program in the State of Florida, expanding the traditional model to serve both transition-age students and young adults who have already graduated.

Participants complete three internship rotations within Lee County Government departments while receiving daily employability instruction, job coaching, and individualized employment planning.

Play Video

See how interns build real-world

skills and prepare for employment

with Project SEARCH.