PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - Jacob Mrazik has plenty to keep him busy at AdventHealth Port Charlotte: receiving deliveries, restocking departments and helping make sure hospital teams have the supplies they need to provide exceptional whole-person care for community members.

But when he talks about why he enjoys coming to work, he starts with the people.

"I enjoy it. I like everyone I work with. I like being here," said Mrazik, a supply chain technician.

The 21-year-old came to the hospital through Project SEARCH, a program that helps young adults with disabilities build workplace skills and prepare for competitive, integrated employment. Today, he is also helping new interns learn the work he once trained to do himself.

During October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Mrazik's experience illustrates how hands-on training can lead to a job, supportive colleagues and opportunities to help others succeed.

Through AdventHealth Port Charlotte's partnership with Charlotte County Public Schools and Project SEARCH, interns gain experience in hospital departments with support from skills trainers and department mentors.

Mrazik already had a job when he joined the program in August 2024. He worked at a pizza restaurant, initially washing dishes and later making pizzas. His participation in Project SEARCH added hospital training to an already busy schedule.

"And then while he was in the program, he came to the program every day and then went and worked at night," said Arynne Keezer, a Project SEARCH skills trainer.

One of his internships was in supply chain. It gave him firsthand experience with the department's responsibilities before he accepted a position there in June 2025.

Looking back, Mrazik describes the program in practical terms.

"You really learn what you have to do. You get the job skills that you need, and you learn the basics of day-to-day work life," he said.

Now, those lessons are part of his daily routine.

His responsibilities include receiving packages, recording delivery information and taking supplies where they belong. He enjoys having work to do throughout the day.

Beyond his own responsibilities, he has taken on another role, helping current Project SEARCH interns understand the department's processes.

"I enjoy it," Mrazik said of mentoring.

For him, the goal is to "get them what they need and make sure they understand what they're doing."

Keezer sees that patience in the way he teaches.

"He really has a good way of explaining things for the interns so that they can grasp the concepts," she said.

Mrazik is one of six current AdventHealth team members who previously participated in Project SEARCH.

According to program information, 27 participants have gained employment at the hospital or elsewhere.

"Project SEARCH gives our departments an opportunity to help people develop their skills while getting to know potential future team members," said AdventHealth Port Charlotte President and CEO Adam Johnson. "Jacob is contributing to our hospital every day, and now he is sharing his experience with new interns. That is a meaningful example of what this partnership can accomplish."

Away from the hospital, Mrazik enjoys fishing, basketball, reading, video games and spending time with his parents.

At work, he has found a place where he enjoys spending his day.

"It's amazing. I really enjoy coming here," he said. "Everybody's nice, so it's nice working here. It's great."

For more information about Project SEARCH, including how to participate in the program, click here. For more details about AdventHealth Port Charlotte, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.