neba Highlights

4/3/2026

Where Opportunity Begins

Rebekah Creel wearing a red shirt and jean jacket. She appears to be talking to people.

When Springfield College and neba come together through Project SEARCH, the result is more than training, it’s real-world experience that builds confidence, skills, and independence. For participants like Rebekah, this partnership creates a meaningful bridge from learning to the workplace, with support every step of the way.

This blog post was written by Rebekah Creel and tells her journey with neba, Project SEARCH, and Springfield College. We hope you enjoy.

Rebekah Creel sitting at a desk with a stack of mailers next to her. She is smiling.

Working and living independently used to feel overwhelming and unachievable. As an autistic and ADHD adult, the usual paths into the working world just weren’t feasible. With the help of my mom and my Department of Developmental Services (DDS) coordinator, I started looking into some options for helping me get into work. We checked out a couple of options, which, while nice, weren’t quite the right fit for me.

Then we checked out Project SEARCH. Since 2018, Springfield College has collaborated with New England Business Associates and introduced interns who participate in the community’s Project SEARCH program. The Project SEARCH members at Springfield College gain valuable work experience through months-long internship rotations with a variety of departments and offices within the campus community.

After attending an informational meeting and learning more about Project SEARCH, we knew we had found what we were looking for. Project SEARCH wouldn’t just try to help me get a job, the staff would give me the opportunity to build experience first in a stable environment. They would also teach me skills I would need for finding paid work, such as making a resume and doing interviews, as well as general life skills. I also was glad to learn that they would continue providing support in the transition to paid work.
Once I had filled out an application and done an interview, I got the call-- I was in! The program started in late August 2025, and after two weeks of orientation, Brian Benoit, one of the supervisors, told us what our first internships would be.

I was assigned to an internship in the Flynn Campus Union, specifically the John M Wilson Center, the Center for Service and Leadership, and the Mary Ann Coughlin Pride Pantry. Working at the Union wasn’t my first choice, but I ended up loving my time working there. I found I really enjoyed the tasks I did there: organizing books for a book sale, working with spreadsheets, sending emails, and stocking pantry shelves, among others. I also appreciated that working in the pantry gave me the opportunity to build confidence talking to people I didn’t know. Also, if you went to the John M Wilson Center from September 8 through December 5, that was me writing the question of the week!

After a transitional week, I was assigned to my current internship in the Office of Marketing. As a fan of design, this was one that I had been hoping for. Like with the Union, it’s a lot of office-type work, but I also get to help with things like filming and editing videos for the College’s official social media, taking notes about the design of college materials, or writing for the College blog!

But more important than simply enjoying my tasks or getting job experience is how friendly and kind everyone I’ve worked with is. From the Project SEARCH supervisors (Ruth Poirier, Jenna Orwat, and Brian Benoit), to my fellow interns, to my various supervisors and co-workers (I wish I could list you all!), everyone I’ve encountered here at Springfield College has proudly displayed the culture of Humanics that is so encouraged here. I’m so blessed to have had an opportunity to be part of such a wonderful community, and I know that whatever the future brings, Project SEARCH and everyone I’ve met as a result have helped me be prepared for it.

About the Author
Rebekah Creel is an intern working at Springfield College through Project SEARCH. She has worked at both the Flynn Campus Union and the Office of Marketing. She likes reading and video games, and she hopes to work in a library someday. She greatly enjoys being a part of the Springfield College community.

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