FORT PIERCE — Laughter, live music, and the smell of sizzling food filled the air Thursday, Nov. 20, as families, friends, and supporters gathered at Project LIFT’s Fort Pierce campus to celebrate the organization’s inaugural Blue Collar Ball and its impact on local teens.
The event brought together current students, alumni, donors, and community partners in celebration of Project LIFT’s mission: providing teens with mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and hands-on training in skilled trades.
“So to see what this has really turned into, and the support that we get from the community here… for a first-time event to sell out several weeks ago is pretty incredible,” said CEO and founder Bob Zaccheo. “It really means a lot that the community supports Project LIFT like this.”
Founded by CEO Bob Zaccheo, Project LIFT is a mental-health and substance-abuse program for teens and young adults, using skilled trades to provide support for those struggling with addiction, depression, anxiety, and challenges with school or the legal system.
The program uses skilled trades like carpentry, welding, and construction as a replacement behavior, giving participants practical skills while building self-confidence and purpose.
The organization began in Martin County and later expanded to Palm Beach County and most recently, Fort Pierce in 2022.
“We teach something no one else is willing to teach skills that give these kids dignity, hope, and a promise in the future,” said Zaccheo.
Project LIFT’s direct and supportive approach has had a transformative effect on participants. Students like Lloyd Stevens describe the organization as not just a program, but a family and a turning point in their lives.
“When I first got to Project LIFT, I thought I wouldn’t be there long because I’d rather get high, skip school, and disrespect teachers. I didn’t care. I didn’t have any drive,” Stevens said.
The program helped him move from struggles with school and substance abuse to a bright career path, apprenticeships, and renewed confidence in himself.
“Project LIFT felt like a family. They helped me out and showed me skills in life so I could become a better man… Mr. Rick was always the father figure I didn’t have,” he added.
Project LIFT’s staff play a crucial role in supporting students beyond trades training.
Rain Cora, a mental health therapist, highlighted the program’s focus on building trust and addressing underlying challenges:
“We meet their basic needs first food, shelter, clothing, then build trust and a therapeutic relationship. It feels like a family here.”
Chris Kruger, Marketing Specialist & Program Coordinator, emphasized the organization’s educational and career support:
“We help students earn a high school diploma, gain certifications, and participate in internships, so they’re ready to succeed in the workplace.”
Together, the organization’s staff ensure that Project LIFT isn’t just a program, but a comprehensive support system guiding teens and young adults toward a stable and productive future, while making their space not only safe but one to call home.
Through hands-on training, mentorship and mental health support, teens and young adults are gaining skills, confidence, and hope for the future. With the continued support of donors, mentors, and the local community, Project LIFT continues to help ensure that more students like Almuni, Lloyd Stevens, have the opportunity to turn their challenges into success, and skills to a path.
For Project LIFT, the Blue Collar Ball wasn’t just a fundraiser, it was a celebration of changed lives and the community committed to supporting teens and young adults on a path toward a brighter future,” said Zaccheo.
For more information on Project LIFT, visit projectlift.org.