FORT PIERCE \u2014 Laughter, live music, and the smell of sizzling food filled the air Thursday, Nov. 20, as families, friends, and supporters gathered at Project LIFT\u2019s Fort Pierce campus to celebrate the organization\u2019s inaugural Blue Collar Ball and its impact on local teens.<\/p>\n
The event brought together current students, alumni, donors, and community partners in celebration of Project LIFT\u2019s mission: providing teens with mental health support, substance abuse treatment, and hands-on training in skilled trades.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo to see what this has really turned into, and the support that we get from the community here\u2026 for a first-time event to sell out several weeks ago is pretty incredible,\u201d said CEO and founder Bob Zaccheo. \u201cIt really means a lot that the community supports Project LIFT like this.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The program uses skilled trades like carpentry, welding, and construction as a replacement behavior, giving participants practical skills while building self-confidence and purpose.<\/p>\n
The organization began in Martin County and later expanded to Palm Beach County and most recently, Fort Pierce in 2022.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe teach something no one else is willing to teach skills that give these kids dignity, hope, and a promise in the future,\u201d said Zaccheo.<\/p>\n
Project LIFT\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I first got to Project LIFT, I thought I wouldn\u2019t be there long because I\u2019d rather get high, skip school, and disrespect teachers. I didn\u2019t care. I didn\u2019t have any drive,\u201d Stevens said.<\/p>\n
The program helped him move from struggles with school and substance abuse to a bright career path, apprenticeships, and renewed confidence in himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cProject LIFT felt like a family. They helped me out and showed me skills in life so I could become a better man\u2026 Mr. Rick was always the father figure I didn\u2019t have,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Project LIFT\u2019s staff play a crucial role in supporting students beyond trades training.<\/p>\n
Rain Cora, a mental health therapist, highlighted the program\u2019s focus on building trust and addressing underlying challenges:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe meet their basic needs first food, shelter, clothing, then build trust and a therapeutic relationship. It feels like a family here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chris Kruger, Marketing Specialist & Program Coordinator, emphasized the organization\u2019s educational and career support:<\/p>\n
\u201cWe help students earn a high school diploma, gain certifications, and participate in internships, so they\u2019re ready to succeed in the workplace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Together, the organization\u2019s staff ensure that Project LIFT isn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For Project LIFT, the Blue Collar Ball wasn\u2019t 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,\u201d said Zaccheo.<\/p>\n