Mental Health & Vocational Program

Both Boys & Girls Programming are offered at no cost for high school students at our Palm City and Belle Glade locations, and transportation is provided for anyone in Martin County or Western Palm Beach County.

Programming Components:

Clinical: Our 14 to 20-week program includes individual and group counseling with licensed therapists who utilize evidence-based practices. Therapists provide high quality mental health treatment alongside vocational instructors who help teens replace substance use or other negative behaviors with a marketable skill and career path. Unlimited aftercare is available to those who complete the initial program.

Skilled Trade Instruction: Training is provided in Welding, Carpentry/Construction, Auto Repair, HVAC, Screenprinting, Small Engine Repair, Boat Building & Marine Mechanics, and Electrical.

Pathway Academy of Innovation: Participants who have dropped out of school can earn their accredited high school diploma on site, with one-on-one assistance from a teacher.

Service Learning: Teaching youth to give back to their community is an integral component of our programming. We receive vehicle donations which are used for hands-on auto repair instruction, and then given back to local families in need. Teens also frequently participate in beach clean ups, home restoration projects for seniors in need, and other community service.

Mentoring: At-risk youth need trusted adults in their life! Mentors work alongside teens teaching trades or other skills, listening for growth opportunities, and providing a trusting and safe environment to learn and grow.

Family Style Meals: Each programming day ends with a healthy meal where members sit down to eat with their fellow participants, staff, and mentors.

Incentive Pay: All members are required to go through drug and alcohol testing as a condition of employment. Those who test clean for drugs and alcohol receive a stipend for the work they complete while on site. This provides dignity and motivation for continued success! 97% of Project LIFT members completed the program drug and alcohol free last year.

Career Readiness & Job Placement: Our programming includes instruction and guidance in interviewing, resume preparation, and life skills. Our relationships with local industry and business owners allow us to assist members with job placement.

Strong Families: This poverty alleviation curriculum is offered at no cost to family members of teens attending our Belle Glade programming. Topics include budgeting, understanding and managing credit, and goal setting to help the families move to economic self-sufficiency and break the chains of poverty.