About Us

Project LIFT delivers innovative mental health services through the unique platform of vocational training.

Our programs are offered at no cost for young men and women ages 14–24 at our Palm City, Fort Pierce, and Belle Glade locations. Transportation is available for participants in Martin, St. Lucie, and western Palm Beach County. Students receive hands-on training in a variety of trades while licensed therapists help them address challenges such as depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, abuse, and anger.

Project LIFT began in March 2010 when licensed therapist Bob Zaccheo traded his counseling office for a pair of work boots after discovering that teens engaged more willingly in therapy while working with their hands. He rented a warehouse and began providing “therapy under the hood of a car” while teaching auto repair skills. Bob quickly realized that teens who once resisted traditional therapy opened up and made progress more rapidly when motivated by vocational goals and the pursuit of sobriety.

He invited five teens to join an intensive 14-week program combining vocational skills training, substance abuse treatment, group and individual therapy, and mentoring. This effort launched the innovative programming that has since expanded to three locations, a thriving Girls Program, six skilled trades, and an accredited high school diploma program.