Project Lift

Project Lift provides therapy through the unique platform of vocational training. At no cost, at-risk 14-25-year-old men and women engage in hands on training in skilled trades while licensed therapists provide evidence based mental health and substance abuse treatement. This strategy, which we call "therapy under the hood of a car" features skilled instructors in auto repair, welding, carpentry & construction, electrical, and more! This apprentice style paid training in the skilled trades using industry standard equipment has attracted local employers who use volunteers to train and seek out prospective employees, allowing for job placement and a viable path to economic self-sufficiency. Teens are referred by the juvenile justice system, probation officers, school guidance counselors, and community partners. Project Lift's treatment strategy has proven more efficient and effective with adolecents than standard counseling, resulting in hopeful, sober, employable, and productive citizents. More than 5,000 individuals have benefited from this program across 3 counties. By removing the stigma associated with vocational training, and empowering teens to cultivate the dignity that results form mastering a skilled trade, we can foster success. Job placement assistance is offered upon program completion, and we have developed strategic partnerships with local businesses who hire our program graduates. Each day of programming ends with a family style meal, where youth gather to eat alongside staff and mentors. This is pivotal, as it develops a sense of community, respect, and belonging. Many of the teens we serve do not experience this simple, yet meaningful ritual at home, and it helps to create a foundation of trust that breaks down barriers to engaging fully in treatment. A seperate boys program and girls after school program are offered, as well as a day program for young adults. Participants are paid a stipend for the work they do, as long as they test clean for drugs and alcohol. Random urine drug testing is conducted for all participants weekly. Incentive pay places value on their hard work and creates additional incentive to stay clean and motivated.community service is a cornerstone of our programming. For example, our participants have been responsible for repairing and giving away more than 165 cars to needy families. In the evolution of behavior, teens make the transition from being takers to givers, creating opportunities for deeper moral reasoning. Additionally, our on-side pathway academy of innovation offers youth who have dropped out or are struggling to graduate, the opportunity to obtain an accredited high school dipoloma while learning a trade.