Project LIFT

Project L.I.F.T. was developed by Bob Zaccheo, lifelong Treasure Coast resident and Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Substance Abuse Expert. Zaccheo recognized the critical need to address mental health issues with youth who are in the throes of substance abuse, depression, anxiety and family conflict. Other organizations that address similar... issues do not focus on the repercussions that a significant number of people face when they lose their jobs as a result of substance abuse or misuse, depression, anxiety, anger, and family functional issues. There are no other regional or state-wide programs similar to Project L.I.F.T. that work in an intensive out-patient setting. The combination of learning a skilled trade while at the same time learning how to deal with and overcome mental health and substance abuse issues is unique to our organization. We are filling a need that was previously unmet in our community and can serve as a model for others to easily replicate in other locations. According to Pew Public Safety 2012, Public Spending Report, 50 percent of offenders who enter a commitment program will return to a program within 3 years. Project L.I.F.T. is designed to lower that rate by preparing youth to live crime-free by teaching members a trade and equipping them with coping skills to deal with the challenges of depression, anxiety, anger and substance abuse. This program is unique in its ability to utilize the opportunity to learn a skilled trade as an incentive, while also adding the therapeutic component, as it teaches members the skills needed to remain sober and clear-minded in order to make better decisions.Read More