EVOLVING LIVES IS INVESTED IN HUMAN POTENTIAL

Evolving Lives is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization operating as certified vendors for the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

We provide assistance for youth who are transitioning from post-education to pre-employment. Through paid work-based learning, job development, and job coaching, Evolving Lives assists our consumers with finding and maintaining meaningful employment. We work with individuals to become more independent so they may have a greater sense of autonomy in their lives. Psycho-education is also used to promote a healthier self-worth and foster emotional intelligence.

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Paid Work Based Learning Experience

A training program allowing participants to gain experience in any
professional trade skill, industry, or business. All participants are:

Insured with Workers Compensation and bonded through the Florida Department of Education.
Paid through the Department of Education.
Motivated to learn and gain professional experiences in desired field.
Provided background screenings 1 or 2 and/or any other Requirements of worksites are covered by Evolving Lives.
Eligible for business and organizations to receive tax incentives through participation.

Business and organizations participating include but not limited too: TJX Corporations, Old navy, The Muffin Tin & Chuck Wagon Restaurants, LS Customs Electric, High Gloss Marines, Think box Technologies, and Computing Logistics.
If you participate and decide to hire one of our participants, you are eligible to receive tax incentives from the IRS.
See links below to obtain information on receiving yearly tax incentives.

WHY DO WE EXIST?

Evolving Lives Inc. exists to empower individuals, communities, and organizations to reach their full potential and live their most fulfilling lives. Our mission is to:

- Provide innovative solutions and resources for personal and professional growth

- Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility

- Support mental health, well-being, and resilience

- Advocate for education, awareness, and systemic change

- Connect people and organizations to create meaningful impact

By existing, Evolving Lives Inc. aims to make a positive difference in the lives of others, contributing to a more compassionate, equitable, and thriving world for all.

Statistics Show

- In 2023, the employment-population ratio for people with disabilities ages 16 to 64 increased by 2.3 percentage points to 37.1 percent.

- In 2023, the employment-population ratio for people without disabilities ages 16 to 64 increased by 0.6 percentage points to 75.0 percent.

- Nationally, youth and young adults with disabilities (ages 14–24) are about 16 percent less likely to be employed than their peers without disabilities.

- For young adults aged 18-24 with disabilities in the U.S., college enrollment rates are 27.3 percent compared to the national average of 43.4 percent for young adults without disabilities.

- Labor Force Participation Rate for people with disabilities aged 16 to 64 years was 40.6% in April 2024, and 24.5% for those 16 and older.

Meet the Staff

  • Khris Lucin, LCSW

    Program Director / Barry U Graduate

  • Merida Picon

    Employment Specialist

  • Brendan Hess, Ba psych

    Employment Specialist/ Tutoring & Mentoring/ FIU MSW Program

  • Veronica Velez

    Office Clerk

  • Julian Enriquez

    Administrative Grant Writer

  • Amanda Soler

    Supportive Employment Specialist

  • Eliezer Rosario-Lopez

    Graphic Designer Project Manager

  • Jaime Madruga

    IT Specialist

Meet Our Interns

  • Neha Ahmad

    Masters Social Work Intern

  • Tiffany Bethel

    Bachelors Social Work Intern

Active Partners