Toolbox4Life is designed to train students in the basic skills needed to succeed in a commercial kitchen or on a construction site. It is a holistic approach through which we build into the students’ professional, life and job skills. In a safe classroom setting, our hope is to see students develop a community and gain a deeper sense of value to realize their personal and professional goals. Donations to Toolbox4Life allow us to provide this class to students free of charge.
What the Program Entails
In our program, local professionals lend their expertise and talent in workforce training. We also offer personal skills development, helpful in not only getting a job but keeping a job and excelling or advancing in a career. We also coordinate a six-week job shadowing experience (culinary program), which provides opportunities for students to gain real world work experience and mentoring. Finally, a health and wellness component is included as well. From learning how to eat healthfully and economically to yoga, exercise and health screenings are included. We like to have fun too! We’ve been guests of the Orlando City Ballet, Universal Studios, the Orlando Art Museum and the Sanford Zoo.
Professional Skills Development
In addition to the program details above, we offer resume preparation, interview instruction and Dress for Success. The sessions include exercises and activities revolving around decision-making skills, communication skills, and relationship skills. These life skills are addressed throughout the program whenever the opportunity arises. Building a supportive peer atmosphere and a safe place to explore and learn more about students’ gifts, interests and desires is a critical component of our program.
Personal Skills Development
These sessions consist of exercises and activities to help the members gain self-awareness and self-esteem, as well as encourage responsibility for and accountability in their actions. Some of the topics include stress and anger management, re-framing of situations, healthy decision making and lifestyle, and building a support network.
Who We Are
Toolbox4Life was developed in Winter Park, Florida. We are committed to building stronger communities by focusing on issues challenging men, women and children in at-risk communities in Central Florida and around the world.
Toolbox4Life was created to come alongside men and women who are not only in a tough spot, but also those caught in the wake of seemingly insurmountable challenges; homelessness, sex/human trafficking, domestic abuse, addiction, mental health challenges and incarceration. We’ve had the opportunity to help men and women in life transition, or those just needing encouragement on the way to what might be their next opportunity. If this is a personal or professional interest of yours, please feel free to check out our volunteer opportunities on this website.