Let’s Collaborate!
Can your business benefit from paid interns on our On The Job Training Program? All participants are insured & bonded with workers’ compensation through the Florida Department of Education.
Evolving Lives Retail Partner Program
Free On-the-Job Training & Workforce Support
A proven partnership model connecting major retailers with motivated, trained individuals ready to contribute to your workforce — at zero cost to your organization.
Executive Overview
Who We Are
Evolving Lives, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization certified by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. We are dedicated to empowering individuals with barriers to employment — including youth, persons with disabilities, veterans, and justice-involved adults — and helping them gain real work experience through structured on-the-job training programs.
Our mission extends beyond placement. We create pathways to sustainable employment by providing comprehensive support, professional coaching, and workplace readiness training that benefits both participants and our retail partners.
Why Retailers Partner With Us
In today's competitive retail environment, finding reliable, motivated team members is increasingly challenging. Our OJT partnership model addresses this by providing you with pre-screened, workplace-ready individuals who are eager to learn and contribute to your success.
The bottom line: You receive skilled workforce support without direct employment costs. Participants are paid through Evolving Lives' work-based learning system, insured through the Florida Department of Education, and supported by dedicated job coaches throughout their training period.
Workforce Challenges in Retail
The retail industry faces unprecedented workforce pressures that impact operations, customer experience, and bottom-line performance. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward finding sustainable solutions.
High Turnover Rates
Retail experiences some of the highest turnover rates across all industries, with the constant cycle of recruiting, hiring, and training creating operational disruption and knowledge gaps.
Chronic Staffing Gaps
Finding qualified candidates during peak seasons or filling unexpected vacancies puts pressure on existing teams and can compromise customer service standards.
Rising Hiring Costs
The total cost of recruiting, onboarding, and training a new employee continues to climb, straining HR budgets and reducing resources available for other operational needs.