Life Skills for Teens
Life Skills 4 Teens: Empowering the Next Generation —
One Real-World Lesson at a Time
If you’re raising a teenager (or are one), this is an event you won’t want to miss.
What Is Life Skills 4 Teens? Life Skills 4 Teens is a community-based program in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that helps teens (ages 15–19) learn essential real-world skills—things they won’t always get in school but absolutely need in life.
The program was started by best friends Micheale Pless and Amanda Bell, two moms on a mission. Their goal? To give teens the tools and confidence they need to become capable, independent adults.
“We just wanted to put something good into the world,” Amanda says, something amazing.”
What Happens at the Event?
These are one-day, hands-on events. Teens sign up for a full day and rotate through 12–15 mini-classes. Each course offers a “microdose” of knowledge—just enough to spark interest, build confidence, and provide useful takeaways they can use right away.
Think of it like a crash course in adulting.
Some of the skills taught include:
• How to change a tire or jump-start a car
• What to do in a police encounter
• Mock job interviews
• CPR training from actual firefighters
• Budgeting, credit scores, and how to avoid credit card traps
• How to tie a tie and practice basic etiquette
• The steps to buying a house or applying for a job
Why It Works
“We say it all the time—kids don’t know what they don’t know,” says Micheale. And that’s not their fault. Today’s teens are growing up in a world where social media can make adult life look effortless. But behind the filters, adulthood involves bills, work-life balance, tough conversations, and practical choices.
By teaching real skills in a fun, relaxed environment, teens gain not only information—but confidence.
And the smaller the group, the more powerful the impact. At a recent July session, 14 teens attended. “It was beautiful,” Amanda shares. “Everyone asked questions. You could tell they were really thinking about their future.”
Meet the People Making It Happen
One of the reasons these events are so special is the incredible lineup of volunteers and guest speakers:
• Kenneth Smith Jr. teaches teens how to build credit from scratch—and avoid common pitfalls.
• Tony Martin offers etiquette tips such as the importance of eye contact, manners, handshakes,respect, the importance of communication, and leadership- and to show how to tie a tie.
• Cody Pantano, from North Richland Hills, shows teens how to jumpstart a car and handle roadside issues.
• Local firefighters teach proper CPR, complete with the right tempo and locked arms.
• Police officer Doug Huseman, walks teens through how to handle common interactions with law enforcement calmly and safely.
Even a local plumber stopped by to show teens how to shut off the water to their homes—something that can save thousands in an emergency.
These aren’t just lectures—they’re real people sharing real-life wisdom in a way that truly resonates in an informal small setting where kids can feel safe to ask questions.
How You Can Help
Donations are the heartbeat of this nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping youth with essential life skills. As a community-driven program, we rely heavily on the generosity of donors to provide workshops, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that empower teens to thrive in school, work, and life. Every contribution—big or small—helps us build a stronger, more capable generation, right here in our own backyard.
What’s Coming in September?
Each event grows based on feedback. September will see the first time for the new class about how to vote and why civic engagement matters. It’s part of the broader mission — helping teens not just survive adulthood, but thrive as thoughtful, informed citizens.
And while this is a teen-centered program, parents are welcome too. Occasionally, there’s a Parents’ Day” where adults can attend, observe, and even learn something new themselves. Amanda and Micheale also share their personal stories as parents, building community and connection along the way.
Free, Fun, and Full of Purpose
The best part? It’s completely free.
Breakfast and lunch are included. All you have to do is register and show up ready to learn, grow, and connect.
“Giving is living,” Micheale said. “We’re all here to learn — and the more we share knowledge, the more we all grow together.”
Want to be part of something powerful? Sign up now and help us build a brighter future — one skill at a time.
Life Skills 4 Teens
Sept. 20, 8:30 – 4 pm
Location: Habitat for Humanity
9333 N Normandale | Fort Worth, TX 76116
• Free for teens (15–19), parents welcome
• Breakfast and lunch provided
•Real-world skills taught by experts
