Don't Simply Survive — Thrive!
Thrive! is a positive local program that is impacting lives in our community!
Thrive! works with people struggling with poverty and provides assistance through a long-term (18-month) “walk with me” approach as we help each other engage the stressors of life in poverty.
Those in poverty who join Thrive! are known as Leaders because they become leaders of their teams. Individuals called Allies join the Leaders as they work to improve their lives. The Allies “walk with the Leaders” two Tuesday evenings per month, and together they work to address problems and causes of stress. These teams become guided friendships through small group discussions that address the difficulties experienced by the Leader, including self-advocacy, setting goals, financial management, and improving relationships. As the adults learn, the Thrive! children’s program supports the Leaders’ changes, thus reducing generational poverty.
Thrive! works with people struggling with poverty and provides assistance through a long-term (18-month) “walk with me” approach as we help each other engage the stressors of life in poverty.
Those in poverty who join Thrive! are known as Leaders because they become leaders of their teams. Individuals called Allies join the Leaders as they work to improve their lives. The Allies “walk with the Leaders” two Tuesday evenings per month, and together they work to address problems and causes of stress. These teams become guided friendships through small group discussions that address the difficulties experienced by the Leader, including self-advocacy, setting goals, financial management, and improving relationships. As the adults learn, the Thrive! children’s program supports the Leaders’ changes, thus reducing generational poverty.
how it works
The graphic below illustrates the Thrive! process. Click to view a larger (printable) version.
Results
Thrive! has had enormous impact on those completing the 18-month program. Leaders report feeling less stressed and more in control of their futures. Allies also report a positive experience.
Values
Thrive! adheres to the following values.
- There is no shame in poverty. We respect the dignity of all.
- Poverty is more than financial instability: It is the extent to which one lives without resources; therefore, poverty is best alleviated through building positive relationships.
- Poverty is a multi-generational issue and must be addressed at all age levels.
- Our community needs help recognizing the root causes and potential solutions to poverty.
How you can help
Thrive! offers many different volunteer opportunities. Find the best fit for you and help us make an impact!
Download a handout that lists these options.
Volunteer as an Ally
We believe the only way to help someone move from surviving to thriving is through relationships. Allies are community volunteers who join a team consisting of one Leader (individual facing financial instability) and 2 to 3 Allies for 12 months of support and encouragement. Allies are asked to attend on the first and third Tuesdays of the month for dinner and Team Time from 5:45-8:00 p.m. To learn more or to volunteer, email Jayme Morris-Hardeman at director.thriveflinthills@gmail.com or fill out the application (also available as a Word document).
Volunteer with youth programming
Each week, our youth in Kindergarten and older attend youth programming where they learn the same skills their parents are working on that week. We are looking for consistent volunteers to assist with youth programming. For more information or to volunteer, contact Susan Wendland at youth.thriveflinthills@gmail.com.
Provide a meal
Do you like to cook? Are you part of a group looking to perform community service? Thrive! provides a meal each Tuesday night for our participants, and we are seeking groups to provide meals once a year, once quarter, or once a month. For more information or to volunteer, contact Susan Wendland at youth.thriveflinthills@gmail.com.
Serve on the Development Committee
Do you like organizing events? Our Development Committee is seeking volunteers to help with our fundraising events. For more information or to volunteer, contact Susan Wendland at youth.thriveflinthills@gmail.com.
Adopt a family
Most of our families are struggling to have enough funds to pay for rent, utilities, and food and lack the funds for basic personal and home-care supplies — personal care items, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, etc. This year, we are pairing each family with an anonymous volunteer to provide for those needs. To obtain a list, contact our executive director, Jayme Morris-Hardeman, at jmorrishardeman@gmail.com.
Spread the word about Thrive!
Please share the work of Thrive! with your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Word of mouth is our best form of marketing for volunteers! Follow us on Facebook and share our news: https://www.facebook.com/Thriveflinthills
“Thrive! matters to us because we have a support system that is committed to helping us reach our goals, no matter how small they may seem to others.” Elizabeth, Leader
Download a handout that lists these options.
Volunteer as an Ally
We believe the only way to help someone move from surviving to thriving is through relationships. Allies are community volunteers who join a team consisting of one Leader (individual facing financial instability) and 2 to 3 Allies for 12 months of support and encouragement. Allies are asked to attend on the first and third Tuesdays of the month for dinner and Team Time from 5:45-8:00 p.m. To learn more or to volunteer, email Jayme Morris-Hardeman at director.thriveflinthills@gmail.com or fill out the application (also available as a Word document).
Volunteer with youth programming
Each week, our youth in Kindergarten and older attend youth programming where they learn the same skills their parents are working on that week. We are looking for consistent volunteers to assist with youth programming. For more information or to volunteer, contact Susan Wendland at youth.thriveflinthills@gmail.com.
Provide a meal
Do you like to cook? Are you part of a group looking to perform community service? Thrive! provides a meal each Tuesday night for our participants, and we are seeking groups to provide meals once a year, once quarter, or once a month. For more information or to volunteer, contact Susan Wendland at youth.thriveflinthills@gmail.com.
Serve on the Development Committee
Do you like organizing events? Our Development Committee is seeking volunteers to help with our fundraising events. For more information or to volunteer, contact Susan Wendland at youth.thriveflinthills@gmail.com.
Adopt a family
Most of our families are struggling to have enough funds to pay for rent, utilities, and food and lack the funds for basic personal and home-care supplies — personal care items, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, etc. This year, we are pairing each family with an anonymous volunteer to provide for those needs. To obtain a list, contact our executive director, Jayme Morris-Hardeman, at jmorrishardeman@gmail.com.
Spread the word about Thrive!
Please share the work of Thrive! with your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Word of mouth is our best form of marketing for volunteers! Follow us on Facebook and share our news: https://www.facebook.com/Thriveflinthills
“Thrive! matters to us because we have a support system that is committed to helping us reach our goals, no matter how small they may seem to others.” Elizabeth, Leader
Looking for details?
Take a look at our Bylaws and our Personnel, Policy and Procedures Manual.
