Financial Stability! 

Johnita started at Thrive while working 5 jobs. She was at a loss on how to make ends meet, and was exhausted! She was ready to focus on building a budget. Johnita was matched with two amazing Allies. They spent 18 months together, and throughout that time, they were able to build a plan for Johnita's future. By the time she graduated, she was working towards attaining employment at her dream job. 

After graduation, Johnita did get hired at her dream job. She also found part time work with KSU athletics, and LOVES it! She also let us know that she was able to PRE-PAY for her very first vacation. She had never been on a vacation in her adult life! 

Johnita is a great example of what Leaders can do at Thrive. Each month, they have dedicated time to work on goals. Johnita was able to build a spending plan that takes things like higher utility bills into account. She no longer stresses when a bill comes to her. She has an emergency fund, and a spending plan, so things like new tires, car repairs and other unexpected expenses can be built into her spending. We are so proud of all the work that Johnita has done! 

Meal Time Success!

We had a Leader with a family of 7. With 5 growing boys, this family was struggling to get by. Working with their Allies, it was discovered that mom never learned how to shop for meals nor do any meal planning. This Leader spent time with her Allies, and they helped give her a plan for how to look at grocery ads and how to build a menu from what was on sale. They also put together some easy recipes for the family to use. Since leaving Thrive, Mom reports that she has family dinners every night and that the family is stronger because of it. They are saving a lot of money by not eating out every day! 

Everything we do at Thrive is intentional. We model how to use our manners at the dinner table. We often discuss how to engage with our children. We also offer suggestions for conversation starters that can be used anywhere! This is a wonderful example of how what we do on a weekly basis truly makes a difference. This family is using skills they learned at Thrive and are doing well! 

Reaching Goals! 

Princess came to Thrive looking to build friendships and community. She has 2 young children and is a stay at home mom. Through her work at Thrive with her Allies, she was able to start working on her goal of getting a PT job. Not only did she want to contribute to her family's income, but she also wanted to have the opportunity to learn new skills. Princess was able to build her social capital, and through connections she made at Thrive, Princess succeeded! Princess is now the volunteer Coordinator for True Colors. She is doing a fabulous job and we are so proud of Princess! 

This is a great example of how building relationships can change someone's life. Poverty is not just financial. It is living without resources of any kind. Princess made connections, and was able to find out about this job opening. With the help of her Allies, she worked on her resume and interview skills - and got the job! 

Dreaming Big! 

Jamia is a single mom of three beautiful children. During Jamia's time at Thrive, she decided that she wanted to go back to school. Jamia's dream is to be a social worker and work with foster kids. Jamia worked with her awesome Allies and they were able to guide Jamia through the financial aid process and enrollment at a college. The picture on the right, was her first day of college. Our Coach was able to take her to her class (and make her pose for this picture!), and Tana was there to encourage Jamia on taking this huge step! We are so very proud of Jamia! She is such a great role model for her kids!