While serving as the director of a domestic violence program, I met Juliet, the current Executive Director of Thrive Ministry. Juliet was in an abusive relationship seeking services from the program. After leaving her abuser and becoming a survivor, Juliet’s passion to serve her community led her to volunteer for the program. Several years ago, Juliet came full circle through founding Thrive and invited me to serve on the Board of Directors.
Throughout my work history with not for profit organizations, I was able to identify a common thread woven throughout the backgrounds of my female clientele that prevented them from attending school, seeking employment and childcare, and finding and maintaining housing. This thread was the terrible crime of domestic violence.
While serving as director of the domestic violence program, I became frustrated when there was not adequate funding or the grants were too prescriptive to provide critical services and items so desperately needed by those leaving dangerous relationships. This is where Thrive steps in and excels in supporting survivors in so many ways that other domestic violence organizations are unable to. I call this domestic violence aftercare, and it can involve anything from providing furniture and appliances, moving services, car repair, gift cards for groceries and even support groups.
The domestic violence programs in our area are very successful in providing emergency and legal assistance, but there are no agencies available to offer the services and items that are are so critical in keeping survivors from returning to dangerous situations. Thrive has truly filled a service gap that exists in our community, and I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors.
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As a previous director of a domestic violence program, I joined the board of THRIVE to volunteer in my area of experience. I am proud to represent THRIVE in this capacity, as this organization is extremely professional and highly regarded by the community. The services provided are absolutely critical in helping domestic violence survivors from returning to abusive relationships and allowing victims and their children to pursue peaceful and productive lives.
Thrive doesn’t go away! When I reached out for help, as I have with other organizations, I thought it would be a one time thing and I would never hear from them again. But that is not the case! They are here to stay, get you back on your feet, help you find your strength and confidence and continually check in and offer opportunities for support. With Thrive, you are never alone. I am grateful and blessed for these ladies and this organization. They understand and get it - most people don’t. You are not just another victim when you reach out. You are a survivor! In my worst of times they have been there for me. I hate asking for help, but they make it easy with no judgement. They have become family. I can not thank them enough for the continued support for myself and kids through our most difficult of times.
Thrive is a great organization that helps victims of domestic violence get back on their feet. I love being able to help support, encourage and empower the clients on their journey. Being a part of this organization is truly a blessing. I'm so glad there is a place that is available to help these clients and their kids.
As a Board Member for Thrive, I must say that I totally believe in what they are doing for survivors in our community. They meet needs that no one else is meeting and they help the clients to find themselves again and remain free from abuse. Their role in the healing process for these survivors is crucial. It is so awesome to see the clients actively participating in all areas of their healing and becoming successful members of society once again. All while feeling included and loved!
I can’t tell you enough how much Thrive has helped my family. I was referred at the lowest point in my life and after leaving my abuser was being stalked as well. Thrive has made me feel confident and strong and independent again and has been there for me every step of the way whether I needed to vent or needed a bit more help. Thrive to me has so much meaning but also the name fits perfectly because she has helped me to learn how to blossom and thrive again and for that I am forever grateful.
My daughter was very depressed and suicidal. Aside from the every day stresses of teenage life, she was also a victim of abuses from a family member. I reached out for help through work, looking for a Christian counselor, to no avail. But God is good! He brought Thrive Ministries into our lives; now my daughter is getting the help she needs, something I personally couldn’t give her despite my best efforts. This ministry was vital to my well being, too. Words cannot express our gratefulness to the amazing women who are teaching us to Thrive again!
I have been a Thrive board member for 2 years , and am overwhelmed with the generosity of our community. Thrive is truly a special organization doing important Domestic Violence aftercare, ensuring that our clients receive what they need to live free from their abusers. I’ve seen many lives improve and become functioning, happier, healthier people. A wonderful, unfortunately necessary service.
The women who run Thrive are authentic, and sincere about their passion for helping victims of abuse and domestic violence. For me, they were the lighthouse that led me out of the sea of darkness I was drowning in and brought me safely ashore. Once there, they were also the hands that reached out and helped put me back on my feet again. Their generosity hasn’t stoped once the storm has passed, it has continued well beyond that by providing support. Whether that’s a judgement free support group, Christmas presents for you and your children, or something as simple as a bag of groceries. I don’t know where I’d be without Thrive. I am forever grateful and blessed to have found this ministry, especially the 2 wonderful ladies who make it happen.
Thrive has been the biggest blessing to me and my little Family... To finally have a support system without judgement and allows us to be able to still have dignity and fearlessness in getting better and working on ourselves to also be able to care and support our own and also others along the way! Thrive i can only describe as a TRUE BLESSING and am so thankful for the support and not just feeling like a "client" but also a Human Being and not being beat down but feeling empowered to THRIVE and that what has been has been overcome and more
thank you soooo much for EVERYTHING!!