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Local Spotlight: Thrive!

Working together to help citizens in many ways, Thrive! is a local nonprofit program with years of experience helping community members living in poverty. When living in poverty, people often feel that they are not in control and experience stress, making for a vicious cycle. Thrive! is founded on hearty values that lead to success stories for people in the area.

The Thrive! program has helped many people living in poverty, and they rely on support from the community to make it happen. This humanitarian effort has made a noticeable difference for Riley County residents. Thrive! is dedicated to improving lives and building strong foundations among its people.

Thrive! Manhattan KS

Thrive! Background

Thrive! lives off the motto of “don’t simply survive.” A recent assessment from Riley County officials found that over 20% of residents live below the poverty level, and 19% of children live in a poverty-stricken family. Poverty is difficult to lift oneself out of; that’s where Thrive! comes in.

The Thrive! 18-month program gives people an opportunity to work with others and better themselves and their lives. The organization is built upon beliefs that help inform its vision and work:

1. There is no shame in poverty. We respect the dignity of all.
2. 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.
3. Poverty is a multi-generational issue and must be addressed at all age levels.
4. The community needs help recognizing the root causes and potential solutions to poverty.

The Thrive! ideology guides them to make a positive impact throughout the community.

    The Thrive! Process

    The involvement process at Thrive! is designed to create dynamic partnerships that elevate those in poverty. The process begins with the preparation of two different groups that people are involved in: Leaders and Allies. Leaders looking to gain more control of their lives first attend a 9-week class called Getting Ahead to learn how to accomplish their goals.

    Allies are volunteers looking to make a positive impact on their community. After taking a workshop entitled Bridges Out of Poverty, they participate every other week in the Getting Ahead classes.

    Once the class is adjourned, Leaders and Allies graduate and are matched with one another. These teams of one leader and several allies have regular meetings over the next year. By working with and learning from one another, knowledge learned in the classroom is built upon and made real.

      Volunteers Welcome!

      Thrive! is built on the work of volunteers who are looking to be the change they want to see in the world. Aside from volunteering as an Ally in the process, volunteers are always welcome at Thrive! for their other programs. Youth programming is a major part of the Thrive! experience, so anyone who loves working with children is invited to join.

      Meals are always welcome to help feed the hungry. The Development Committee is on the lookout for volunteers in planning fundraisers. There are plenty of ways to get involved with this wonderful organization.

        Communities Together Thrive!

        The team at Thrive! is dedicated to helping families living in poverty. Riley County is fortunate to have an organization with a noble goal in mind. Learn more about Thrive! and get involved today!

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