Thrive! on the GMCF Community Hour Show Episode - 214
Episode description
Thrive, a relatively new nonprofit organization, works to break cycles of poverty by building community support systems, increasing financial stability, and teaching essential parenting skills to families who would otherwise feel isolated and overwhelmed.
• Founded by Jamie Morris Hardeman in response to patterns observed at CASA, where families in the foster care system often lacked financial stability, support networks, and parenting skills
• Meets weekly on Thursday nights with approximately 50 participants including volunteers, families, and children
• Takes a multi-generational approach to address poverty by working with parents and children simultaneously
• Uses science-based stress reduction techniques including mindfulness, journaling, and doodling, which can cut cortisol levels in half
• Success stories include participants attending college, completing vocational training, securing better jobs, and becoming Habitat homeowners
• Volunteers are crucial to the program, working with adults, teenagers, or younger children depending on their interests
• First United Methodist Church provides their fellowship hall for meetings, which include shared meals and programming
To learn more or volunteer, visit thriveflinthills.com or email directorthriveflinthills@gmail.com.