It can be easy to get caught up in the stress of the world. With inflation, an ever-continuing pandemic, and daily mass violence events, it can be hard to focus on the positive. At Thrive, our clients face barriers every single day that can make it hard to have hope, and as the staff supporting them, it can be disheartening when a win doesn't come through when you thought it would.

But nevertheless, we recognize that our clients have wins every day. Often they're small--a paycheck in a the mail, an ID that finally came in, or even just taking a warm shower and doing a load of laundry at our facilities. These wins remind us to keep going and keep doing our work, so clients can continuing having successes, big and small.

So today, this Thanksgiving, we're here to share our thankfulness. From a staff member, volunteer, and client, we're sharing why the people involved with Thrive are thankful to get to share this space and community with one another.

Staff: I'm thankful that I get to be a part of an organization that responds to the needs and wants of clients, as expressed by the clients themselves. The clients have lived experience, they're the experts in their own lives. I'm grateful to get to join them in turning that expertise into action steps for how to achieve their goals.

Client: I'm thankful for the consistency at Thrive DC. I can really count on them, every day, for food and stuff like that, but also just to talk.

Volunteer: I came to Thrive because of the convenience--I'm new to the area but Thrive is a quick walk from my house so it's easy to volunteer in the morning before work. I'm thankful that the staff are flexible and open and that the clients are super kind. It's a great way to start the day.

Throughout the holiday season, Thrive endeavors to foster thankfulness and move into the new year with an eye on the positive, the hopeful, and the possibilities for change.