Donate – Thrive DC

What can you do in…

24 seconds?
24 minutes?
24 days?
24 weeks?

At Thrive DC, we support clients in all stages on their journey to self-sufficiency and independence. We can help them do more with their time because we are a “one-stop shop” with everything they need in one location!

In 24 seconds, a client can receive a hot meal.
In 24 minutes, they can have a 1-on-1 meeting with a case manager.
In 24 days, a client can undergo job training and employment counseling.
In 24 weeks, they can live in safe, stable transitional housing for returning citizens.

Want your gift to do more? Join our Next Step Team as a monthly donor and support clients all year round. Or consider starting a fundraiser using the link below to help us meet our goal of $10,000 by May 18th for the Do More 24 Campaign!

Prabir and Lakshmi Dutta are two new members of the Thrive DC family, but have thrown themselves wholeheartedly into our work. Lakshmi volunteers with our emergency grocery program every Thursday, and they made a generous donation at the end of 2021 to provide new computers to the whole staff!

Now, instead of “fighting” with slow and broken computers, our staff can spend their time focused on serving clients and doing their work without restrictions. Below is a short interview with the Duttas to learn more about why giving back through Thrive DC is so important to them.

What motivates you to give back to your community?

We arrived on the shores of this country as immigrants almost 50 years ago and have been blessed with many opportunities. In turn we would like to help others, especially those who, because of circumstances often beyond their control, have been unable to take advantage of life’s offerings.

What inspired you to get involved with Thrive DC?

After retirement in 2011, Lakshmi began volunteering for a food pantry in Columbus, Ohio and found it fulfilling to serve clients who were hit hard by the financial crisis. Later, she was intimately involved as a volunteer with an organization in Ohio working with domestic violence victims. After moving to DC, Lakshmi looked for similar opportunities and started volunteering at Thrive DC. She is having a wonderful time working with other volunteers and staff every week. She’s also discovered that Thrive DC is much more than a food pantry. Thrive DC is acting as a gateway for folks to re-enter mainstream society, and giving its clients solace and a pathway for a better life.

What difference do you see Thrive DC making in the community?

Thrive DC is helping with hunger by providing healthy meals to anyone who walks through the door without any pre-judgements. Thrive DC is also helping people re-enter society as full participants by aiding them with job opportunities or vocational training. This reminds us of the maxim that “to teach a person to fish will help the person for a lifetime."

How do you see Thrive DC as part of your legacy for your kids and grandkids?

The Dutta family has always been involved in volunteer activities, with both our children serving as Peace Corps volunteers. We want our children and grandchildren to continue to be empathetic, offer material/emotional support to those less fortunate, and hopefully aspire to create and live in a society where every person has the wherewithal to lead a fruitful life and achieve their dreams. In other words, we hope that our kids and grandkids imbibe the spirit of Thrive DC and what it does for the community.

Our 7th Annual VIDA Thrive 5k will be virtual this year and can be done from anywhere! All of the proceeds from the event will go towards Thrive DC and it's programs helping prevent and end homelessness in the DC area.

Join us to help our clients get back on their feet!

Post Your 5k!

There will be prizes for runners who raise the most money, as well as people who post their walk/run on social media. Join the fun to win VIDA memberships and Thrive DC swag!

Complete your 5k anytime between 10/8 and 10/18, then post a picture of yourself to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the #VIDAThrive5k. We will be giving prizes to the posts with the most likes as well the ones we find the most inspiring who answer the question: "why is it important to end homelessness in DC?"

Post a picture of your run to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
Use the #VIDAThrive5k hashtag
Answer the question: "Why is it important to end homelessness in DC?"

Winners will be announced Tuesday, October 19th! Sign up today to be a part of the fun!

Meet Spencer Imbach, a recent returning citizen who is running a 50k ultra marathon on December 11th of this year. He has teamed with Thrive DC to create a fundraiser for his race to donate towards their “New Directions” program which assists those who have been recently incarc erated and/or released from jail or prison , and helps them get back on track towards becoming successful returning citizens and avoiding recidivism. New Directions does this by offering case management, basic needs assistance (meals, toiletries, clothing etc.), life skills education, job training, and access to sobriety maintenance assistance and support.

This is personal for him, because from 2017 to 2019 he was incarcerated four times, kicked out of homeless shelters, and living on the streets for a period of time. Being incarcerated significantly impacts your mental health and well-being by creating new mental health issues and worsening pre-existing conditions. He is beyond grateful to have found fitness as a productive outlet to clear his mind, build character, and strengthen his mindset, which is why he has chosen to use this opportunity as a way to give back to those who feel helpless, suicidal, or are lacking their sense of purpose after being released from incarceration.

To learn more about Spencer and why he's creating this fundraiser, we have asked him a few questions to hear more about his personal story and overall mission.

Why Thrive DC for your fundraiser? What should others know about it?

I knew I wanted to donate to an organization that helps with reentry since this is something I struggled with tremendously. I like Thrive DC because they are local to me so it was a great opportunity to give back to my immediate community. Also, after reaching out to the staff they were incredibly genuine and sincere in working with me and supporting this venture. This organization, rooted in good will, truly represents a humane approach towards making positive changes in society. They do this by working to address issues like homelessness and recidivism, which are often overlooked by those unaffected, and as someone who has experienced both it is both appreciated and inspiring beyond words.

What was it like coming home after incarceration? What was it like socially and professionally for you?

I came home with a completely new perspective on my life and focused much of my energy on maintaining a positive and optimistic outlook. In one way, it was somewhat refreshing to be back at square one with nothing more to lose, however I quickly faced many hurdles socially and professionally. Incarceration was extremely traumatic on several levels, and having no way to explain this to someone who can't relate, I learned to focus on what was within my control and prioritized my mental health. I still experience judgements from others about my past, but as my overall mental health has improved I now recognize the trauma as a necessary part of my journey that made me a stronger man today. I choose to remain patient and grateful, rather than resentful or frustrated. In addition, I am still facing professional obstacles as I was recently offered a financial advisor career but could not pass the background check. My reaction was to let this motivate me to stay resilient and to get more creative in regards to a career path.

What do you have to say to others who may be facing the same challenges?

We are not defined by our past, and no human is perfect. Give yourself time to heal, practice patience and remain consistent in striving for your goals. View your adversity as a gift, not a hindrance, and use that to propel your life forward- whether that be by improving your morale, serving others, offering your experience in a way that benefits society, etc. Focus on progression and your overall direction rather than your pace, slow and steady wins the race.

Why has exercise/running helped you overcome? How can it help others?

Running has revealed to me that we are capable of much more than our mind tells us. It has also taught me the value of consistency and allows me to practice patience. I think running can help others by showing them the importance of self discipline, and how integrating that into your life will develop traits like confidence, perseverance, and grit, which are all major components required to be successful in life because no matter how low your bottom is life will continue to test you.

To learn more about Spencer's story and his acquired love of running, check the story below:

https://www.thrivedc.org/spencer/

Thrive DC is proud to have committed, engaged community members go above and beyond to help our clients escape homelessness. Below is Jocelyn's story about why she couldn't stay just a volunteer - and had to do more.

Why did you start volunteering with Thrive DC?

When I moved to DC last May, I was looking for ways to become more involved. I stumbled upon Thrive DC simply by chance and really liked what I saw on its website, but it took me a long time to finally commit to volunteering. It felt like much bigger of a commitment in my head than in reality.

Ultimately, it was just a matter of making the decision and taking action on it, and I haven’t regretted it since!

What attracted you to Thrive DC?

There are two things that I love the most about Thrive DC. The first is their holistic approach to addressing homelessness. All of their services are interconnected and they help get people back on their feet with as much independence as possible.

But the most valuable thing they offer is a sense of community. I believe that no matter the circumstance in life, a lively and supportive community always has the power of bringing hope. The ladies I see every Friday both encourage and have fun with each other and there is so much joy in the room; it’s a good reminder for me to know that even those who have little can make so much life out of the little that they do have.

What makes you most worried for our homeless clients?

There are some clients I see every week in the dinner program but you can tell their minds are somewhere else. I am worried their negative circumstances in life will bring some clients to lose hope, because hope requires a willingness from within to believe that things could get better and to keep fighting.

Why did you decide to join the Next Step Team (Thrive DC's monthly donor program)?

I joined the Next Step Team because I would like to see Thrive DC’s services expand to more clients and its community be made available to more people who need it. Volunteering is valuable as it helps make the programs happen and run more smoothly, but money, at the end of the day, ensures that these programs remain afloat.

I wanted to contribute, even just a little bit, to this organization that I have seen make an impact in the lives of the ladies I work with and in my life, too.

Why do you think it’s important to do more for our clients?

I don’t know where the ladies I see every Friday will be if programs like this don’t exist anymore.

Join The Next Step Team

Want to be a part of the Team? Click the button below. You'll join other concerned community members helping people in need take the "next step" out of homelessness.

$10/month = One week of meals for a homeless client
$25/month = Three showers & one clean load of laundry
$50/month = Metro card for someone's first two weeks of work and three loads of clean laundry

For a long time we've only had two showers. That means two showers for up to 200 people in our Morning Program, and two showers for up to 80 women in our Dinner Program.

That's not nearly enough.

But now, thanks to a very special angel donor we have doubled our shower capacity! We're thrilled to offer twice the capacity to our clients, who are so happy that twice as many people can shower in each program.

: Just a dirt floor now...

: Our new plumber friend hard at work!

: Getting closer...

: So shiny! But missing something?

: At last complete!

All In Service

"The events of the inauguration present a vital opportunity to serve our nation’s capital by creating inclusive spaces, in service not only to our guests, but also to our community. These are the fundamentals of hospitality, and it is in this spirit that we invite you to join us."

Restaurants and businesses around DC have joined together this weekend to show what they are for, not what they're against. And many of them are supporting Thrive DC!

If you go out this weekend, remember these places. We're very grateful for them to choose supporting us over all the other great nonprofits doing work in the District.

The Gibson

www.thegibsondc.com
2009 14th St NW
Washington, DC 20009

This weekend The Gibson will be donating a portion of their proceeds to Thrive DC. Come visit (if you can find them) DC's coolest speakeasy!

Maple

http://www.dc-maple.com
3418 11th St NW
Washington DC 20010

This weekend Maple will not only be donating a portion of their proceeds to Thrive DC, but will also be holding a coat drive happy hour Saturday night. Bring a coat and your first drink is on them!

Sudhouse DC

http://www.sudhousedc.com/
1340 U St NW
Washington, DC 20009

This Friday Sudhouse DC will be donating a portion of their proceeds to Thrive DC. Come celebrate or mourn the Inauguration, it's up to you!

Each Peach Market

http://www.eachpeachmarket.com/
3068 Mount Pleasant StNW
Washington, DC 20009

In support of the Woman's March on Saturday, Each Peach will be selling Woman's March Snack Packs! Sales of the snack packs will be split 50/50 between Thrive DC and Planned Parenthood.

Ivy and Coney

http://www.ivyandconey.com/
1537 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20001

All weekend Ivy and Coney will donate 10% of sales to Thrive DC. Cub fans especially welcome.

Odd Provisions

https://www.oddprovisions.com/
3301 11th St NW
Washington, DC 20010

All weekend Odd Provisions will donate 5% of their sales to Thrive DC. Check out CoHi's newest corner store!

Locale Workspace

http://www.localeworkspace.com/

1320 #B H St NE
Washington, DC 20002

All weekend, Locale will donate 30% of one-day passes to Thrive DC. Check them out on H St or 52 O St NW!

Volunteer Spotlight: Anna

We got a chance to sit down and talk with Anna, one of our many amazing volunteers!

What is your background outside of Thrive DC?

I’m a senior at American University studying international relations and law. I’m hoping to go to law school next year and pursue human rights law.

What got you interested in volunteering here?

I was looking for a new place to volunteer regularly, and I felt that Thrive was the perfect place to give back to a city that’s provided me with so many amazing experiences over the years.

How is your experience going?

I love Thrive! I really enjoy the time I spend there each week. I feel like I tell everyone I know about how much I love volunteering there. I’ve even gotten some of my friends from school to volunteer with me!

What do you like best about volunteering with Thrive DC?

I love getting to know the clients. It’s a great feeling when they recognize you and you start to really get to know them beyond “hello.”

What has been an emotional moment that stood out to you?

I’ve had a few long talks with one of our regular clients who is in her 80’s. I look forward to her visits as she often shares intimate stories with me, and offers advice. She has an amazing life story and it’s really hard to see all the difficulties she’s facing so late in life. But her positivity and light-hearted attitude is truly inspiring. She’s always making me laugh.

Have you discovered anything about Thrive DC that you were surprised or impressed about?

I’m very impressed with the variety of comprehensive services that Thrive offers given their relatively small staff, and limited space.

What service or program are you most proud of Thrive DC providing?

I think Thrive’s Real Opps program is phenomenal. It’s a great way for those with large gaps in their employment history to get back into the workforce, something that really isn’t easy to do.

What would you like to see Thrive DC do more of?

I would like to see Thrive offer a more comprehensive substance abuse recovery program.

Is there anything you wish the city was doing differently for the homeless now that you’ve been working with them?

I would like for DC to offer more services and outreach for those who are both homeless and struggling with mental illness.

"There is a client who has never spoken above above a whisper.

"During music group, after several years of near silence,
he sang out LOUD, way above a whisper!

We were delighted at his breakthrough and hearing his voice soar above the others."
-Jael, Thrive DC Music Therapist

Their Next Step

For many of our clients, getting out of homelessness is a long journey.
They are recovering from years of living on the streets and experiencing one failure after another.

Thrive DC is here to help clients take their next step forward out of homelessness.
And then the next step, and then the next all the way home.

Your Next Step

We need help getting our clients home.

Will you join our Next Step Team and become a monthly donor?

Will you walk with our clients as they take their next steps out of homelessness?

Good Afternoon,

My son is turning 5 next month and since he was three he always gave away his old toys and clothes to those less fortunate than. Well this year he is having a block party and has asked others to join in his passion to give back.

We are very interested in donating to Thrive, how do we go about doing that?

This was the message we got from Akeem, letting us know that his son Aiden is our new favorite superhero. We let Akeem know that it was summer and our clients were desperately in need of things to help them beat the heat.

Hats
New Socks
New Underwear
Travel size gold bond powder
Travel size men's deodorant
Used t-shirts & elastic shorts sizes L, XL, and up

Aiden's birthday is today, so we want to wish him a very happy birthday and the best of luck in your birthday donor drive!

How You Can Help Too

If you want to be like Aiden and be a superhero to the homeless, you can use our Wish List for Thrive DC to host your own birthday donation drive.

Contact Greg at (202) 503-1528 or greg@thrivedc.org to see what the needs are for the homeless around your birthday.