In honor of National Student Volunteer Day, we want to highlight a beloved volunteer of Thrive DC, Melanie Klein! Melanie comes into our facilities every Thursday to assist with next day meal prep and administrative tasks. We are so grateful for her commitment and service!

Melanie first heard about Thrive DC through her college, American University, where she had the opportunity to lead first year students through a day of service before classes started in the fall. AU’s Center of Community Engagement and Service suggested she take her students to Thrive DC, and Melanie hasn’t stopped coming since.

Melanie has been struck by how many people rely on Thrive DC every day for meals, showers, laundry, and other basic emergency services. “What I think is amazing about Thrive is its ability to provide comprehensive services that are not just temporary Band-Aids, but aim to help people in a substantial, meaningful, and long-lasting way.”

A meaningful interaction that stuck out to Melanie was a thoughtful conversation with Thrive DC’s Director of Programs, Jon Bolduc. Jon shared his commitment to the mission, where he sees Thrive DC growing, and his vast experience in homeless services.

Since moving to the District for school, Melanie has noticed the gap between those who are new to DC/temporary residents, and those who have lived in DC for years. “As a college student, it is easy to live inside the academic bubble and fantasize about Capitol Hill, but I believe it is most important to recognize people who live locally in DC, many of which are marginalized communities that are becoming gentrified and not receiving sufficient resources.” 

We are so grateful for students like Melanie and their contribution to our mission.