202-737-9311 | info@thrivedc.org
Over the last few weeks, Thrive DC staff has worked tirelessly to provide food and emergency services to our client community. In this last week, we have exhausted our supply of food and cleaning products and we don't feel we can continue to operate safely under the current circumstances.
As of Monday, March 23rd, Thrive DC will suspend all operations at our service center and to all outreach sites. On March 23rd, 2020 Thrive DC staff will begin teleworking. During this time, Thrive DC staff will be available and in communication with our partners and clients via e-mail, phone, text, and social media.
Our primary concern is the safety and welfare of our clients, staff, and volunteers during this unprecedented public health emergency. While our service center is closed, we will work hard to continue to provide every means of support possible, including continuing to monitor, inform, support and uplift our clients during this emergency. We will also be working on strategies to offer, what we know will be, much need assistance after this is over.
Over the last few weeks, we have seen an outpouring of kindness, courage, and service. We are so incredibly grateful to our volunteers, donors, friends and colleagues who have continued to work on behalf of our client community.
We know you will stand with us as we work through these challenging times and will continue to work with us to help rebuild our community when this crisis has passed. We send our heartfelt wishes to everyone to stay safe and healthy.
Please check our website and social media platforms for updates. If you have specific questions please reach out to us at info@thrivedc.org
Note to our clients: Thrive DC’s mail services will not be available during the shutdown period. If you require any mail sent to you during the next couple of weeks and have an alternative address, please contact the sender to let them know.
Four years ago, Ellen’s daughter volunteered in the computer lab at Thrive DC. She told her mom that she would enjoy working in the kitchen. She’s been a Breakfast Program volunteer ever since!
On a typical Thursday morning, Ellen loves to help in the kitchen – unless she has to cut onions.
Ellen also enjoys greeting and signing in clients. She gets to see them again and again, watching clients become her friends. She’s happy to see clients and clients are happy to see her.
When asked why people should volunteer at Thrive DC, Ellen said, "There’s a community here."
The staff consistently shows respect and kindness to their clients. They are also organized, having a broad range of services and referrals like showers, laundry, and a mailing address.
It’s clear to Ellen that we’re in it for the long haul.
Trenett Smith has been working at Thrive DC as the women’s program coordinator and case manager for 6 years. She plans stress-free activities for the women, and provides them with a nutritious meal that may otherwise be out of reach.
The women’s dinner program gives vulnerable women and children a place to stay with a supportive community to help them get back on their feet. To learn more about the program click here.
Today we sat down with Trenett and women’s program clients to ask some questions:
Trenett: We offer them a nutritious dinner, showers, toiletries, laundry, a computer lab, case management, referrals, and pantry bags. We’ll give them anything that they need.
Trenett: Some enrichment programs that we have include knitting, arts and crafts, jewelry making, movie night, bingo, nutrition presentations, poetry readings, games, and yoga.
Trenett: Every three months we host a spa day for the women to relax and feel beautiful. Donation items like facial scrubs and nail polish are greatly appreciated for those events.
Trenett: Just knowing that we are giving the women a safe place to be off the street for three hours is priceless. Seeing them smile with the enrichment programs is also extremely rewarding.
“I would encourage all women to come to the program. It’s awesome. Thrive is a better way of life. There are so many activities here that help the women. The staff is wonderful, they make sure you have what you need, and they never take breaks. You can even bring your kids. It’s a place to stay during the day away from the streets with great people.” -Lashaurn (Client)
“I’ve been to the program three times and the laundry services are so helpful” - Trudy (Client)
“The women’s program is a way to stay busy with all sorts of activities. Just the other day we had nail painting.” -Anonymous (Client)
“Thrive DC is a place I could call my home. They help me put my life back together. Here I was able to find opportunities, free programs, clothing, and housing. Thank you for helping me when I needed help.” -Barbara, (Client)
