Thrive DC has been operating in Ward 1 for more than 15 years, focused on building relationships and deepening trust with our clients. As housing prices continue to soar across Washington, DC, we believe people should not be pushed out of communities where they have connection and support. People in Columbia Heights have come to rely on the consistency of a hot meal for breakfast and the fresh food distributed at our weekly food pantry. They know that, in the bitter cold of the winter, they can come to Thrive for a winter coat or launder their clothes as the summer heat rises.
What is success?
To us at Thrive DC, it's not just a dictionary definition, but a deeply personal journey we embark on with our clients. Success, after all, isn't a one-size-fits-all concept; it's a unique path defined and led by each individual we serve.
In our work with individuals experiencing homelessness, we are committed to more than just improving their quality of life; we're dedicated to helping them define their own version of success. It's about empowering our clients to take the reins in their pursuit of a happier, healthier, and more stable life. This means allowing them to set their own goals and chart their own course towards success.
Success, in our eyes, can take many forms. It's the client who was once homeless and now maintains stable housing, confidently navigating daily tasks like cooking and cleaning. It's the individual grappling with a chronic medical condition who can now access regular healthcare and follow prescribed treatments. It's those with complex trauma or mental health concerns who are finally receiving the support and treatment they deserve. And it's those battling substance use, who are actively working towards sobriety and attending AA/NA meetings.
How does Thrive support success?
So, how do we support these unique journeys towards success? Our case managers, armed with clinical skills, delve deep into our clients' backgrounds, understanding the barriers and challenges that may have led them to where they are. With a harm reduction model, we offer supportive interventions and unwavering encouragement.
At Thrive DC, we embrace the various versions of success that each client envisions, working side by side to rebuild, transform, and improve their lives in both small and monumental ways. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride in their accomplishments, as they steer their own ship toward their personal definition of success.
Yet, we understand that the path to success is rarely a straightforward one. Setbacks are part of the journey, and it's crucial that our clients know they have a constant source of encouragement and support. We recognize that success doesn't always have a clear endpoint; it's an ongoing process that takes time.
In our commitment to a vulnerable population that society may have overlooked in the past, we want our clients to be assured that we will always stand by their side, offering unwavering support. Their success, however they define it, is not just worth working towards—it's worth celebrating every step of the way.