3 Years of Making a Difference
We are thrilled to celebrate our 3rd anniversary this month! Over the past 3 years, with your generous support, we have made significant strides in improving the lives of children in foster care and those experiencing homelessness. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our community.
Set To Thrive's Journey So Far:
August 1, 2021: Building Foundations
Established Partnerships: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we partnered with a few local social service agencies, laying the groundwork for impactful collaboration to provide children entering foster care with new essential items. This initiative was crucial in addressing the immediate needs of these vulnerable children, ensuring they had access to basic necessities during a challenging time. These partnerships allow us to create a network of support, enhancing our ability to make a significant difference in the lives of children in foster care.
First Program: On August 1st, we launched our Thrive Bag program and delivered our first Thrive Bag. The program quickly gained momentum, and we were able to establish several more partnerships with other agencies. By the end of 2021, we delivered a total of 92 Thrive Bags, each filled with essential items tailored to the needs of each child. These bags provided immediate relief, as well as hope and care for children entering foster care.
August 1, 2022: Expanding Our Program
Expanding Our Thrive Bag Program: After speaking to our local social workers, we recognized that many foster children require essential items at different times, not only when they enter the foster care system. Children in foster care often experience frequent relocations, and their belongings can be misplaced or even stolen during transitions. In response, we expanded our Thrive Bag program to include all children in foster care who need new clothing, shoes, and hygiene products, regardless of how long they've been in the foster care system. By the end of 2022, we delivered 307 Thrive Bags, providing much-needed support for these children.
August 1, 2023: Continuing to Grow and Expanding Our Reach
Expanding Our Reach with our Student Bag Program: With a commitment to reaching our most vulnerable children, we began our Student Bag program by partnering with local school districts to identify the specific needs of children experiencing foster care and homelessness in our community. We tailor each Student Bag to meet the unique requirements of every student, ensuring they have what they need to attend school with confidence and thrive academically. In the first year of our Student Bag program, we delivered over 1,200 bags.
Thrive Bag Program: Our program continues to expand through partnerships with social service agencies, where we delivered 353 Thrive Bags in 2023 to children in need.
Challenges We Overcame in 2023: In July, we faced a significant setback when our storage unit was broken into, resulting in a loss of over $12,000 of inventory. However, the resilience of our community was humbling. With the help of local news stations and social media, our generous donors rallied to support us, helping to recover the losses and allowing us to continue our mission without interruption. This experience highlighted the incredible strength and solidarity within our community.
Community Events: To further support our efforts, we organized community drives to collect new clothes and essential supplies for children in foster care. Our 1st Annual FORE! The Kids Golf Tournament took place in October 2023, marking a significant milestone in our outreach efforts. This event not only raised awareness but also brought the community together to contribute to a meaningful cause.
August 1, 2024: Thriving Together
Reflecting on Our Journey: When we started Set To Thrive, we were unaware of the profound impact we would be making. Over the past three years, with the incredible help and dedication of our volunteers, donors, board and team members, we have been able to grow and serve our local children experiencing foster care and homelessness in ways we never imagined. Thanks to your unwavering support, we have provided bags for over 2,300 children, offering them new essential items and bringing them comfort and confidence.
Set To Thrive envisions a community where all children have the essential items they need to thrive in their community, school, and life.
It would not be possible without everyone’s support! Your generosity and commitment have been the driving force behind our success, and together, we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children in our community.
Thank you for making an impact with us!
Upcoming Events
Thrive Bag Donation Drive!
Join us this August and celebrate our 3rd Year Anniversary by participating in our Thrive Bag Donation Drive.
We are especially needing: NEW hoodies, T-Shirts, and Underwear for kids (size youth medium or youth large) and young adults (size small or medium).
Two options to participate:
Shop & Drop - Donation Drop off is Saturday, August 31st, from 10 AM - 2 PM - email info@settothrive.org to learn more about the Donation Drop off Event
Shop Online at our Amazon Wishlist - click here!
Save the Date! Set To Thrive's Fall Family Festival is on September 22, 2024!
Hosted by Jill Fusari, Realtor, the Fall Family Festival plans to be a fun afternoon for the whole family, including:
Live Music
Food Trucks (Burgers, Fries, Chicken Sandwiches)
Ice Cream from Mister Softee
Wine, Beer, and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Face Painting
Balloon Artist
Cornhole Competition
Other Family Fun Activities
More information will be published soon!
