Tag: mental health

At Thrive, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Whether helping individuals secure stable housing through case management services or fostering connection and belonging through our Clubhouse community, our work is strengthened by partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to helping people live fuller, more connected lives. In this new newsletter feature, we are highlighting valued community partnerships that expand opportunities, strengthen support networks, and enrich the lives of those we serve.

One such partnership is with St. Gerard House, a fellow Henderson County nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and the people who care for them across Western North Carolina. Thrive and St. Gerard House work closely together to coordinate treatment planning and discuss goals for individuals who participate in both programs. The organizations also collaborate on group outings, including mall walks and picnics, creating opportunities for social engagement, friendship, and community connection.

“Partnerships like the one we have with St. Gerard House are invaluable to our mission,” said Chris Parker, Executive Director of Thrive. “When organizations come together, we are able to provide more meaningful opportunities, stronger support systems, and a greater sense of community for the individuals and families we serve. We simply accomplish more together than we ever could alone.”

Founded to serve individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families, St. Gerard House provides a wide range of support services, training, and consultations for families, caregivers, teachers, therapists, and others who play an important role in the lives of individuals with autism throughout Western North Carolina. Through education, advocacy, and direct support, the organization helps individuals with autism build skills, gain confidence, and reach their full potential.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Thrive and collaborate on one of our mutual clients,” said Donna Snow, Program Manager for Feed the Need at St. Gerard House. “I have been truly impressed by Adam and the entire team. Adam thoughtfully arranged for each staff member to spend a shadow day at Feed the Need, and I believe the experience was valuable for everyone involved. What stands out most is how deeply they care about their clients and the dedication they bring to supporting them.”

At Thrive, the needs we see do not follow a calendar.

Mental and behavioral health challenges do not pause between fundraising events. Housing instability does not wait for a convenient time. Every day, individuals in our community face obstacles that can affect their stability, sense of connection, and ability to move forward.

That reality prompted Thrive to take a fresh look at how we invite support for our mission.

Beginning this year, Thrive is shifting away from large annual fundraising events and focusing its fundraising efforts through DreamBuilders, a giving community designed to provide consistent, year-round support for the work taking place every day through Thrive’s Clubhouse and Housing Case Management programs.

“Ultimately, this decision came down to wanting our fundraising approach to reflect the realities of the people we serve,” said Chris Parker, Executive Director of Thrive.

“The challenges our participants face do not occur once a year. They happen every day. DreamBuilders allows us to build a stronger foundation of support that helps us respond to those needs in a more consistent and meaningful way.”

Through the Clubhouse, individuals navigating mental and behavioral health challenges find connection, purpose, and a supportive community. Through Housing Case Management, individuals and families facing housing instability receive guidance and support that helps them maintain stability and avoid deeper crises.

While these programs remain central to Thrive’s work, DreamBuilders is ultimately about the impact they create.

Every contribution helps strengthen connections, restore stability, and support a path forward for individuals who are often navigating some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

DreamBuilders offers flexible support options through annual or monthly recurring gifts, allowing donors to participate in a way that feels meaningful and sustainable for them.

Some supporters may choose to stay connected through occasional gatherings and opportunities to learn more about Thrive’s work. Others may prefer to support quietly behind the scenes. Both approaches are valued, and both make a difference.

For Thrive, DreamBuilders is more than a fundraising initiative. It is a community of individuals, businesses, and organizations that share a belief that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.

By investing in connection, stability, and opportunity, DreamBuilders helps ensure that Thrive can continue serving individuals and families when support is needed most.

Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month encourages us to pause and reflect on something that affects every community, every family, and more individuals than many people realize.

Even with growing awareness, stigma around mental and behavioral health challenges still exists. People often hesitate to talk openly about anxiety, depression, trauma, isolation, or periods of instability because they fear judgment, misunderstanding, or being treated differently. Families may struggle to know how to help. Friends may worry about saying the wrong thing. Too often, silence becomes the default.

In my work with individuals, I have seen firsthand how powerful it can be when people feel safe enough to be honest about their experiences. Healing and progress often begin with connection, trust, and the knowledge that you do not have to navigate difficult seasons alone.

At Thrive, that belief is at the center of our work every day.

Mental health support is not only about responding during moments of crisis. It is also about helping individuals build stability, routine, confidence, relationships, and a sense of belonging over time. Sometimes the most meaningful progress happens in ordinary moments, sharing a meal, participating in a group activity, securing stable housing, reconnecting with community, or simply knowing someone is willing to listen.

Through programs like our Clubhouse and housing stabilization services, Thrive works alongside individuals as they navigate real-life challenges. Our goal is not to “fix” people. It is to support people as they build lives that feel sustainable, connected, and hopeful.

One of the most important things we can do as a community is to continue reducing the stigma around mental health conversations. Seeking support should never be viewed as a weakness. In reality, reaching out often takes tremendous strength.

Mental health challenges do not define a person, and no one should feel they have to face them alone.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, I encourage all of us to lead with compassion, check in on the people around us, and help create spaces where honest conversations can happen without shame or fear.

At Thrive, we remain committed to building a community where support, stability, and connection are possible for everyone..

Now Hiring YOU!

At Thrive, we believe that stable housing is more than a place to live. It is the foundation for healing, independence, and long-term well-being.

That is why we are growing our team.

We are currently hiring an additional Housing Stabilization Specialist to support individuals and families in securing safe, stable housing and building the skills needed to maintain it. This work sits at the heart of what we do, walking alongside people as they navigate some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

In this role, you are not just helping someone find housing. You are helping them rebuild. You are listening to their story, understanding the barriers they face, and working together to create a plan for stability. You are advocating, problem-solving, and connecting people to the resources they need to move forward with confidence.

Housing Stabilization Specialists work closely with clients to develop individualized plans, strengthen independent living skills, and ensure that once housing is secured, it can be sustained. The goal is not just placement, it is lasting stability.

You will also collaborate with landlords, housing partners, and community resources, helping to bridge gaps and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

This role requires compassion, attention to detail, and the ability to build trust. It is well-suited for someone who is both a strong communicator and a thoughtful listener, someone who can work independently while being part of a supportive, mission-driven team.

At Thrive, we are committed to creating an environment where our staff feel supported, valued, and connected to the impact of their work. Every day, you will see the difference you are making, not just in outcomes, but in people’s lives.

If you are looking for work that is meaningful, challenging, and deeply rewarding, we invite you to learn more.

Apply today