THRIVE NAMED TOP WORKPLACE AND MOST MEANINGFUL WORKPLACE IN 2022
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, July 25,2022 — Thrive was named as Knox News Top Workplace 2022 at an event at The Foundry on the Fair Site on July 21st. Additionally, Thrive was presented the award for “Meaningfulness” for their work investing spiritually, emotionally, academically, and physically in students who attend Thrive programming.
This year’s survey consisted of 89 companies surveyed and more than 12,000 employees completed the survey. From this, Thrive was given the gold star of recognition for the culture, work-life balance, and overall feeling of meaningful work within the organization.
Thrive is currently hiring for fall internships that begin in August. For more information to join our team, visit www.HelpUsThrive.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
Press Releases
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, October 20 ,2023 — Thrive, a Knoxville-based non-profit organization that provides for the spiritual, emotional, academic and spiritual needs of more than 250 at-risk youth, honored longtime philanthropists and enthusiastic-supporters, Stephanie and George Wallace, at their annual dinner at Cherokee Country Club.
The Wallace’s helped transform Thrive from a small ministry serving just over 30 students, to a robust program that provides spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical support to more than 250 at-risk youth across Knoxville. Stephanie’s vision, organization, and leadership helped build the tutoring and reading programs at Thrive that now provide a model for other organizations to follow. George’s dedication to the students at Thrive is unparallel. Together, their investment of time, financial resources, and shining a light on the cause has helped transform the lives of hundreds of the most at-risk youth in our city.
More than 200 people attended the event in support of Thrive and the Wallace’s including UT basketball coach, Rick Barnes, who generously provided four UT basketball experiences for the live auction. The dinner raised more than $400,000 for the program.
“The generosity of our community towards Thrive is truly an answer to prayers. We work diligently to provide for the at-risk youth in Knoxville in our After School, Summer and Mentoring programs,” said Lori McKelvy, Development Director at Thrive, “and with the support of our community, we are able to help students truly Thrive.”
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
THRIVE NAMED TOP WORKPLACE AND MOST MEANINGFUL WORKPLACE
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, August 21 ,2023 — Thrive was named as Knox News Top Workplace 2023 at an event at The Press Room on Thursday, August 17. Additionally, Thrive was awarded the “Meaningfulness” award for their work investing spiritually, emotionally, academically, and physically in students who attend Thrive programming.
Thrive was given the gold star of recognition for the culture, work-life balance, and overall feeling of meaningful work within the organization. Thrive was selected from the employee survey and feedback provided by internal staff who find working at Thrive to be uplifting and meaningful.
Thrive is currently hiring for fall internships that begin now. For more information about joining our team, visit www.HelpUsThrive.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
THRIVE SELECTED AS RECIPIENT OF $20,000 GRANT FROM Y-12 FCU GIVES FOUNDATION
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, July 3 ,2023 — Thrive was selected as a 2023 Y-12 FCU Gives Foundation grant recipient for their work in fighting childhood hunger. The Y-12 Gives Foundation supports the needs of organizations that align with their purpose of reducing the number of undernourished children in the communities they serve by providing food, knowledge, and resources.
Thrive provides a nutritious meal and snack to the 250 youth in their program daily. Many meals are prepared using foods from community gardens and through partnerships with local produce suppliers. This partnership will provide the resources needed for Thrive to continue to serve youth in Knoxville this school year.
Thrive is currently hiring for fall internships that begin in August. For more information to join our team, visit www.HelpUsThrive.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
COMMUNITY SUPPORT HELPS REBUILD THRIVE’S KITCHEN
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, May 2 ,2023 — Community members, churches, nonprofits, and individuals came together to help provide equipment, funding, skilled labor, and space to ensure Thrive will be able to continue to provide daily meals to 240 students in Knoxville.
Christmas morning at Thrive looked like a complete disaster- the entire Main Campus Kitchen where we prepare and serve meals to at-risk youth in Knoxville was flooded when a pipe burst due to the cold temperatures. This month, through answered prayers, the community’s generosity, countless partnerships, and volunteers, Thrive is now preparing meals in a brand new kitchen that is more than
double the original size.
“The new kitchen allows us to serve additional youth, in a more efficient and effective way,” said Anna Davis, the Thrive Kitchen and Garden Manager. “ It has been incredible to be blessed with this space when we truly didn’t know how we would continue to serve the kids at Thrive.”
If you are interested in helping Thrive serve and prepare meals to feed the 240 at-risk youth we serve daily, please contact Volunteer@HelpUsThrive.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, August 11,2022 — Thrive was selected as a 2022 Y-12 FCU Gives Foundation grant recipient for their work in fighting childhood hunger. The Y- 12 Gives Foundation supports the needs of organizations that align with their purpose of reducing the number of undernourished children in the communities they serve by providing food, knowledge, and resources.
Thrive provides a nutritious meal and snack to the 250 youth in their program daily. Many meals are prepared using foods from community gardens and through partnerships with local produce suppliers. This partnership will provide the resources needed for Thrive to continue to serve youth in Knoxville this school year.
Thrive is currently hiring for fall internships that begin in August. For more information to join our team, visit www.HelpUsThrive.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
THRIVE LAUNCHES AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR AT-RISK YOUTH IN KNOXVILLE
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, August 22,2022 — Thrive launched the largest after school program in our organization’s history serving more than 240 youth in the Lonsdale, West View, Parkridge, New Hopewell and Papermill neighborhoods of Knoxville. The after-school program provides at-risk youth in Knoxville with a safe place to go after school, academic tutoring, and a nutritious dinner and snack daily.
Students join us for three hours of programming every day when school is in session, Monday - Friday. Required daily attendance allows us to establish trust and consistency with our students. This ultimately results in a total of approximately 700 hours spent at Thrive per year by the average student.
Our students participate in small groups, homework-help time, one-on-one tutoring lessons, reading lessons, team + character-building activities, educational electives, outside play time, and share a healthy, home-cooked meal.
Students participate in elective programs such as STEM course work, gardening, baking, kickball, and other activities led by community volunteers.
Thrive is currently hiring for fall internships that begin in August and searching for volunteers to provide meals and volunteer with the students in our program. For more information to join our team or volunteer, visit www.HelpUsThrive.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
CANDY NEEDED FOR THRIVE FALL FESTIVAL EVENT
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, October 3,2022 — Thrive is accepting chocolate and sugar candy donations at our Thrive Main Campus, located at 1317 Connecticut Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921, through October 27.
The candy will be used for games, prizes and trick or treating at Thrive’s annual Fall Festival and will be distributed to our campuses across Knoxville. Your candy donation for many youth in our program is their only opportunity to trick-or-treat for the Halloween holiday. For more information, or to donate candy, please contact Holly Kizer at Holly@helpusthrive.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
THRIVE HONORS HANK BERTELKAMP AT ANNUAL DINNER
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, October 7,2022 — Thrive, a Knoxville-based non-profit organization that provides for the spiritual, emotional, academic and spiritual needs of more than 250 at-risk youth, honored longtime philanthropist and enthusiastic-supporter, Hank Bertelkamp, at their annual dinner Tuesday night at Cherokee Country Club.
Bertelkamp gives his time, talent and treasure to the program and thoroughly invests in the students who attend. He is known for his kickball pitching, working diligently to teach the students how to properly shake hands, and his generosity to the organization. His support over the years has helped the program grow to serve more youth in five communities in Knoxville.
More than 200 people attended the event in support of Thrive and Bertelkamp, including UT basketball coach, Rick Barnes, who generously provided four UT basketball experiences for the live auction. The dinner raised more than $500,000 for the program, the largest amount raised in the program’s history at the event.
“The generosity of our community towards Thrive is truly an answer to prayers. We work diligently to provide for the at-risk youth in Knoxville in our After School, Summer and Mentoring programs,” said Lori McKelvy, Development Director at Thrive, “and with the support of our community, we are able to help students truly Thrive.”
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
LONSDALE’S THRIVE BUILDING RECEIVES FACELIFT FROM MCLAIN’S PAINTING
“PAINT IT FORWARD EVENT” TO PROVIDE LIGHT TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, November 4,2022 — Thrive is the recipient of the generous “Paint it Forward” grant provided by McLain’s Painting Services in Knoxville. The grant was open to all non-profit organizations and offered a $5,000 grant of services and materials to improve or freshen up a deserving recipient.
On Saturday, November 5 beginning at 8am, more than 50 McLain’s team members will scale the walls of the Thrive Lonsdale building, located in the heart of Lonsdale at 1317 Connecticut Avenue. The team will transform the old, brown building into a white, freshly painted home for the Thrive program that provides spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical support for more than 240 at-risk youth daily.
Please see the attached photos of the current building. We will also have a time-lapse video set to show the transformation and are available throughout the day November 5 for interviews or to gain footage of the transformation.
Our hope is that through this generous investment from McLain’s Painting Services, the community and families in Lonsdale will feel refreshed, see the investment, and support the Knoxville community provides to them, and see light in sometimes difficult circumstances.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
About McLain’s Painting McLain’s Painting is a company that brings fresh paint and new looks to customers’ homes and businesses here in the Knoxville area. We provide unparalleled customer service and deliver the highest quality in craftsmanship to bring satisfaction to our customer’s needs. One thought provoking question we like our customers to think about is, “What makes McLain’s Painting different than any other painting company here in Knoxville?” Well, to put it simply, we provide astounding customer service that no one can compare to. For example, our employees here at McLain’s treat one other as family. Family is the definition of showing care, respect, love and making memories with each other. This is exactly what we want to achieve with our customers. We want to bring a painting experience to our customers that they have never experienced before. With this, we love to give back to those who bless our community.
This year, McLain’s Painting is proud to serve Thrive Lonsdale and give them the best family friendly experience that we are known for. We look forward to working with this organization, and we encourage others to also give back to our great community here in Knoxville, and the surrounding areas.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
THRIVE NAMED RECIPIENT OF PRESTIGIOUS GANNETT GROUP
“A COMMUNITY THRIVES” GRANT PROGRAM
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, October 31,2022 — Thrive is the recipient of the prestigious “A Community Thrives” grant from Knox News and its company parent, Gannett. Thrive was named one of seven recipients of the grant from East Tennessee.
In a recent Knox News article, Joel Christopher, Knox News Executive Director said, “A Community Thrives is a vital part of our support for important efforts that improve the lives of the people we serve in our coverage. We’re thrilled to help organizations that are doing vital work to make our region a better place to live.”
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
THRIVE RECIEVES DONATION FROM FOOD LION FEEDS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, November 30,2022 — Thrive has received $1,500 from the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to help feed neighbors in their time of need. Thrive will use the gift to provide a nutritious dinner and snack daily for the 240 at-risk youth in our program.
“We are very grateful for this generous investment from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to support Thrive in Knoxville. With this gift, we will be able to continue our mission to provide for the spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical needs of at-risk youth,” said Holly Kizer, Thrive Grant Writer.
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is committed to supporting families facing food insecurity across its 10-state footprint. Established in 2001, the foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to feeding local neighbors in the communities it serves. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly $17 million in grants.
About Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C. Established in 2001, the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to eliminating hunger. The charitable foundation has provided nearly $17 million in grant funding, helping to nourish communities with fresh food for backpack programs, Kids Café’s and other hunger-relief programs as well as funding for long- term programs to help shorten the lines at food banks. The charitable foundation partners with Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief agency, in addition to local food agencies serving the 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states in which Food Lion operates. For more information, visit foodlion.com/in-our-community.
About Food Lion Food Lion is an omnichannel retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors during the moments that matter most. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. Through its ‘Count on me’ culture, Food Lion fosters a sense of belonging for all associates, promoting a diverse and inclusive environment that has supported LGBTQ+ equality for nearly two decades. Food Lion is the only company in the country to be named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for 21 consecutive years. It also pioneered a food rescue program to support food-insecure neighbors. Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer has donated more than 970 million meals to individuals and families since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
FIVE THRIVE STUDENTS HAVE A NEW REASON TO SMILE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, December 14 ,2022 — Pickering and Allen Orthodontics Office brought a smile to five Thrive students this holiday season when they announced the at-risk youth would receive braces and extensive dental work at absolutely no cost.
“Giving back to our community has always been part of Pickering and Allen Orthodontics. We have been so blessed by East Tennessee and the surrounding area, that we thought it would be fun to award a set of braces to a child in need for every UT home football game, “said Pickering and Allen. Five of these students were
from Thrive, an after-school program for at-risk youth in Knoxville.
The students were selected based on age, the severity of the need, and a testimonial from their sponsor. Students were brought to tears when they learned the gift they were receiving from Pickering and Allen. It is truly a life-changing investment in the students’ lives.
One of the recipients’ parents wrote this statement: “As a single-parent household with three daughters, I do not foresee being able to afford this expense. Prior to being made aware of this opportunity and speaking to my daughter, she’d never truly expressed to me how much her smile affects her self-esteem. The gift of braces
would be life-changing for her. She has an extremely bubbly personality, and anyone she meets immediately becomes a friend. Braces would gift her the blessing of being proud of who she sees when she looks in the mirror, confidence in her smile, allow us to rebuild her self-esteem, and eliminate the bullying/name calling.”
“This has been such a tremendous gift to us to be able to provide. It has even prompted a former patient and parent of patients to donate funds for yet even another child’s teeth to be fixed. It is always said that it is better to give than receive, and by ‘giving away braces’, we have received so much more than material possessions. Our hope is that these children will utilize their new smiles to share the light of Christ with everyone in their path,” said Pickering and Allen.
To learn more about Pickering and Allen Orthodontist, please visit www.PickeringOrthodontics.com or visit us on any social media platform at @pickortho.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer
THRIVE RESUMES AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AFTER KITCHEN DEVASTATION: HOW YOU CAN HELP
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, January 23 ,2023 — Thrive students will return to their after-school program today after a pipe burst on Christmas morning leaving their kitchen unusable. Thrive provides after-school homework help, tutoring, mentoring, and dinner to more than 240 at-risk youth across our city.
The community came together over the past month and raised funds to help the rebuilding process and Second Presbyterian Church graciously offered their kitchen space for Thrive to use for the remainder of the semester to prepare the meals.
“One of our program’s main components is to provide a nutritious, home-cooked meal to the students daily and the kitchen is a huge part of our space,” said Clayton Wood, Thrive Executive Director. “We are so thankful for the many answered prayers through this devastation. God has truly shown his hand in every aspect of our rebuilding process. We want to thank everyone who has offered prayers, donations, and stepped in to provide meals to Thrive students.”
If you would like to provide dinner to a Thrive location this Spring, please visit www.HelpUsThrive.com/volunteer or make a gift to support the kitchen renovation at www.HelpUsThrive.com/donate.
About Thrive Thrive connects caring adults with at-risk youth through gospel-centered relationships. We partner with communities to pursue spiritual, emotional, academic, and physical wholeness through our three main programs: Thrive After School, Thrive Summer, and Mentoring.
Learn more about Thrive and our work in Knoxville at www.HelpUsThrive.com
Contact: Holly Kizer