Back in September of 2017, we eagerly kicked off the 8th cycle of Thrive with a group of courageous women who were ready to make a fresh start.
In the months that followed, we introduced you to young moms like Tiara, Charlene, and MJ, journeying through the program and doing the hard work of breaking down past cycles of trauma and poverty and start to write new stories for their children.
At our last weekly Thrive meeting before graduation in June, we sat around the table discussing what makes Thrive so rare and special. Our Thrive graduates talked about Thrive as a place of community, vulnerability, encouragement, authenticity, growth, depth, intentionality and healing. One of the moms said, “I thought I’d be judged for my past but instead I was loved and accepted.”
These ladies have leaned in and accomplished great things over these 10 months and found a life-giving community. During Thrive Graduation, these young moms were celebrated, surrounded by supportive community, and affirmed as they each shared a piece of their story and how Thrive impacted their journey.
One young mom shared with us: “Since Thrive has ended, I’ve gotten a job as a care aid and enrolled into an adult learning centre where I will work towards my grade 12 starting in September. After graduation, I can apply at university for a registered nurse program, hopefully landing me a great job that makes not only my family proud but myself!”
This is truly a snapshot of the Young Families community and the impact and influence positive relationships have in our lives!
For the more than 15 years, Thrive has been one of the cornerstone programs of Young Families. And for more than 15 years, Thrive has been creating a space for transformation and community for young moms in need.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership of programs like Thrive and for supporting young moms like Tiara, Charlene and MJ as they took on an exciting and life-changing journey.