Thrive Update: Week 3

Hi, my name is MJ and I have a 2 and a half year old named Carmella.  We are participants of Thrive.

Thrive is an amazing program for young mothers and their children to learn, grow and THRIVE!  It is a community of women lifting each other towards a happy future and a wonderful group of childcare workers teaching and encouraging young children to grow with a smile on their face.

Something I learned this week was that it is not wrong to feel like you're going crazy when your baby is crying and won't stop.  It is okay to hold and cuddle them to sleep if that is what they need.  Babies are people and like anyone else, their needs vary depending on the child.

My favourite thing we did this week was mommy and me workouts!  It is so fun to see the little ones busting a move and enjoying healthy exercise.  Thank you to everyone that makes this program possible!

- MJ

Thrive Update: Week 2

Carter (Megan's son)

Hi!  My name is Megan and I am 23.  I have a son named Carter who is 3 years old and I am a participant in the 8th cycle of Thrive.  

To me, Thrive is not only learning how to live your life but it is learning to conquer it.  Finishing week 2 of Thrive, we have learned so much, but most importantly is that we are not alone!  

Last Thursday, while we were in class with Barb (facilitates a mentoring group), we were given the option to open up about our life/past.  Although we are all just getting to know each other, it was like it didn't matter at that point because everyone was more than willing to share.  We were all just supporting each other through it.

I'm realizing through this experience that I want nothing other than to be on the other side of the table one day and help others just as the facilitators and counsellors are helping me.  

So far, my highlight during Thrive is that all of us are opening up to each other and seizing this opportunity that we have been granted.

I am looking forward to the following weeks here at Thrive that we have together.  Thank you to everyone who is supporting us through this adventure!

- Megan

Thrive Update: Week 1

Hello! My name is Krista Wilson. I am married to the love of my life, Eric, and we have three beautiful children, Annika (6), Ezekiel (3) and Makayla (1). I am the Counsellor for this years' Thrive cycle.

I love young moms and their children and these young women inspire me with their determination, strength and courage. It is a privilege and an honour to be part of these families' lives.

For me, Thrive is an intensive program that is designed to encourage young moms to develop emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. During this first week of workshops, the impact of one particular exercise I led stood out to me. The above image is a sample of a First Nations medicine wheel.  

The young women in Thrive began this creative exercise during the first week and their engagement in this exercise was a beautiful process. This medicine wheel is a wholistic way to begin to identify and assess our well-being.

The moms engaged so well in assessing what they need in their life to achieve health and balance.  It was one way that our first week of Thrive was a beautiful beginning.  Everyone is connecting and supporting each other so well and it's only week one!  We are loving it!

Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to updating you weekly.

- Krista

Thrive kicks off this week!

The 8th cycle of Thrive begins this week!

We’re filled with excitement for the 7 courageous young women ready to make a fresh start this fall. As we were getting ready to kick things off on Monday,  we took a moment to pause and take the photo above - before the workshop began, before each young mother came into the room.

These empty seats have come to represent the anticipation and hope we have for each young mother as they enter into their 18-month program. Most of these women have made connections with Young Families through the weekly Wednesday baking program and one young mom in particular enrolled because of the direct encouragement of a Young Families supporter she received at last year's Christmas dinner.

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 10 years, Thrive has been one of the cornerstone programs of Young Families. And for more than 10 years, Thrive has been creating a space for transformation and community for young moms in need.

This next group of committed moms entering Thrive arrive with their own personal stories to work through. In the coming weeks and months, Thrive will help young mothers face the challenges that often hold them back from living a life of purpose and financial independence.\

Stayed tuned for more Thrive updates and to learn more about the 7 young moms embarking on this exciting and life-changing journey!