Our History
From humble beginnings to a growing, powerful force for change, THRIVE ON! has grown steadily over the few years since its inception. Our journey is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our team, resilience, the support of our community, and the boundless potential of young people.
Summer 2020
A Spark Ignites
THRIVE ON! was born out of necessity during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Founder Keyvious responded to the urgent needs of those experiencing homelessness by organizing a grassroots effort to assemble and distribute essential care kits. This award-winning initial act of compassion raised over $4,000, garnered significant community support, and laid the foundation for the organization’s future endeavors.
Fall 2020
Expanding Impact
Building upon the momentum of the summer, THRIVE ON! expanded its initiatives to address a wider range of community needs. From providing meals and warm clothing to advocating for residents' rights, the organization demonstrated a commitment to creating positive change. A pivotal moment came with the development of THRIVE in the Margins, a platform amplifying the voices of those often overlooked.
Fall 2020 Initiatives
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Students raised over $4,500 to create and distribute kits for folks experiencing homelessness in the midst of COVID and winter. The over 240 kits included meal cards, blankets, facemasks, hygiene essentials, + more.
Students made and sold custom THRIVE ON! face masks and used the proceeds to provide meals for those in need. They were able to provide over 650 meals through this campaign.
Students distributed over 100 sweaters, hot servings of cider, and hot soup to in-need Kingston, NY residents — in the height of winter.
Students worked with Citizens for Local Power to develop the base court document in the fight against Central Hudson’s utility rate increase - and won!
Students worked with Hudson Valley Current to create a program that teaches kids and teens financial literacy using complementary currencies.
Four student journalists joined forces to create THRIVE in the Margins: a weekly journal that brings stories of, and ways to connect with and support, THRIVERS — folks who are doing great things in the world despite the socio-economic forces against them.
Spring 2021 Initiatives
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Students worked with MyKingstonKids to develop an economic literacy summer program for kids, teens, and young adults in Kingston, NY.
Students worked with community members and housing advocates to understand inequities surrounding Low or Moderate Income housing in New York.
Students connected with radical thinkers from around the world to expand the realms of conceivability through conversation on the bi-weekly Thinking in the Margins podcast.
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Students worked with Empower Kingston on increasing the representation of marginalized communities in the fight for equitable energy.
2022
Building a Strong Foundation
With support from the NoVo Foundation, THRIVE ON! embarked on a research and development phase to identify critical community issues. The resulting Kingston, NY Food Sovereignty report provided a roadmap for addressing food insecurity and building a more resilient food system.
Summer 2021
Learning and Growing
While the housing project faced challenges, it served as a valuable learning experience for the organization. THRIVE ON! recognized the importance of data-driven decision making and the need for a deeper understanding of community needs.
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2023
A Year of Growth and Impact
THRIVE ON! made significant strides in 2023. The Ponckhockie Market opened its doors, providing essential food access to the community. Additionally, Kingston Digest launched as a platform to inform and engage residents about local food systems. The organization also expanded its Early Thriver Program, preparing for the launch of the Early Thriver Catalyst Center in the coming year.
THRIVE ON!
THRIVE ON NETWORK INC
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
NYS Institution of Education
Economic Development Organization
EIN: 86-1701797