Inside Thrive Support & Advocacy: Prom, Food Pantry & Workforce Programs

Thrive Support & Advocacy Expands Programs While Preparing for “Prom for All Ages”

““Our mission is to empower folks to live independently and rich active lives. And this is mission in action, if you will.”

By-Radio Worcester Staff

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WORCESTER, MA- On this episode of The Talk of the Commonwealth, Sean Rose, President and CEO of Thrive Support & Advocacy, shared updates on several initiatives designed to expand opportunity, independence, and community engagement for the individuals Thrive serves.

One of the organization’s most anticipated annual events is the upcoming “Prom for All Ages,” now in its fifth year. Rose emphasized the importance of the event to participants.

“It’s one of the best things that we do. It’s something that our participants and residents, individuals look forward to year-round.”

A New Approach: “Community-Based Day Services Without Walls”

Thrive is also launching an innovative program called “Community-Based Day Services Without Walls,” designed to move beyond traditional facility-based programming.

The initiative will provide individuals with a wide range of vocational and community experiences without relying on a fixed location. Thrive is actively seeking employer partners interested in participating.

Flourish Food Pantry Expands Impact

Rose highlighted the continued growth of the Flourish at Thrive Food Pantry, which specializes in allergen-free foods. Thanks to recent grant funding, the pantry has been able to hire a dedicated manager, expanding its reach and effectiveness.

Advocating in Washington

Rose also discussed his recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he advocated against potential cuts to Medicaid and Medicare. He expressed serious concern about the potential impact on Massachusetts residents.

“You could have the potential in Massachusetts to have anywhere near 50,000 to 250,000 or more lose their Medicaid and their Medicare benefits, which is going to put a massive strain on the state, where funding is already tight.”

“Bosco’s Bites” Brings Mission to Life

A standout example of Thrive’s mission in action is Bosco’s Bites, an in-house business where participants produce and sell dog treats.

The program provides hands-on experience in business operations and life skills, reinforcing Thrive’s commitment to independence and empowerment.

“Our mission is to empower folks to live independently and rich active lives. And this is mission in action, if you will.”

What’s Ahead for Thrive

Rose also previewed a new “Pleasant Gardens” greenhouse project and noted Thrive’s recent nomination as Nonprofit of the Year by the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Thrive Support & Advocacy’s Family Support Center Helps 500+ Worcester County Families

By-Hank Stolz

Photo-Thrive Support and Advocacy

WORCESTER, MA– Hank Stolz speaks with Stacey Forrest, Chief Operating Officer of Thrive Support and Advocacy, focused on the organization’s Family Support Center on Grove Street. Forrest described the center as Thrive’s largest program, serving over 500 families in Worcester County by helping them navigate the challenges of supporting a person with an intellectual or developmental disability. “There’s a lot of research behind the fact that people with disabilities have much better health outcomes, both physically and mentally, if they are involved in their community and can identify that they have friends, which I think is really powerful.” She explained that the center offered free, comprehensive support to the entire family unit, including assistance with accessing community resources and managing the complex application process for state services. “So you’ll have a dedicated family support coordinator, one specific person who will help you both with the application and keep track of it, tell you how it’s going, if anything’s needed, so that you really have a partner the whole way.” says Stacey. icanthrive.org

A Prom for All Ages: How Thrive Support and Advocacy Builds Community, Joy, and Vital Services Year-Round

By Staff

WORCESTER, Mass. —The podcast covers the upcoming 4th annual “A Prom for All Ages” event hosted by Thrive Support and Advocacy, a non-profit organization that provides services and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The discussion highlights the event’s significance, the work that goes into organizing it, the funding and sponsorships involved, and the broader impact of Thrive’s services on the community. Sean Rose, President and CEO of Thrive Support and Advocacy, talks to us about the immense popularity of a A Prom For All Ages. The “A Prom for All Ages” event is a significant annual event that provides a meaningful experience for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rose makes clear the imprtance and impact of the event. “The days leading up to this event are equally as valuable as the event itself. The day that the prom is over, everyone is reaching out, looking for the date of the next prom.”
Rose also talks about other Thrive initiatives. The food pantry operated by Thrive is currently facing increased demand, and the organization is seeking donations and support to keep it well-stocked. “We’re seeing some people come in repeatedly as permissible, of course, who are just worried and they’re wanting to stock up a little bit and it’s a really sad time and I do think that after the prom, it’s an area where we need to dedicate as much time and energy into as we do to the prom to ensure that we can feed as many people as possible.”

Thrive Support and Advocacy is already in planning mode for its signature event, A Prom for All Ages. This year, the prom will take place at Polar Park on June 12th. The President and CEO of Thrive, Sean Rose, gives us details on the prom as well as everything else happening at Thrive.
Rose talks about the vocational services offered through Thrive. These programs provide opportunities for internships and jobs. Thrive is looking for new businesses to partner with to give people opportunities to work alongside the many returning businesses that have Thrive clients doing landscaping, housekeeping, cleaning, stocking, etc. This is a free program for businesses. The employer does not have to supervise the teams, most often a group of three, that are done by the Thrive staff.

A Prom for All Ages sees 200 individuals able to experience something that many of us may have taken for granted. It’s all free for the participants who get to walk the red carpet, be interviewed and greeted on the red carpet, enjoy the bubble machine, and dance the night away in a fun, safe environment. If you wish to be a sponsor, please contact Thrive. Rose says the business community is excellent when it comes to sponsorships to provide this free event for those who are intellectually or developmentally disabled or autistic. It is the signature event for the organization and gets widespread media attention. As a sponsor, you are also helping summer events that continue to keep people active in the Worcester/Marlborough area. Find out more at icanthrive.org.

Sponsorship Opportunities

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