Thrive Celebrates a Year of Growth, Recognition and Community Impact

“We have not had somebody reach the nationals in my time at Thrive. So this is a truly special thing.”

By-Radio Worcester Staff

Photo-submitted

WORCESTER, MA-Thrive Support & Advocacy continues to build momentum, celebrating outstanding staff achievements while expanding programs that improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout Central Massachusetts.

On Radio Worcester, CEO Sean Rose highlighted several recent milestones that reflect the organization’s strongest year to date in quality, staffing and community engagement.

Recognizing Outstanding Leadership

Two Thrive team members recently received significant recognition for their contributions.

Meg Mulhern earned the Pillar of Service Award, while Stacey Forrest received the Champion of Equity Award for her work recruiting immigrant workers and dramatically improving staffing levels.

Rose credits Forrest’s leadership with helping reduce vacancy rates from nearly 30 percent to sustainable levels.

“Without Stacy’s efforts and getting the staff that we currently have, we would not be able to provide high quality services or in some cases we wouldn’t be able to provide services at all.”

Building Community Beyond the Workplace

Thrive continues to create opportunities that foster inclusion throughout the community.

Recent successes include a popular Prom for All Ages held at Polar Park and one athlete qualifying for the Special Olympics National Games—a milestone the organization has not achieved during Rose’s tenure.

“We have not had somebody reach the nationals in my time at Thrive. So this is a truly special thing.”

These programs provide opportunities for connection, celebration and achievement while highlighting the abilities of the individuals Thrive serves.

Farm to Table for the Disability Community

One of Thrive’s newest initiatives combines sustainability with nutrition.

The organization has developed a greenhouse that supplies fresh vegetables directly to its residential homes and its specialized food pantry, which serves individuals with dietary restrictions and food allergies.

Rose describes the project as a true local food system.

“It’s really a true farm to table. These vegetables are going to go into our residential homes… and they’re also going to go into our food pantry.”

Growing Programs—and Growing Careers

As Thrive expands its services, the organization is actively hiring for several positions, including:

• In-Home Service Professionals
• Family Support Coordinators
• Relief Staff
• Community-Based Day Services Without Walls

Rose says the nonprofit sector offers meaningful opportunities for people looking to build careers while making a lasting difference.

Thrive also reports continued improvements in licensing performance, employee retention and overall program quality.

“I think that our industry in this moment… it’s really important that we bring people together and inspire them.”

Listen Now

Hear Sean Rose discuss Thrive Support & Advocacy’s award-winning staff, innovative community programs, hiring opportunities and continued commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities on Radio Worcester.