Last month, after weeks of preparation and planning, Allies hosted a gathering for past and present families involved in Thrive. Elise, our Thrive Coordinator, crafted a lovely evening with beautifully displayed food, a terrarium craft and a personalized gift for each participant. After putting such effort into creating this event, it could have been disappointing that only one caregiver ended up joining us. However, as the mother who attended shared again and again her heartfelt appreciation through a tear-streaked smile, we knew all the effort was worth it. She felt seen and appreciated and loved in that moment, and that made all the effort worth it! 

There were 3 caregivers who at the last minute were unable to attend the Thrive gathering that evening. We decided to go ahead and deliver the gifts we had prepared for them, so they knew we cared for them and to brighten their day. Beth, our Program Administrator, volunteered to deliver one of the gifts to a mother who participated in a virtual Thrive group a couple of years ago. She invited Beth inside her home and was overjoyed by receiving the gift Beth delivered.

As they shared with each other that afternoon, she told Beth, “Thrive literally changed my life.” She shared that she uses strategies she learned in the group everyday, and has even tried teaching them to others in her life. What a joy to receive feedback from someone who attended a Thrive group so long ago! It was an affirmation that the curriculum we put together really does make an impact. We look forward to engaging with more families in the year to come!