The THRIVE Initiative
We are a student led initiative dedicated to raising funds for Interfaith and Kimberly's Center. Our goal is simple: bring students together to create real impact in Marion County, FL.
Check out our Instagram to see how you can support us and our mission!
About Us and Our Mission:
Throughout Marion County, there is a poverty rate of 15.0%. This is 3.9% above the national poverty rate of 11.9%. 21.8% of Marion County high school students have also been exposed to 4 or more "Adverse Childhood Experiences." Because of this, the Thrive Initiative aims to spread awareness about the need for support for these individuals as well as also raising funds for them through hosting drives throughout our community. We are selling lemonade and funds throughout neighborhoods and churches throughout our community.
Marion County Homeless:
Photos courtesy of Ocala-News.com:
Delgado, Jeremiah. “Homelessness decreasing, available beds increasing in Marion County.” Ocala-News.com, 19 June 2024, www.ocala-news.com/2024/06/19/homelessness-decreasing-available-beds-increasing-in-ocala-marion-county.
As students ourselves who are interested in giving back to our community, this particularly strikes a chord with us since poverty and abuse are truly daunting obstacles to overcome in pursuit of education. We hope to be able to lessen this disparity somehow through funding reliable businesses and nonprofits who can better provide for the children and impoverished throughout Marion County. Although poverty and abuse may always be a part of the world, we hope to spread more awareness about it and garner more support from students and families alike to help combat this disease.
The specific businesses we are supporting are Interfaith of Marion County through cash donations and supply donations. Interfaith helps over 500 families monthly through their food warehouse and has specific clinics set up to help individuals with health issues. The second foundation we are supporting is the Kimberly Center, who has aided over 25,000 children over 25 years of business. We hope to be able to make a prominent, inspiring difference for these foundations through our service for them!
Kimberly's Center Outreach:
All Statistics taken and available from Kimberly's Center of Marion County:
Center for Child Protection, and Dawn Westgate. “IMPACT REPORT 2023-2024.” Kimberly’s Center, 2023, kimberlyscenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Impact-Report-2024-FINAL-002.pdf.
Our Recent Drives!
September 1, 2025: Bellechase Neighborhood: Labor Day Sale!
We hosted a lemonade stand for 2 hours from 11 AM to 2 PM. We were able to raise $400+, thank you to all who participated and supported us!
Thank you to all of our donors, please meet us again on September 14, 2025 at Fore Ranch!
September 14, 2025: Fore Ranch Neighborhood!
We hosted a lemonade stand for 3 hours from 4PM to 7PM. We were able to raise $200+, thank you to all who participated and supported our mission!
Thank you to all of our supporters, please check our Instagram for any new fundraiser updates!
December 6, 2025: Light Up Lake Lillian, Belleview, FL!
We hosted a stand from 2PM to 7PM, selling Christmas ornaments, snow globes, and bracelets. We were able to raise over $300, thank you to everyone who supported and volunteered!
Thank you to all our volunteers and supporters, please check our Instagram and Facebook for any new updates!