Our Stories
Families are being transformed at Thrive SWFL. Their journeys are filled with resilience, courage, and the promise of a brighter future, showcasing the beauty of hope in action.
A Pregnant Woman Considering Adoption...
"I was scared and didn’t know what to do. When I found out I was pregnant, I felt like my whole world flipped upside down. I wasn’t ready to be a mom, but I couldn’t bear the thought of ending my pregnancy either. I had no one to talk to, no support, and no idea where to turn. Coming to Thrive was like finding a lifeline.
They didn’t judge me—they just listened. The staff walked with me through every option, explaining adoption, parenting, and even helping me process my emotions. They connected me with a local church whose members prayed for me and checked in every week to remind me I wasn’t alone. I started attending parenting classes and counseling, which helped me see the bigger picture of what I wanted for my baby and for myself.
The hardest part was deciding to place my baby for adoption, but Thrive surrounded me with support. They introduced me to an amazing adoption agency and helped me meet the family who will love my child as much as I do. For the first time, I feel peace about my choice. Thrive gave me hope when I didn’t think it was possible."
A Single Mom Escaping Domestic Violence...
"I left with nothing but my baby and the clothes on our backs. After years of feeling trapped, I finally made the decision to leave, but I didn’t know what would come next. When I got to Thrive, it felt like someone opened a door to hope I hadn’t seen in years.
They gave us a safe, secure place to sleep and made sure we had everything we needed—food, clothes, and even diapers for my baby. They set me up with counseling to help me process the abuse I went through, and the local church provided a mentor who meets with me every week. She helps me with everything from budgeting to finding a job, but mostly she just listens.
Thrive also connected me to a community resource center that offered free legal support to help me get a restraining order and protect my child. It’s still hard—there are days I’m terrified—but now I can breathe. I’m learning how to take care of myself and my little one without fear. Thrive didn’t just help me survive; they’re helping me rebuild my life."
Homeless Single Mom Seeking Stability...
"Before Thrive, I didn’t think there was a way out. Every day felt like just trying to survive. My daughter and I spent nights in my car, and I was terrified something would happen to her. When I heard about Thrive, I thought it was too good to be true, but I didn’t have anything to lose.
When I got here, they gave us more than just a roof over our heads—they showed me how to rebuild my life. They helped me enroll my daughter in their no-cost childcare program while I took GED classes and started looking for work. The staff walked me through job applications, gave me clothes for interviews, and even helped me find a part-time job through a connection at one of the local churches.
The church also brought meals every week and gave me a sense of community I hadn’t felt in years. Through Thrive’s life skills classes, I’ve learned to budget, meal plan, and even start saving for the first time. For the first time, I feel like we’re going to be okay. Thrive didn’t just give us shelter—they gave us a chance at a new beginning."
A Trafficking Survivor Begins Anew...
"I didn’t think anyone would ever believe me or want to help someone like me. After being trafficked, I felt invisible and broken. I didn’t trust anyone, but when I came to Thrive, it was the first time I felt safe in years.
They didn’t just give me a place to stay—they gave me the space to heal. Through counseling, I’ve started to confront the trauma I’ve been carrying. Thrive connected me with a local women’s ministry that gave me a mentor who helps me with everyday things, like getting my driver’s license and setting goals. The church even hosted a dinner just for women like me, and for the first time in years, I felt seen and valued.
I’ve started taking classes on career development and learning how to build a resume. It’s a long road, and I still have days when it feels overwhelming, but Thrive and the community around them keep showing up for me. They’ve helped me dream about a future I never thought I’d have. For the first time, I feel like I’m worth something."
A Young Mom in Crisis Choosing to Parent...
"I didn’t think I could do it. I didn’t have a job, no family to help, and I felt like I was already failing my baby. The day I found Thrive was the day I started to believe things could change.
They took me in and made me feel like I belonged. They gave me a crib, baby clothes, and all the things I’d been stressing over. Their parenting classes helped me feel confident about taking care of my baby, and the local church even threw me a baby shower so I’d have everything I needed.
They also helped me enroll in community college and connected me with a mentor from the church who watches my baby sometimes so I can study or rest. Thrive has been there for me every step of the way. I’m still learning, but now I believe I can be the mom my little girl needs. Thrive didn’t just help me choose life—they helped me live it."
A Mom Working Toward Reunification...
"I made mistakes, and I thought I’d lost my kids for good. When I came to Thrive, I didn’t know if I’d ever be able to get them back. But they didn’t look at me like I was hopeless. They saw a mom who just needed a second chance.
They surrounded me with support. I attended parenting classes that taught me how to build a healthy relationship with my kids. Counseling helped me work through the guilt and trauma I’d been carrying. Thrive also connected me with a local legal aid group that helped me navigate the court process.
The local church played a huge part, too. They provided transportation to my parenting visits and even hosted a holiday party so I could spend extra time with my kids in a safe space. It wasn’t easy—I had to work hard every day—but I always felt like I had people cheering me on.
The day the judge granted my reunification was the best day of my life. Holding my kids again, knowing I’d worked for this, was the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced. Thrive didn’t just help me get them back—they helped me become the mom they deserve."
A Single Mom Needing A Hand Up...
My experience at Thrive is one I will never forget. At Thrive you truly become part of the family. They fill you up with unconditional love and support as you go through the tough things that come with life.
With their help I was able to make myself whole again. If you put in the work and effort, they will do anything in their power to help you and your family.
A Single Mom From Homeless to Home...
I have been at Thrive for a year and seven months. What I have experienced at Thrive is learning parenting skills, budgeting, and how to manage time with my kids while also working.
I also achieved and got my security officer license and driver’s license. I learned how to build friendships/family relationships.
Everyone that works there loves the kids and me and is very caring.
A Pregnant Mom Reunifies Finds Family...
Thrive has been a blessing in disguise. It has been a safe place, a loving atmosphere, and a safe haven. Thrive has taught me to learn to love myself again as well as regain the feeling of being loved, learning to love my children and grow as a mother. Als, growing in my own identity in a healthy and loving way.
Transitional Housing has helped me to become self-sufficient. I'm learning to budget and have a chance to show the skills that I have learned at Thrive. For example, being able to parent my children the right way. Applying what was taught such as eating dinner together as a family, fixing meals together, and being able to combine set routines within my little household. Being in transitional housing has given me the opportunity to show that I am capable of parenting my children in a healthy setting. I will use what I was taught to parent them, and it has given me the freedom to be a mother, knowing I had Thrive and all the loving staff behind me and guiding me.
It gave me potential and responsibility and a chance in general to be able to do and be better while having a safety net (Thrive Family) right behind me. It gave me hope that it can be done and that there are loving people who love you, even when they don’t know you, and it seems all else has failed. Thrive has been my angel that led to blessings in disguise for me and my family. I am truly blessed and grateful beyond measure.