According to Texas Health Resources Foundation President Laura McWhorter,
“Children have a very special place in our hearts. Nothing can compare to the way a child’s smile lights up a room, or the way a little one’s giggle can make your day.
“However, joy quickly turns to heartbreak in situations where children don’t have what they need – particularly food and mental health resources. Since 2019, Texas Health Resources, in collaboration with community organizations and school districts, have been working to ensure that children in under-resourced areas of North Texas get the help they need.
“THRIVE, which stands for ‘Together Harnessing Resources to Give Individuals Voice and Empowerment,’ is a program that strives to improve the lives of underserved students in North Texas. Studies show that one in four students have experienced adverse childhood trauma in their lives, including risk of homelessness, violence, and food insecurity. The THRIVE Program targets those children with a school-based initiative to combat food insecurity and promote the emotional well-being and long-term academic success for low-income, underserved students.
“A pilot program in Sanger, Texas, proved very successful, serving more than 280 families, sharing more than 12,000 pounds of food, and providing crisis counseling for more than 150 students. One student’s mother told the Sanger THRIVE team, ‘Never doubt you are making a difference and changing people’s lives.’
“Now, the Texas Health Resources Foundation is replicating the program – and its success – in other high-need school districts in North Texas. The first two locations will be launched in the Dallas and Fort Worth Independent School Districts in 2023. Please help Texas Health help these children. Visit TexasHealth.org/THRIVE to learn more, or contact Community Impact and Grants Director Jennifer Atchison at 682.236.8420 or to give.”
* Graphic/photo provided by Texas Health Resources Foundation
