About Us
Thrive Community Support Circle is a charitable not-for-profit organization with two locations that primarily serves Winnipeg’s West End.
Community Drop In- 406 Edmonton Street, 3rd Floor
Counselling & Wellness – 406 Edmonton Street, 3rd Floor
Early Learning & Childcare Centre – 475 Sargent Avenue 1st Floor
In 2017, our agency proudly rebranded as Thrive Community Support Circle. Since then, we have grown exponentially, offering an extensive range of resources—from free mental health programs and CFS liaison support to essential services for families and individuals in need.
It is profoundly rewarding to witness the transformative effects of our work. Many who come to us in times of struggle are so inspired by their experience that they return as volunteers. We often see a renewed sense of purpose and hope in their eyes—a determination to give back to others as they were once supported. Some have shared that Thrive quite literally saved their lives. These heartfelt moments reaffirm that our mission is making a real difference. We strive to empower and support individuals and families in creating positive change within themselves.
Today, we proudly serve over 20,000 individuals each year. We continue to provide mental health support programs, one-on-one counselling, and a variety of essential services. As a non-profit organization, our work is sustained through the generosity of private donors, partnerships with organizations like The United Way, funding from Manitoba Education and Early Childhood, and many other valued supporters.
While our services have evolved over time, the spirit of compassion and optimism established by our founders, Louise and Dr. Paul Adams, more than fifty years ago, continues to guide us. Their vision remains at the heart of all we do, inspiring us to meet the needs of our community with care and hope.
Thrive Community Support Circle began in 1973 as Pregnancy Distress Services. It was founded by Louise and Dr. Paul Adams as a crisis phone line for pregnant women. Several years later, the Adams broadened their services to include pre-and post-natal support for young mothers.
Our Guiding Principles
Community-Centred Support: We provide professional and individualized support that improves the sense of safety and belonging. well-being, and self-worth of every community member.
Collaborative Partnerships: Together, with like-minded community agencies, committed staff, dedicated volunteers and generous donors, we enhance our reach and impact.
Holistic Support and Equity: We provide comprehensive wrap-around support services that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, barrier-free, and equitable.
Our Purpose Statement
We believe in the potential of every person and the strength of community. We provide inclusive and compassionate support to all, meeting people where they are on their unique path toward empowerment and growth. Together, we are building a thriving, sustainable community where every person has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life.
Our Community Impact
January 2025
Rhonda Elias-Penner,
Executive Director
Message From Our
Executive Director
While our Thrive team has continued to navigate the challenges and impact of the pandemic, I am humbled and proud to be part of a team that has continued to work through difficult conditions with grace and grit, putting the needs of the community ahead of their personal fears and concerns.
In 2021-22 pandemic pressures and inflationary pressures drove the need for Thrive’s programs and services to new heights. Thanks to our generous funders, and extremely committed team, we were able to rise to the needs of our community, ensuring that everyone who came to our doors was supported. This year saw another significant jump in new faces seeking help, and Thrive responded with new programs and expanded services made possible through new grants, collaborations, and partnerships.
With the changing landscape of social services Thrive continues to evaluate how we can better streamline services, ensuring that we are responding to the needs of community and participants, reducing barriers to access programs and services.
We continue to work within a collaborative model, partnering with other agencies to reduce duplication of services and fill gaps in priority areas. As we move into a post-pandemic world we are refocusing our efforts to consolidate and expand our building on Spence to create one physical space to house all of our programs and services. We look forward to sharing more about our plans in the coming months. In the meantime, I extend my sincerest gratitude to our volunteers, staff, supporters, funders and new friends who are committed to making us grow and THRIVE as we celebrate 50 years serving the community!
Board of Directors
Executive Director
Rhonda Elias – Penner
Board of Directors
Marni Waggoner – Board Chairperson
Sarah Mann – Secretary
Adriano Augellone – Treasurer & Finance Committee (chair)
Kathryn Gompf – Capital Campaign Cabinet Chair
Lana Stevenson- Governance and Human Resources Committee (chair)
Kim Mercury – Governance and Human Resources Committee
Mackenzie Swope – Construction Committee ( chair)
Alexis Bailey – Legal and Fundraising
Capital Campaign Cabinet
Kathryn Gompf – Chair
Jennifer Theissen
Darla Hooker
Liz Prall
Our Stories
We are grateful to our community members who have offered to share
their stories and how Thrive has played a role in their lives.
Amy’s Story
Teddy’s Story
As we celebrate Thrive Community Support Circle’s 50th anniversary of serving Winnipeg, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for the future. For over five decades, Thrive has been a beacon of hope in the Spence neighbourhood, quietly but profoundly changing lives.
Our dedicated board of directors, comprised of passionate Winnipeggers, has been instrumental in guiding Thrive’s mission.
We’ve witnessed an extraordinary increase in demand for our services, with annual visits skyrocketing from 7,000 pre-COVID to nearly 50,000 in 2024 – a staggering 400% increase.
So what does A New Chapter for Thrive look like?
In 2021, recognizing the growing needs of our community, we embarked on an ambitious capital campaign for a new building. As Rhonda shared, I’m thrilled to announce that with the help of our capital campaign committee we’ve raised $3.2 million of our $4.5 million goal. This achievement is a testament to the generosity and vision of our donors and the community’s belief in Thrive’s mission.
We’re particularly grateful for the substantial contributions from our major donors, including an anonymous benefactor, the Government of Manitoba, The Johnston Family Foundation, The Winnipeg Foundation, and Qualico, among others.
Our existing and prospective donors are contributing to Thrive’s Future of Community Support
The new Thrive facility at 555 Spence Street will transform how we support our community. This purpose-built space will include:
· A fully accessible facility design, including washrooms, doorways, kitchen, and elevator
· Community kitchen for preparing hot meals for drop-ins, childcare, nutrition and school programs, and job skills training
· Food hamper pick-up area for community members
· Laundry facilities
· Office and storage space for our childcare and early learning centre
· Cultural room dedicated to the diverse practices of the community
· Large drop-in area for socializing and meal service
· Designated registration and intake area for participants
· Classroom for education, social activities, parenting, and support group
· Enhanced safety and security measures
· Storage space for essential supplies such as food, clothing, and harm-reduction items
· Staff room equipped with washroom, storage, lockers, and dining area
· Childminding room to accommodate parents and caregivers attending programs
This facility will unite all our services under one roof, enhancing our ability to provide coordinated care and address critical community issues more effectively.
Recognizing the complexity of Thrive’s diverse offerings, I’d like to expand on Rhonda’s insights and emphasize the significance of our organization.
The multifaceted nature of our services under one umbrella might appear intricate, but it’s crucial to understand the profound impact and importance of Thrive’s mission.
Our comprehensive approach addresses various needs simultaneously, creating a synergy that amplifies our effectiveness. By integrating multiple services, we provide holistic support that goes beyond isolated solutions. This interconnected strategy allows us to tackle challenges from multiple angles, ensuring a more robust and lasting impact on those we serve.
Thrive matters because it represents a unified force for positive change. Our consolidated efforts streamline access to vital resources, making it easier for individuals to receive the support they need without navigating fragmented systems. This efficiency not only improves outcomes but also enhances the overall experience for those we assist.
Thrive’s importance lies in its ability to create a cohesive ecosystem of support, fostering resilience and growth in our community. By understanding the interconnectedness of our services, we can better appreciate the transformative power of our collective efforts.
In essence, what makes Thrive unique is our approach to meeting people where they are, offering both practical resources and heartfelt care. We don’t just provide services; we foster genuine connections and create an inclusive environment where community members feel seen, supported, and empowered.
An example of a tangible and far-reaching impact is that last year, we helped 550 Spence area residents reclaim over $3 million through tax returns. This is just one example of how Thrive gives a hand up, not a handout, empowering individuals to move forward.
That is just one example of why our new building is so important.
With the importance of Thrive in mind I want to end this message by looking forward.
As we move into the public launch of our campaign, we’re excited about upcoming events like our 3rd Annual Quiz Night fundraiser on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. We’re also actively seeking increased government support at all levels to complement the incredible private donations we’ve received.
My own personal experience that encapsulates the spirit of Thrive includes my first tour of the existing Thrive space with Rhonda. Her passion and deep connection to the community we serve was palpable. I hope that I can encourage anyone here who hasn’t seen our current space to do so in 2025 – it will give you a profound appreciation for the transformative potential of our new building.
In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported Thrive over the past 50 years – our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Your commitment has been the cornerstone of our success.
As we look to the future, we’re filled with hope and determination. With continued support, Thrive will not only meet the increasing demands of our community but will also set a new standard for comprehensive, compassionate care in Winnipeg.
Thank you all for being here tonight, and for your unwavering support of Thrive Community Support Circle. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to Thrive.
