About Us
Thrive Community Support Circle (Thrive) 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
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.
In 2017, our agency was rebranded as Thrive Community Support Circle. We’ve grown to offer many more resources from free mental health programs to CFS liaison support to essential needs for families and individuals.
It is gratifying and heartwarming to be able to see the effects of our work. Many people who come to us for help are so profoundly affected by our services and programs they will often come back to Thrive in a volunteer capacity. We see a new light shining in their eyes, a determination to help others as we have helped them. Sometimes they will tell us that Thrive literally saved their life. This is how we know what we do is working. We empower and support individuals and families to create positive change in themselves.
Today we serve more than 10,000 families each year, still providing services and group programs along with one-on-one counselling, as well as a Thrift Shop. We are incorporated as a non-profit organization, and supported through private donations, The United Way, Manitoba Early Learning and Childcare, The Department of Child and Family Support, and other groups.
We like to think the spirit underlying our evolution remains a straight line to the compassion and optimism first exhibited by our founders Louise and Dr. Paul Adams, when they first opened their doors to those in need, over half a century ago.
Our Guiding Principles
At Thrive Community Support Circle we believe:
- 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
Stats for 2022 to 2023
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
Founding President
Louise Adams (The Late)
Executive Director
Rhonda Elias – Penner
Board of Directors
Marni Waggoner – Board Chairperson
Sarah Mann – Secretary
Lena Pitsanuk – Treasurer
Directors
Rick Sutcliffe
Kathryn Gompf
Lana Stevenson
Mackenzie Swope
Alexis Bailey
Board Sub-Committees
Finance
Rick Sutcliffe – Chair
Lena Pitsanuk
Rhonda Elias – Penner
Capital Campaign Cabinet
Kathryn Gompf – Chair
Darla Hooker
Jennifer Thiessen
Liz Prall
Rebecca Mollard
Carrie Kulbinsky
Taylor Gagne
Building
Mackenzie Swope – Chair
Rhonda Elias- Penner
Marni Waggoner
Taylor Clackson
Governance and Human Resources
Lana Stevenson – Chair
Sarah Mann
Marni Waggoner
Members on leave
Morgan Vespa
Dakotah Nadeau
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
