Thrive Community Support Circle > About Us > Our Stories
The Voices of Thrive
Stories have the power to inspire, heal, and create change. Our community members, volunteers, staff and program participants share their experiences—stories of resilience, growth, and connection. Through their words, we celebrate the strength of our community and the impact of barrier-free support. Whether it’s finding stability or discovering a sense of belonging, these stories reflect the heart of Thrive. If you’d like to share your experience, we welcome your voice. Together, we uplift and support one another.
50th Anniversary Message
I’m Mackenzie Swope, and I’m honored to serve on Thrive’s Board of Directors and chair the construction committee for our new building. 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…
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Tiger’s Story
From the moment I walked into Thrive, I felt welcomed and safe. I’ve always wanted to be part of a community centre that takes pride in helping and being actively involved in the community. From the very first moment I started volunteering at Thrive, I noticed how it strives to be different in all the…
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Family Support Liaison
Over the past 18 months, I’ve had the privilege of working with a client whose journey has been one of resilience and growth. Five years ago, when CFS got involved, she faced overwhelming challenges—losing her children, navigating agency requirements, and dealing with personal struggles. Despite everything, her dedication to her children never wavered. At first,…
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Wendy’s Story
My name is Wendy Burke and I am a black female woman and I am 54 years old. The Artistic Empowerment Program has helped me with my anxiety and depression. I feel grounded. The facilitators are very kind, non-judgemental and compassionate. I also meet with people from other cultures.
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Violetta’s Story
Hi, my name is Violetta. When I first arrived in Winnipeg, I was pregnant, and Thrive was one of the first places I turned to for support. My first class here was Prenatal, and not long after, I was introduced to the basic needs supplies program. As a newcomer with no job and my husband…
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Sunshine’s Story
I’m a mother of four beautiful children, and it’s been quite the journey with many ups and downs. But through it all, I’m still here, breathing and able to share my story. Thrive has been a huge part of my life for nearly six years now, and I can’t help but tear up thinking about…
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Marina’s Story
When I came to Thrive last spring, I was at the lowest point of my life. I had lost all will to live and had made a series of plans to end my life. In working with my doctor, my local representative and Thrive’s specialized therapist, I was introduced to Thrive and their holistic, multidimensional…
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Amy’s Story
I returned to Winnipeg from the reserve. I was 4 months pregnant and not employed. I began to job search. Well, I didn’t have luck finding a job. As soon as I told them I was pregnant I was not considered for the position I applied for. I didn’t experience discrimination like this before, it…
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Teddy’s Story
Hi. My name is Adoar. People called me Teddy. This place has really helped me. Helped me quit drinking. The services are good, I didn’t realize till about 2 and a half years later I didn’t drink. I stayed sober. My friend would ask me to go drink and I would say I can’t, because…
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Sean’s Story
I’m 44 yrs old and I’m clean now. I want to start by telling you how I became this man. I now understand how my anger, low self-esteem and wanting to be normal opened the door for addiction and created a person I was not. As far back as I can remember, I knew I…
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