Helping youth in institutionalized care with academic and occupational efforts.
For every three months spent in institutionalized care, a child loses one month of linear growth without proper intervention.
The lack of individualized care and attention, due to limited resources and caregivers, makes it challenging for adolescents to receive the proper guidance needed to navigate their academics and plan for the future.
In 2022, Spence-Chapin created THRIVE, a program designed to minimize these effects by equipping young adults in the program with Technical skills, Higher education goals, Resources for navigating academia and job seeking, Independent living skills, Vocational skills access, and, ultimately, Employment.
Through partnerships with two South African institutions, THRIVE improves the lives and academic achievements of youth. We currently serve over 78 young adults ages 14-21.
THRIVE leaders provide connections to universities, internships, and future jobs, and offer stipends for youth actively participating in the program so they can learn the critical skills of independent living and budgeting with their mentors.
Additionally, Spence-Chapin provides essential workspace materials including computer stations, printers, backup generators, and more.
Local mentors undergo thorough recruitment, screening, training, and evaluation to ensure the highest quality mentorship for THRIVE.
These mentors offer one-on-one guidance in academic, educational, and leadership pursuits, preparing mentees not just practically but also mentally and emotionally for their transition to independence.
Before the implementation of THRIVE, the school-aged mentees lacked academic support. Now, all participants benefit from mentorship and see improved marks in school.
Hear from THRIVE youth about their experiences in the program.
Sphiwe is now a confident young adult, but he was once a lonely boy in the Othandweni children’s orphanage. When reflecting on his life’s trajectory, he thanks the THRIVE program, specifically program specialist Ray, for the wisdom and guidance he was given. Sphiwe is planning on using his $200 stipend from THRIVE to buy land in South Africa that will create generational wealth for his family and local jobs for those in his community. He thanks the funders of THRIVE for changing the lives of children like him.
©2024 SPENCE-CHAPIN SERVICES TO FAMILIES AND CHILDREN A REGISTERED 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.