North Kent Community Services is seeking individuals to participate in Thrive, its new program to help people become self-sufficient.  Thrive is designed to give those who are struggling in northern Kent County the support they need to achieve their life goals, such as owning a home, obtaining a better paying job or furthering their education.

North Kent Community Services (NKCS) is the comprehensive food pantry and resource center serving low-income families in our community, primarily Cedar Springs, Rockford and Sparta. Thrive is for anyone in the NKCS service area. You do not need to currently be receiving services from NKCS to qualify for Thrive.

Thrive participants will be meeting in a small group as well as one-on-one with coaches to help answers questions such as:

“How can I save money when I don’t even have enough to pay my bills?”

“What are my strengths and how can these guide me towards my career path?”

“How can I have hope when I feel so hopeless?”

“I see the future I want for myself, but how do I get there?”

Thrive will take place on Monday evenings at NKCS from 6:30-8:30 beginning September 22 and lasts for six months. Fifteen (15) mothers will be selected for the pilot program.

“The best thing we can give our children is a confident and hopeful mother,” said Chérie Elahl, NKCS Program Director. “That is why we are choosing women with children for our Thrive pilot program. Everyone can succeed with proper resources in place as well as with encouragement from others. Through Thrive, participants will have the opportunity to become empowered as they achieve their goals.”

Deadline to apply is Friday, August 15. Contact Chérie Elahl at cherie.elahl@nkcs.org or 616-866-3478.