Carlin Springs Family Markets
Throughout the year, Carlin Springs Elementary School hosts Family Markets — an opportunity for families to gather resources and items to help alleviate the financial strains they may be facing. Arlington Thrive has provided over 1000 dental and hygiene kits to families in Arlington in need of items not otherwise covered by supplemental sources of income and support.
Back-to-School Boost
Arlington Thrive is dedicated to ensuring youth have access to the tools and supplies needed to thrive in school. Since 2022, Arlington Thrive has contributed to Casa Mariflor’s school supply giveaway every year, providing more than 120 students with new school supplies at the start of each school year.
Ensuring Food Security
As food insecurity continues to impact our communities, Arlington Thrive has introduced food security programming, with the support of community pillars across Arlington. Meals to Thrive On: Savoring Community and Cooking Up Community are unique events focused on promoting nutrition education, healthy eating habits, and equitable food access in our community. Meals to Thrive On: Savoring Community aims to provide participants with the knowledge and resources they need to make healthy, affordable meals for themselves and their families through cooking demonstrations and providing families with gift cards and Breadcoin to jumpstart their journey. Meals to Thrive On is supported by a Food Security grant from the Arlington County Department of Human Services. It is a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact in our community and promote healthy living.
Cooking Up Community is in partnership with Green Valley community establishments: Macedonia Baptist Church and the Virginia Cooperative Extension, funded by Arlington County, brings culturally relevant recipes, financial budgeting courses, and groceries to replicate the recipes taught by chefs who have volunteered their time.
Youth In Transition
Like Arlington Thrive’s Community Resilience Fund, the Youth in Transition Fund provides financial assistance to youth in transition (ages 17-24) facing short-term emergency financial assistance needs. Youth in Transition can include youth aging out of or exiting foster care and other young adult populations identified by participating partners. This money is available for Thrive Case Managers and partnering nonprofits.
Arlington Interfaith Network
In recognition of the long history of faith-based organizations in assisting those in need in our community, Arlington Thrive facilitates the activities of the Arlington Interfaith Network (AIN) to convene people of diverse faiths for the spiritual well-being and the common good of Arlington. AIN is governed by a steering committee of clergy, local leaders, and Thrive staff, and funded by private donations, Arlington Thrive, and various faith organizations. The AIN has four elements of its mission. Firstly, to network and share fellowship with one another.
Secondly, to learn and grow from one another. Thirdly, to speak together as a united voice on core values, issues, and events happening in the community and world. Finally, to learn from the community and to share with all congregations.