THRIVE Peninsula

“I was drawn to the organization because of the focus on financial literacy. That is a really important foundation for people to have if they want to be successful in life and thrive,” Angela says. “We offer our services in ways that are dignified, accessible, and innovative.”

In November of 2023, THRIVE moved into a new building at 12749 Nettles Drive in Newport News. “That’s when we reinvented how we deliver our services,” Angela says. “We wanted it to feel welcoming and stigma-free. When people walk in, they get emotional because we’ve created a space where they can feel comfortable. We respect them and they can see that we are here to welcome and serve them.”

She relates how heartwarming it is to read the surveys clients fill out after a visit: “People say things like: ‘I was turned away by everyone but THRIVE could help me.’ ‘I was so afraid to ask for help, but you made it easy. Thank you for treating me like a person.’ ‘I’ve been living in my car for months and now I finally have a place to rest my head.’”

The new building includes The Market at THRIVE. Angela explains the project: “We wanted to create a different grocery environment. The gold standard for food pantries is self-selection because if you can shop and pick out the food you need for your family, you are more likely to feel empowered and dignified. And you are also going to get the food that your kids will eat, that meets your health needs and your culture.”

The Garden at THRIVE grows produce to stock The Market. Last year, the garden produced more than 800 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables.

THRIVE Peninsula worked with Food Lion to set up The Market. “They helped us design the store to create an authentic grocery store environment. They are actively involved in volunteering. We’ve achieved something really beautiful. We focus on fresh and healthy foods. When people walk in, they see a huge produce aisle, and they can take whatever they want.”

The Market at THRIVE opened in November of 2024 and offers a wide range of groceries and an abundance of fresh produce.

The Garden at THRIVE is a courtyard garden that grows produce to stock The Market. In 2024, the Garden produced more than 800 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables. The crop is harvested and distributed the same day, providing high-quality food at peak nutrition and freshness.

THRIVE Peninsula also has a free bookstore in the lobby. “We partner with REACH to provide brand new books. It’s a good way to connect people with learning and literacy,” Angela says.

By the end of 2025, THRIVE Peninsula will have served at least 35,000 people. “Sometimes the world can feel overwhelming with its problems, but we can make a large impact here because we have so many volunteers, partners, and donors who want to do something to help,” Angela says.

Angela connected THRIVE Peninsula with TowneBank when she met Allie Wittkamp, senior vice president and director of marketing communications, at a VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads event. “Allie was drawn to the idea that TowneBank could get involved with THRIVE through our financial literacy mission. She became a financial coach and now serves as our treasurer.”

“The growth at THRIVE has been remarkable,” says Allie. “We help people in such a tangible way. Anyone connected to THRIVE will tell you how much it means to be involved. You can feel how it has fueled a movement.”

TowneBank contributed to THRIVE Peninsula’s capital campaign that allowed them to pay off their building. “We are thrilled that we will soon be a debt-free charity,” Angela says.

THRIVE Peninsula can always use volunteers, and a list of current volunteer opportunities is available on their website. “THRIVE is unique because our volunteers greatly outnumber our paid staff,” Angela says. “We have about 250 volunteers and that is the fulltime equivalent of 11 employees.”

For more information and to learn how you can help, visit THRIVEPeninsula.org.