Thrive Plans Building Expansion

Friday Jun. 7th, 2013

In an effort to better serve thousands of Thrive clients annually, the nonprofit is undergoing an expansion on their current office space located at 400 East Babcock.

“About a year ago, we realized that our lack of attention to our infrastructure needs was not only affecting our productivity and staff well-being but even more importantly, our participants and clients,” said Deborah Neuman, Thrive Executive Director. “This point was made clear to us one day when an upset, young mom overwhelmed by many challenges came to the office to meet with her family support worker. Every spot that could have been used with some privacy was occupied – even the kitchen. Over the months this scenario was replayed over and over becoming a regular obstacle to adequately serving those who depend on us. Thrive must grow to support increasing community need, but we simply cannot in our current situation.”

The current 3,217 square foot space houses 24 employees and is directly accessed by over 800 community members each year. The expanded space will increase private family meeting space by adding two small rooms and have a dedicated mentor interview room for the 250 new CAP mentors that are recruited each year. The new space will have more room to host CAP Mentor trainings, parenting classes, Girls for a Change workshops and other events that are currently held off-site and more community members will be able to access the re-vamped Parent Resource Center.

“The number of parents who participate annually has increased 500% in the last 10 years but our space has not increased. With this expansion, we will be able to better serve our clients,” Neuman said. “Thanks to our generous landlord, we have an affordable option to expand our existing space while remaining centrally located and easy to access for families.”

Thrive is currently raising funds to support this expansion, which was determined to be the most affordable option. “A wonderful team of professionals have volunteered to help us determine our best course,” Neuman said. “After looking at finding a new space, we decided this was our best and most affordable option and thanks to a number of generous supporters, we are well on our way to raising the funds needed for this important project.”

During the summer renovation, Thrive staff will be located at the old Kenyon Noble building in downtown Bozeman at 35 East Mendenhall. Playgroups will be on hold and Gym Days are finished for the summer.  Both programs will resume again this fall.

Thrive is a Bozeman nonprofit agency with a mission to ensure that every child will have an opportunity to grow, succeed and become a valuable member of our community through five programs that strengthen families and empower children and youth.