 Purpose

Thrive provides development through a strengths-based course focused on intensive life skills training.

 Pricing Overview (subject to change)

Cost for facilitator: $99/month

Cost for 10 participants: Free (included with facilitator cost)

 Perspective

Thrive is developed by InnerMission, a True Charity Network Member and Ambassador who holds tightly to effective charity principles. Their curriculum is faith-friendly and offers an entire module on spirituality for those interested.

 Structure

The All AccessSix MonthPlan is InnerMission’s complete six-month life skills curriculum. There are six modules, each including four lessons. Topics include strengths and self-discovery, budgeting and financial planning, mental health, relationships, legacy (i.e., parenting skills and sharing what you learn with others), “Launch” (leadership skills and successful living), and spiritual life.  

Each module is organized into four sessions. By design, one session should be used during a regular, weekly meeting that lasts approximately one hour. That time allows for a video lesson which is no more than 15 minutes long, as well as interactive activities. 

Alternatively, clients can work at their own pace in conjunction with a case manager. The program could be completed in as little as two weeks in a residential program or in other cases, spread out over a year.

Or you can take advantage of the All Access Subscription With Coaching. If you plan to host multiple rounds of courses throughout the year, this subscription is the best option. In addition to resources in the All Access Sixth Month plan, you’ll receive a one-time, one-hour one-on-one interaction with a Thrive coach available to help you tailor the curriculum to your organization’s needs. 

Both subscriptions allow for optimal customization to fit the unique needs of your community or organization. In addition, the curriculum can be adapted for use in one-on-one or classroom settings. And, there is no limit to the number of students you can have within a live classroom. 

Thrive provides recommended graduation requirements for those choosing to use the entire program — that the client attend all meetings, complete six in-person or video courses, set and pursue two or three personal goals, obtain or maintain employment, create and manage a budget, and volunteer at a nonprofit for one hour per month. It provides a graduation requirements sheet that students must sign off on at the beginning of the program. However, the curriculum content can be tailored to use only parts of the content. In this case, there would be no official Thrive graduation. 

They also recommend organizations end with a celebration dinner attended by family and friends to honor each participant’s hard work. Graduates can be awarded with a graduation plaque — and share their testimony and a video about their life. 

 Best For

Thrive’s adaptability makes it useful for churches and nonprofits that want to help clients move from surviving to thriving. As well, the video-driven content alleviates pressure on a facilitator or mentor to be a subject matter expert. Instead, they can concentrate on sharing applicational wisdom through relationships that develop during the program. 

The course is highly adaptable to meet individual needs. However, the PDF handouts require an adequate reading ability (middle-school level) so participants should be literate and capable of pursuing the course goals, such as budgeting and family development. It’s ideally suited for individuals in transitional housing programs and/or those with a strong desire for personal growth and enhanced well-being. Due to the time commitment required, it may not be the best fit for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

 Evidence That It Works

This program is in the initial stages of outcomes tracking. It is based on the experience of InnerMission with their clients and has successfully graduated some pilot cohorts within their own (InnerMission) ministry context. Client testimonials suggest the program is highly beneficial.

 Cost and Resources

Curriculum costs are dependent on which subscription is chosen. True Charity Network Members can claim a 10% discount on either package: 

• The All Access Six Month Plan is $99 per month

• The All Access Subscription with Coaching is $999 per year 

The host organization needs to provide an internet connection. Access to a computer is also needed for facilitators and learners. If teaching in a live classroom setting, the facilitator will need a projector system for each video training. In addition, a printer is needed to duplicate student handouts (which are provided in PDF format within the online, curriculum materials). 

A few lessons require students to take an online assessment — which are best done before class. If that’s not possible, they will need access to a computer during the session.

Human resources needed are dependent on how your organization chooses to use the curriculum. In a one-on-one format, a case manager or mentor can walk a student through the material. However, a classroom format should have two or three volunteers available to build relationships with participants. 

In addition, meals and childcare should be considered if you choose to host a live, classroom setting.

 How to order:

Visit https://www.imthrive.com/store 

 What We Love

As mentioned, the program’s flexibility and affordability are a plus. And its emphasis on life skills built on biblical truth resonates with our vision to see people flourish as they encounter Jesus Christ and partner with Him to restore key relationships that make flourishing possible (i.e., with themselves, their marriage and family, the world, work, and with God). 

 Considerations

The full course (six months) is a robust offering of 24 classes, so everyone participating should be aware of the commitment involved. Also, while the videos’ production value is solid (good sound; clear, crisp images; and a simple, yet pleasant background behind each presenter), it lacks the high-end production values many users in a video-saturated world have come to expect (i.e., music, flashy montages, multiple camera angles, animation, and special effects). In other words, they are closer to what you would expect if you brought a qualified presenter into your facility for a live presentation. We believe many clients will find the warmth, sincerity and approachability of that format appealing.