THRIVE MAHONING VALLEY
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Mission Statement
Thrive Mahoning Valley works to create a more welcoming community while striving to connect new and current residents to economic, social, and educational opportunities. Our vision is for the Mahoning Valley to be recognized as a community that is welcoming to all. By cultivating a culture of belonging, and setting the table for regional economic growth, we can bring together the communities of the Mahoning Valley to Thrive for generations to come
About This Cause
Thrive Mahoning Valley: Building Inclusive Communities for a Stronger Future Workforce Development & Economic Inclusion Thrive Mahoning Valley (Thrive MV) is committed to creating a more inclusive and prosperous workforce in the Mahoning Valley by addressing barriers to employment and supporting local businesses in becoming more culturally responsive. Translation Services for Employers: Thrive MV offers translation services to employers seeking to hire international speakers. Translated materials include job applications, safety manuals, employee handbooks, policy guides, standard operating procedures, and signage—critical tools for supporting diverse workplaces. Culturally Inclusive Workplace Consulting: We work directly with employers to build respectful and culturally aware environments, increasing employee satisfaction, retention, and performance. Community Partnerships for Workforce Referrals: Thrive MV collaborates with local coalitions, workforce boards, and training programs to connect residents to job opportunities and skill development programs. We currently are represented on the Goodwill Assembly for Workforce Solutions team. 2025 Goal: Workforce Development Coordinator We aim to hire a full-time Workforce Development (WFD) Coordinator who will serve as a direct liaison between residents and employment opportunities. This role will include attending community meetings, building relationships with faith organizations, and even canvassing neighborhoods to meet residents where they are. The coordinator will connect job seekers with the Valley’s many outstanding workforce programs and provide individualized guidance with job seeking, interview skills, resume building and workforce development selection if needed. Transportation Equity: Pedal Forward | Thrive MV’s bikes for transportation program: Recognizing the critical link between mobility and opportunity, we launched our bikes initiative in 2023 by collecting and refurbishing six bicycles for international students facing transportation challenges. 2024 Expansion: The program grew to serve any adult needing transportation for work, school, or daily living. In 2024, 60 bikes were distributed. Bike Package: Each participant receives a bicycle, helmet, lock, lights, bell, and safety/maintenance instructions/resources. 2025 Goals: Distribute over 100 bicycles to community members. Hire a full-time repair technician (currently part-time at 8 hours/week). Increase funding for bike supplies and maintenance. Host community bike events promoting sustainability and access. Strengthening partnerships with local bike shops and community organizations. YO! Motion - Community Collaboration & Partnerships: A new collective initiative that is working towards getting the community together for bike rides, health and wellness resources, and information on the infrastructure needs and goals we must have to develop safer streets for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Goals include safety and maintenance demonstrations, group rides/tours in various areas of the community (like the Midlothian corridor), and more. The initiative is planned collaboratively by Thrive MV, BikeShare Youngstown, CycWard Bike Club, Cruise the Creek Bike Rentals, Youngstown State University’s GuinFit, Sight for All United, Josie Lyon president of the 7th Ward Citizen’s Coalition, Healthy Community Partnership, WRTA, and various cycling advocates/enthusiasts from our community. Cultural & Community Engagement: Thrive MV promotes belonging and unity through culturally rich events and initiatives: Cinco de Mayo on Phelps: A vibrant downtown celebration that honors Mexican culture through music, food, dance, and storytelling. We hosted this twice. Welcoming Week: As a proud member of Welcoming America, Thrive MV has hosted five successful Welcoming Week celebrations. These week-long events feature arts, literature (in collaboration with Lit Youngstown), science (OH Wow!), environmental topics, and more—celebrating the Valley’s diversity and shared future. 2025 Goal: Expand events to uplift underrepresented cultures and build deeper intercultural understanding. Youth Engagement & Education Cultural Competence Workshops: With support from the Thomases Family Endowment, we’re launching youth-focused cultural competence programming to nurture empathy, understanding, and equitable and inclusive leadership skills. We are working with Youngstown City schools to nurture literacy which we firmly believe is a building block for success. Language Access & Cultural Exchange – Clear communication is foundational to inclusion: Translation Services: Thrive MV now offers Spanish translation to local organizations, increasing access for Spanish-speaking residents while generating sustainable revenue. Food Access: The Downtown Youngstown Farmers Market In 2025, Thrive MV launched the Youngstown Farmers Market in partnership with Youngstown CityScape, GuinFit, Mercy Health, Healthy Community Partnership, and others. Purpose: Address food insecurity by providing a reliable, local source of fresh produce. Support for Small Farmers: Creates consistent market access for local growers. Economic Impact: Strengthens the local food economy and improves nutrition. Funding Priorities: Hiring a market manager, acquiring supplies, and promoting community engagement. Housing Advocacy Safe, affordable housing is essential for stability and dignity: Transitional Housing for Newcomers: Many new arrivals need short-term housing before securing stable employment and longer leases. Support Services: Thrive MV offers referrals and case management to help residents secure resources for long-term housing success. Focus on International Students: The need for culturally responsive student housing remains a key area of concern. Vision: A holistic approach to housing that builds stronger, self-sufficient, and more resilient communities. Goal: Establishment of a Mahoning Valley Welcome Center Since its founding, Thrive MV has envisioned a Welcome Center—a community anchor that celebrates the cultural contributions of immigrants while serving as a central hub for resources and support. The center will: Facilitate cultural exchange and promote mutual understanding. Provide essential information to new arrivals, easing integration. Offer workshops, support services, and community events. Help remove access barriers and foster long-term well-being. Outreach, Advocacy & Legal Support Community Resource Guide: Thrive Link is our newly updated bilingual guide which connects residents to services across the Valley. Features include a google map and language bank. Certified Welcoming: Thrive MV is working toward Certified Welcoming designation for the city of Youngstown through Welcoming America, formally recognizing inclusive practices. Immigration Education: In 2023, we hosted Community Conversations on Immigration, featuring a diverse panel exploring the Latin American immigration experience. Future events will highlight a range of cultural journeys. Legal Empowerment: DOJ Accreditation Pathway In 2025, we will submit our application to become DOJ Partially - Accredited Representatives, enabling to us to provide direct legal support to newcomers. This will allow our organization to: Representing individuals in immigration matters; status change, work authorization Reduce legal costs and barriers for families. Build institutional capacity to serve immigrant communities with dignity and efficiency. Collaborative Leadership & Knowledge Sharing Thrive MV: Convening Critical Community Collaborations The Newcomers Network Thrive MV leads and facilitates vital community collaborations, including the Newcomers Network—a coalition of organizations committed to supporting newcomers to the Mahoning Valley, particularly immigrants. Launched in 2023, this coalition fosters mutual support among member organizations while identifying service gaps and developing new programs to address community needs. Together, we are working to build a more equitable and inclusive Mahoning Valley—where everyone belongs, no matter where they come from. Sounding Board: A monthly forum for local nonprofit leaders, initiated by an AmeriCorps VISTA member, to exchange ideas and strengthen the regional nonprofit ecosystem. Conclusion: Looking Forward From workforce development to youth engagement, food access to cultural celebration, Thrive Mahoning Valley remains committed to building a welcoming and inclusive future. We believe that by recognizing the dignity of every resident—regardless of where they come from—we create a stronger, more united community. As we look ahead, our goals remain rooted in compassion, collaboration, and concrete action. Through deeper partnerships, sustained funding, and community-led solutions, we are building a Mahoning Valley where everyone belongs—and thrives.