tHRive, the young professional program of the Hampton Roads Chamber, is pleased to announce Samaritan House as its organization of the year. A crucial part of tHRive’s mission is to invest in the future of our region by facilitating young professional engagement through community involvement with local nonprofits and volunteer opportunities. This year, tHRive will be volunteering, advocating and fundraising for Samaritan House throughout their regular events. Members can sign up to attend the March 3 kickoff event and learn more at ypthrive.org/events.
Robin Gauthier, the Executive Director for Samaritan House shared her thoughts on the partnership. She said, “Samaritan House has been helping victims of violence in our community for 35 years. The continued success of our mission relies on the generosity of our community and local professionals like tHRive. We are grateful that tHRive selected Samaritan House as their nonprofit for 2020.”
The mission of Samaritan House is to foster personal safety, growth and self-sufficiency in adults and their children through freedom from sexual and domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness. They own and operate 14 safe houses for emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing violence and those at risk of losing their homes. Clients receive support through case management, counseling, victim advocacy, nutrition assistance, transportation, access to medical care and vocational training. They also have a children’s program, which works with youth to establish healthy relationships, build self-confidence and break the cycles of violence.
“We’re so excited to partner with the Samaritan House for 2020,” says Amanda Green, tHRive’s Regional Engagement Chair. “There will be several ways for young professionals to get involved with our efforts including hands-on volunteer opportunities and fundraising events. We can’t wait to see all we are able to accomplish.”
“The fact that tHRive designated Samaritan House as their charity for 2020 is exciting and humbling. Members of tHRive are committed to influencing change for our neighbors in need through leadership, financial support, service projects and being the voice for the voiceless in Hampton Roads,” says Tom Higgins, Samaritan House Development Director.
Lauren Roberts, tHRive’s Director of Fundraising, added that “partnering with the Samaritan House as our Organization of the Year is a wonderful way for the members of tHRive to make a major impact on the community! The Samaritan House does essential work in our region and we will be able to support them via volunteer power and with financial assistance through all we have planned for 2020.”
tHRive’s past community partners have included the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia, and Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters. Last year tHRive raised $5,000 for CHKD, and this year tHRive’s financial goal is to raise $7,570 for Samaritan House.
tHRive is a program of the Hampton Roads Chamber created by a small group of diverse young professionals all driven to provide a platform to advance and empower millennials in our region. tHRive has numerous signature events throughout the year and various monthly events spread across the region. These events will promote an attractive and dynamic community by engaging in the development of the region, and will focus on tHRive’s three main goals: Professional Development, Cultivating Relationships, and Community Engagement. Visit www.YPtHRive.org. Like us on Facebook at YPtHRive and follow us on Twitter @YPtHRive.
