Alumna expands nonprofit | Alvernia University

Angela York ’11 continues the Franciscan tradition on the THRIVE Peninsula

by Sidney Goodman ’21

Since Angela York became Executive Director of THRIVE Peninsula, a Virginia-based nonprofit, in ’11, she has expanded the organization dramatically. Helping those in financial need, THRIVE has doubled its revenues, increased its services by 250% and doubled the number of volunteers under York’s leadership.

At Alvernia, York, York enrolled for the Master of Arts in Leadership, led by Associate Professor of Communication Caroline Fitzpatrick. During her studies she was exposed to many real situations that broadened her view of the world.

“Dr. Fitzpatrick always said, ‘don’t recreate the wheel’ and that has influenced me a lot in my work now, ”said York. Instead of starting another double program, the more successful THRIVE is and the more we can concentrate on the things we are good at. “

York was an integral part of the master-level capstone project, which included fundraising efforts and basketball uniform donations for the Bernardine Franciscan Mission and School in the Dominican Republic.

“As a student, Angela was resourceful and innovative,” said Fitzpatrick. “I always knew that she would be successful in her career and stand up for underserved populations.”

York took her commitment to community and new worldview with her to THRIVE. She was attracted to the non-profit organization because of its unique structure. It is a conglomerate of 80 churches of different denominations that work together to support needy members of their fellowship.

“For me, I enjoy being part of a body that works with so many different arms in the Church because I think it is representative of the Kingdom,” said York. “We don’t see churches of different denominations working together that often, and that is exactly what THRIVE is.”

The nonprofit recently bought and renovated a new headquarters with space to expand their pantry. Families used to get packaged grocery bags, but now they can do their own shopping, reducing waste and restoring dignity.

THRIVE not only supports people in financial need, but also offers people the coaching they need to achieve financial freedom.

“We do more than help them just once. We prepare them for the future and give them important tools that they can use in their lives. “

Every person who comes to THRIVE must meet with a finance coach once, but they are encouraged to attend follow-up visits. These programs show people how to make money and how to manage and balance the resources they already have.

“We can’t always generate income, but we can help them manage the money better by improving creditworthiness, paying bills and creating debt management plans,” said York. “It might take months or years just to work on paying off a big credit card bill, but that’s something to celebrate. It’s a big deal for that person. “

Going forward, York hopes to continue expanding THRIVE and increasing its impact on the community. For example, she would like to expand the financial coaching program preventively and help people before they get into a financial crisis. She also wants to involve more churches and centralize their resources to be a more effective organization.

“We’re not just a place where people come and get a number. We treat everyone with kindness and respect, ”she said. “People should feel encouraged and supported here.”

York strives to keep these values ​​firmly in hand as she takes THRIVE Peninsula to new heights.

source https://collegeeducationnewsllc.com/alumna-expands-nonprofit-alvernia-university/