The annual celebration helped raise $35,000 for critical housing services
WARWICK, R.I. – Thrive Behavioral Health, one of RI’s leading providers of comprehensive mental health services, hosted its annual fundraising event on Tuesday, May 7 at the Event Factory in Warwick. Sponsored by Picerne Real Estate Group, Grace Barker Health, and Newport Restaurant Group, this year’s celebration, titled, “Raising the Bar for Housing Equity,” highlighted the extensive housing services, programming, and support currently offered within the organization. In total, the event raised $35,000 for Thrive’s housing programming which includes temporary shelters, housing vouchers, and the maintenance of 145 affordable housing units in Kent County.
“Nationwide, the housing crisis is at a critical mass, but right here in Rhode Island, we’re well past our breaking point. Housing and behavioral health were arguably the most negatively impacted in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. It takes total wellness and comprehensive support to thrive around behavioral health, physical health, workforce development, as well as housing,” said Dan Kubas-Meyer, CEO of Thrive Behavioral Health. “Through the generous support of this community, we are able to continue to support Rhode Islanders who lack access to permanent, affordable and safe housing that serves as a huge step forward in their journey to overall wellness.”
A program of Thrive Behavioral Health, Housing First Rhode Island currently assists individuals who are chronically homeless or at risk of homelessness. Housing First is an evidence based model that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness with minimal conditions, thus ending their homelessness and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. The program offers but does not require participation in a variety of services including training and housing case management services, assistance with apartment selection and rent negotiation, ensuring apartments pass Housing Quality Standards inspections, and help with any housing issues that arise.
Paul O’Reilly, President of Newport Restaurant Group said: “We are proud to join Thrive Behavioral Health in their efforts to provide supportive outreach programs for so many individuals and families.
Our restaurants are part of the communities we live in far beyond the dining we provide. It is an incredibly rewarding and an important part of being a business which gives back to these same communities,” “
“Raising the Bar” was hosted by content creator and mental health advocate Lindsay Iadeluca, and featured a dueling piano performance by Rhode Island’s own Dueling Piano Duo. A brief speaking program was highlighted by remarks from Thrive’s leadership team and advocates as well as a moving client success story, recounting one young woman’s struggles with homelessness and substance use.
“Picerne Real Estate Group believes deeply in the value of literacy, education, health and wellness. We are proud to partner with the folks at Thrive Behavioral Health who work so hard to provide such important services to the youth of our community. We believe that the enrichment of the youngest members of our society is an investment in the future and will benefit so many families for generations to come,” said Ron Serpa, District Manager of Picerne Real Estate Group.
“As a healthcare provider in such a small state, Grace Barker Health sees the benefits of having a group like Thrive help those with mental, psychological, and social difficulties find appropriate levels of care in an ever-changing healthcare environment. We are proud to support the work being done to help such a fragile population, and are proud to be a partner in our local community,” said Ben Lescault, Administrator of Grace Parker Health.
Approximately 350 individuals and families statewide receive housing assistance from Housing First Rhode Island, to include Thrive’s temporary winter shelter, outreach program, voucher holders, and extremely low-income individuals and families living in Rhode Island.
About Thrive Behavioral Health:
Thrive offers a comprehensive range of evidence based, personalized services to children, families and adults who have been impacted by mental illness, addiction or trauma. Their services are recovery focused. They help build resilience in individuals and provide clients with support, skills and tools to make positive and lasting change in their lives for healthy, happy and productive futures.
Thrive is a founding member of Horizon Healthcare Partners. They are one of the first nationally Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Rhode Island. They are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. Their programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). For more information, visit https://www.thrivebhri.org/