Thrive: helping our youngest little citizens.

THRIVE-verb {thriv};
1. To prosper; be fortunate or successful.
2. To grow or develop vigorously; to flourish.

To thrive in life is probably a goal for many of us; to be the best we can be.

But what about the young children in our communities who have little or no support? What help is out there for them?

Statewide surveys revealed that an alarming number of greater Minnesota children are struggling with mental health issues and a striking lack of access to professional help.

Working together, the six Minnesota Initiative Foundations launched the Minnesota Thrive Initiative in 2007 in order to address the healthy social and emotional development of infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

The Thrive Initiative didn’t come easy; it took years of hard work and research to gather the necessary information, contacts, grants, etc. But it’s worth it because it’s SO important for our very youngest children to have the opportunities to learn and grow.

And that hard work has paid off. According to a recent project report: “Together, we have helped connect practitioners across multiple disciplines, educate community members about healthy social and emotional development, coordinate and expand mental health services, and make Greater Minnesota a better place for children and families."

The Thrive Report, published back in March, contains background information, case studies and outcomes. I'd also invite you to become inspired and better informed by reading our Winter 2008 IQ Magazine,, where all 56 pages are dedicated to the issue!