Since 1915, Riverside has prided itself on caring for others, and as part of the ongoing commitment to caring for the communities in which it serves, Riverside Health has announced a multi-year partnership with THRIVE Peninsula, a community outreach organization designed to assist local individuals and families who find themselves in need.
THRIVE Peninsula, formerly known as Denbigh United Christian Outreach (DUCO), began in 1973 as a nonprofit faith-based community organization designed to provide food and financial assistance to those in emergent need. In the 1980s and 1990s, the program flourished and helped hundreds of people in the local Denbigh neighborhood. As the program grew, organizers recognized the benefit of opening their support network to the broader peninsula community. In 2013, the organization was renamed to THRIVE Peninsula recognizing the expanded footprint of the organization to include serving residents of Newport News, Hampton, and York County.
The strategic partnership will enhance the comprehensive support system already in place at THRIVE, which includes a grocery store style food pantry, financial support, financial literacy education, a free library, and additional resources. This shared commitment to uplift the community aims to alleviate immediate hardship and empower individuals to create and foster long-term stable environments.
“Caring for others is part of our mission at Riverside, and this collaboration will enable THRIVE to care for and ensure the communities’ needs are met,” says Debbie Campbell, director of community engagement for Riverside. “We are thrilled to partner with THRIVE to amplify the great impact of an extensive support network that empowers and enriches our community.”
“Riverside’s partnership is an investment in the health and well-being of Peninsula residents. Having stable housing and food access is a significant contributor to a person’s overall physical and mental health,” said Angela York, Executive Director of THRIVE Peninsula. “This partnership demonstrates Riverside’s care for the entire person beyond just their healthcare visit.”
THRIVE Peninsula, based in midtown Newport News, offers critical bill assistance, free financial coaching, transportation aid, resource connections, essential supplies, and identification assistance. This past November, THIRVE Peninsula relocated to an expanded facility at 12749 Nettles Drive in Newport News. The new facility provided space for THRIVE to enhance its services by transforming its food pantry into The Market at THRIVE – a free food grocery store, as well as add a courtyard raised bed garden to grow produce to stock The Market, and added a free bookstore to the lobby to encourage the love of reading and education. In 2024, THRIVE expects to serve more than 25,000 Peninsula residents facing hardship.
To learn more about Riverside’s commitment to and engagement in the community, please visit riversideonline.com/community.