More than 2,200 children are in the foster care systems of Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, according to Lisa Henderson, Founder and CEO of Set To Thrive. Henderson launched Set To Thrive in 2021, after learning that local foster care agencies often struggle to quickly provide essential supplies to children entering or transitioning within the foster care system. Through its Thrive Bag program, the nonprofit addresses a profound crisis that begins at the most traumatic moment in a child’s life, being removed from their home.

Children may be given only 20 minutes or so to collect their belongings. Many resort to packing whatever they can into a garbage bag. In these hurried and distressing circumstances, children will likely choose comfort items like a stuffed animal or a favorite blanket, neglecting essential items such as underwear, socks, or a toothbrush. Often, they are removed from their homes without adequate shoes and may only have the clothes on their backs.

“Each Thrive Bag is thoughtfully equipped with a backpack or duffle bag, three days’ worth of clothing, appropriate shoes, hygiene items, and comforting personal touches such as a handmade blanket,” says Henderson, who notes that the bags are distributed to children ranging in age from newborns to 19-year-olds. “We ensure that each bag is uniquely tailored to the recipient’s needs, incorporating LGBTQ-plus options, diverse hair care products suitable for all hair types, and clothing sizes accommodating all body types. Our overarching goal is not only to meet the basic needs of these children but also to foster a sense of identity, belonging, and security during a time of significant upheaval.”

In August 2023, Set To Thrive expanded its support to include the estimated 5,500 children experiencing homelessness in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. In collaboration with local school districts, Set To Thrive's Student Bag program provides backpacks filled with age-appropriate school supplies, clothing such as coats and shoes, blankets, and hygiene items.

“We aim to enhance their school attendance, academic performance, and self-esteem by equipping them with these essentials,” adds Henderson. “We build every initiative and program on the belief that every child deserves stability, care, and the opportunity to succeed despite their adversities. Our commitment is to ensure that no child in crisis goes without the essential support they need during the most challenging times.”

In 2023, after the launch of the Student Bag Program, Set To Thrive provided more than 700 bags to students in Contra Costa and Alameda counties. More than half went to students in the Tri-Valley. By July 2024, the nonprofit had provided more than 1,600 Student Bags to youth. Henderson expects to reach at least 3,000 students by the end of this year. Over its first three years, the nonprofit has given children in need a total of 2,500 custom bags containing vital items such as clothing and necessities valued collectively at more than $300,000.

Set To Thrive invites the community to celebrate its third anniversary the entire month of August 2024 by participating in the Thrive Bag Donation Drive. The nonprofit is eager to receive donations of new hoodies, t-shirts, and underwear for kids, size youth medium or youth large, and young adults, size small or medium. Please note, no red or royal blue clothing will be accepted. Donations can be dropped off or purchased via an Amazon wishlist. On Sunday, September 22, Set To Thrive will host a Fall Family Festival at the Forest Home Farms Historic Park in San Ramon from 12 to 3 pm. The event will include live music, games, and food trucks.

For more information about Set To Thrive, please visit www.settothrive.org, www.facebook.com/settothriveca, www.instagram.com/settothriveca, or www.linkedin.com/company/set-to-thrive. For more information about the Thrive Bag Donation Drive and the Fall Family Festival, please visit www.settothrive.org/events.