A Space for us

to Just,Be.

Who we are

Thrive is a non-profit organization located in Charlotte, NC, with a mission to provide a safe haven for Black youth and young adults ages 13 - 30 to gather, learn, heal, and be. The vision of Thrive is to foster a space where Black people are nurtured spiritually and emotionally, restored physically, and empowered politically.

Our Roots

  • Gather

    We want to offer the space for the community to be in community with one another again. We aim to achieve this through weekly community dinners, tiered mentorship, and community events.

  • Learn

    We believe in development socially, politically, and professionally. We aim to achieve this with classes and support that appeal to each age group and their needs.

  • Heal

    We believe that we all deserve to be our healthiest both mentally and physically. We aim to achieve this by providing on-site counseling services, and community conversations to de-stigmatize mental health and heal generational trauma.

  • Be

    We believe that we are to live lives full of purpose, and rest is essential to that. We aim to achieve sharing our approach to rest through various rest and playful activities, and a space to just be.

Who We Be

MEET THE FOUNDER

Gia Claybrooks is an activist educator dedicated to sharing love, expanding community, and empowering those around her that thriving is not a privilege but a birthright. She founded Thrive Liberation Community Center in 2022 as a love letter to her community who helped raise her into the woman she is today. While she is building the first community center in Charlotte, it most certainly won't be the only city. Gia is on a mission to see Black people gather together in the community, learn how to effectively create community change, heal from the things that have harmed them from shining brightly, and just be all over the United States. 

Gia is a very proud graduate of Howard University where she received her Bachelor’s in Political Science. Before bringing Thrive to life, Gia served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala, a community organizer in Charlotte, received her Master's in Education from Vanderbilt University concentrating in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies in 2020, and the Site Director at UrbanPromise Charlotte. 

Gia is dedicated to leading with a heart to serve and is inviting anyone who is passionate about Black communities being free to join hands with her in partnership. After all, we cannot do this work alone.

Board of Directors

Anya Evans

Laurelle Hammonds

Erin Johnson

Logan Miller

Joy White, M.D.

Brandon White Ph.D.

Jasmyne Yeldell

What we’re up to

The movement is being organized! Check back here for what’s in store!