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SUNY Albany and THRIVE ON! Deepen Partnership with Case Manager Placement
THRIVE ON! Network Inc. (THRIVE ON!) and the University at Albany School of Social Welfare are expanding their partnership beyond research and curriculum, launching a new initiative to provide direct case management support for Kingston residents.
Beginning in Fall 2025, THRIVE ON! will host its first case manager, a SUNY Albany social work student, who will work under the pro bono guidance of Professor Kelly Gross. This marks a turning point for THRIVE ON!: moving beyond markets and community enterprises into holistic support services that prepare residents to fully engage in the local economy.
17 de julio de 2025
Economic Development Starts with Stability
THRIVE ON! has built its reputation on youth-led, community-owned economic projects like the PonckHockie Market. But true economic development, leaders say, requires more than just new opportunities—it requires that people have the stability and resources to access them.
By adding case management, THRIVE ON! expands its scope to help residents address urgent needs such as housing insecurity, benefits access, and food crises. These supports create the foundation for participation in broader economic life, ensuring that economic growth doesn’t leave the most marginalized behind.
“This placement allows THRIVE ON! to expand what community-led economic development really means,” said Keyvious Avery, President of THRIVE ON!. “It’s not just about building markets. It’s about making sure families have the stability to walk into those markets, buy food, and build futures.”
Building Toward Pro Bono Case Management
Guided by Professor Kelly Gross, the pilot placement is the first step toward building a pro bono case management model through THRIVE ON!. In the future, THRIVE ON! envisions a network of social work students and professionals offering no-cost case management services to residents navigating the toughest challenges—ensuring that economic mobility is paired with a safety net.
A Shared Vision for Systems and People
“This is the next evolution of our partnership,” said Professor Kelly Gross. “By combining macro-level work on food systems with micro-level case management, THRIVE ON! is modeling a kind of economic development that meets people where they are—helping them survive today while building systems for tomorrow.”
About THRIVE ON!
THRIVE ON! is a youth-driven nonprofit based in Kingston, NY. Beginning with its pilot Early Thrivers program, THRIVE ON! equips young people and grassroots leaders to design, build, and lead the solutions their communities need.