Thrive West Central, in partnership with First Baptist Church Brazil, has launched an initiative to ensure no one feels alone.
Thrive Together aims to create welcoming spaces, offering practical resources and fostering meaningful connections.
Developed by Community Development Director Kristi Whitacre, who also authored the grant, Thrive Together is a creative, community-centered program funded through a Lilly Endowment grant administered by Congregations with Community. The pilot year will focus on removing barriers to participation and measuring the program’s impact across Thrive West Central’s seven-county region.
Activities for October have been scheduled. Events are free, but you must be a registered volunteer or participant to attend. Once registered, full event details will be provided.
From 5 to 6 p.m. Oct. 22, a fall hike will take place in Vigo County. This will be an easy-level exercise. Dress accordingly for weather.
Mental Health First Aid Training will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 23 in Clay County. Lunch will be provided. This class will not teach how to diagnosis any illness, but instead to recognize when someone is in crisis and how to provide aid.
Immediately following the training, a roundtable discussion will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. at the same location. There will be an introduction to the program and opportunity to sign up. There will also be a discussion led by a licensed mental health provider about loneliness and tools you can use. A meal will be provided.
“We believe Thrive Together has the potential to become a long-term, sustainable initiative that strengthens the social fabric of our region,” said Whitacre. “This program is about more than events — it’s about creating a culture of connection.”
Program highlights include:
Social Events & Activities: From art classes and museum tours to nature walks and exercise sessions, Thrive Together offers a calendar of low-pressure, engaging opportunities for participants to meet others and form lasting friendships.
Wellness Webinars: Led by licensed mental health professionals from the Hamilton Center, these sessions provide tools for managing stress, building resilience, and supporting emotional well-being.
Coffee Buddies: Participants are paired with friendly “buddies” for casual meetups at local coffee shops — because sometimes a single conversation can make all the difference.
Mental Health First Aid Training: Provided by Aging Division leader Holly Hall, this training empowers individuals to recognize signs of emotional distress and respond with compassion and confidence.
To learn more, view upcoming events or register, visit helpthrivetogether.com, email kwhitacre@thrivewestcentral.com or call 812-238-1561 ext. 224.
Gov. Mike Braun orders flags to half-staff for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Stay safe; always assume you are on ‘thin ice’
100% of Keystone Cooperative member profits returned to farmer-members
More than $320,000 in energy bill assistance available for Duke Energy Indiana customers
Niles Scream Park raises more than $153,300 for local groups
Indiana Senate accepting applications for 2026 Page Program
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance surpasses 2024 volunteer impact, continues Giving Tuesday initiative
Governor Braun announces "Family First Workplace” policy to support working families
Two nabbed for drugs in Parke County
USPS asks public to clear snow and ice to help deliveries
Winter Weather Advisory calls for more snow chances
Special Olympics Indiana now serves 20,000 athletes statewide
Winter Storm Watch for most of central Indiana, heavy snow possible
Dana Festival of Lights right around the corner
Governor Braun celebrates "Small Business Saturday" in Indiana
New Coach Curt Cignetti Indiana Hoosiers bobblehead unveiled with proceeds going to Riley Children’s Hospital
IDOH offers food preparation tips for a safe Thanksgiving
O'Heir reflects back on time as Vermillion County EMA Director
