ELI Thrive

Every Family Matters ?? Since we launched our Thrive Coaching model in 2018, 705 families have worked with our coaches to overcome challenges, set goals, and build brighter futures. And here’s the incredible part: for just $25 a month, you can provide one family with a full year of coaching services. Your support creates life-changing opportunities for families to thrive. Will you help us empower even more families in 2025? ?? link in bio to donate or visit elithrive.com #ELIThrive #EmpoweredForImpact #CoachingChangesLives photo courtesy: Rusty Jackson

?? Join Us for Spring Serve Day! ?? Over the past 15 years, more than 3,000 volunteers have made an incredible impact through our garden green team, tutoring, Christmas Shop, and countless other efforts. We’d love for you to be part of that growing number! ?? When: Saturday, April 12, 2024 ? Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM ?? Where: 6525 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL Roll up your sleeves and help us continue the work that transforms our community. There’s something for everyone—bring your friends, family, or small group and be a part of the change! ?? Let’s make this spring one of growth, renewal, and impact—together. ?? #ServeDay #ELIThrive #Volunteer #CommunityImpact

"As we celebrate 15 years of impact, transformation, and life-changing relationships, I’m reminded of the incredible power of community. None of this would be possible without the support of people like you—our donors, partners, volunteers, and friends. Tonight, we honor not just the data and statistics, but the real stories of families whose lives have been changed through ELI Thrive. Thank you for being part of this journey and believing that lasting change is possible." – Pam Bates, Executive Director, ELI Thrive photo courtesy: Rusty Jackson

We believe strongly in data but data only tells part of the story. The true story comes to life when you listen to the voices of those we serve: ? The moms who found stable housing for the first time. ?? Families who filled their tables with food from our market. ?? Entrepreneurs who launched their dreams into reality. ?? Children whose smiles lit up with brand-new backpacks and Christmas toys. These stories are the heartbeat of our mission. You can be part of this transformative journey—whether by volunteering, donating, or simply sharing our story with others. Together, we can make an even greater impact! ??

A huge thank you to RJackson Media for capturing the magic of our big night! Your incredible photography truly brought the evening to life and made us all look amazing. ??? Rusty Jackson

?? Exciting News: Our Vision for ELI’s Future! ?? At our Cheers to 15 Years event, we unveiled an architectural rendering of our dream for a new central space tailored to better serve families across the city. This vision represents the next chapter for ELI Thrive, as we strive to expand our impact and deepen our roots in the community. While we don’t have the location or funding finalized yet, we are moving forward in faith and working with partners to bring this vision to life. Whether it’s building from the ground up or retrofitting an existing space, this new home will be a beacon of hope for families seeking stability and empowerment. We’d love for you to join us in prayer for guidance, financial support, or assistance with space/land acquisition. Together, we can make this vision a reality! ? Check out the video for a glimpse of what’s to come, and let’s take the next steps forward together. #BuildingForTheFuture #ELIThrive #CommunityImpact Special thanks to JP Architecture & Design Inc.

Drumroll, please... ?? Because of your incredible generosity, we raised over $36,000 at our Cheers to 15 Years event last month! This funding ensures that even more families will thrive in 2025 and beyond. If you didn’t get a chance to give, there’s still time! Click the link in our bio or visit elithrive.com to make your impact today. Thank you for being part of this life-changing work!

Reflecting on the Vision of ELI Thrive ?? During our Cheers to 15 Years celebration, Paul Lawler, the Pastor of Christ Church Birmingham when ELI Thrive was founded, shared powerful insights into the early days of the organization. The vision for ELI was born out of deep prayer and study of God’s will. Paul reminded us of the pivotal question: What is God’s will?—not just for individual lives, but for how we conform our lives to His will. Rooted in Isaiah 58, the team spent nine months seeking clarity, focusing on serving the marginalized and oppressed in Birmingham. Through prayer and discernment, God led them to East Lake, committing to a 25-year journey of life-on-life community transformation. Paul humbly shared, “I can’t take credit for any of this because it’s God-breathed.” This foundational vision continues to inspire and guide ELI Thrive as we serve families and communities today. #RootedInFaith #CommunityImpact #GodBreathed photo courtesy: @rjacksonmedia RJackson Media

Last month's 'Cheers to 15 Years' left us inspired and energized. From celebrating past milestones to envisioning the future, it was an unforgettable evening of impact. Thank you to everyone who joined us to reflect on 15 years of transformation and to dream about what’s ahead! photo courtesy: RJackson Media

SAVE THE DATE Come join us for our annual ELI Serve Day! Saturday, April 12, 2024 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Join us and have a direct impact on the families we serve by gardening, planting seeds, preparing our garden for harvest, clearing out the greenhouse, and more! If you want to volunteer or bring a team reach out to the office, [email protected].