You are seen.
You are strong.
You are made to thrive.
Empowering youth through mental health support, suicide prevention, and life-changing mentorship.
Our Platform
Thrive Youth Initiative is a faith-based movement offering hope and mental health support to struggling youth.
Our Programs
We provide crisis intervention, inspiring school assemblies, and former pro athlete mentorship to help students find hope.
Our Partners
Through partnerships with schools, churches, and athletes, we reach more youth and expand our life-saving impact.
About Us
Thrive Youth Initiative exists to bring hope to struggling students by combining faith, mentorship, and mental health advocacy. Our mission is to prevent suicide, restore purpose, and lead young lives toward healing and salvation.
Resources
We provide accessible mental health resources, faith-based encouragement, and educational materials to support both students and the communities that care for them. These tools are designed to offer practical help and spiritual hope in times of crisis.
Former NFL player, Andre Fluellen speaking to students about mental health.
Empowering the Next Generation
Our Mission
At Thrive Youth Initiative, our mission is to ensure every young person knows they are valued, supported, and created with purpose. Through faith-based and secular programs, we connect youth with powerful mental health resources and transformative mentorship led by former professional athletes. We aim to break the stigma surrounding mental health and build resilience through connection, storytelling, and spiritual encouragement.
Why We Exist
About Us
Thrive Youth Initiative was founded in response to the mental health crisis impacting today’s youth. With over 16 years of experience, we bring authentic, hope-filled stories from professional athletes into schools and communities. These stories foster real conversations, early intervention, and spiritual guidance—helping young people find strength, identity, and healing. We believe that true well-being encompasses emotional, mental, and spiritual health.
Where Stories Meet Strategy
Our Platform
Our platform harnesses the power of storytelling to foster real breakthroughs. By pairing compelling personal stories with actionable support systems, we help youth move from struggle to strength.
Story-Driven Connection
We bring former professional athletes into schools to share real stories of struggle, resilience, and redemption—creating powerful moments of empathy and understanding.
Mental Health + Mentorship
Our platform combines crisis resources, ongoing mentorship, and leadership development to address mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Faith-Inspired Impact
Whether through secular or faith-based programs, we empower youth to discover their worth, purpose, and strength to overcome life’s challenges.
Real Stories. Real Redemption. Real Impact.
Speaker Roster
Our speakers are former professional athletes and overcomers of immense adversity. From battling addiction and depression to overcoming bullying and suicidal thoughts, their testimonies carry the power to change lives. Whether sharing from a faith-based perspective or a secular experience of resilience, these stories bring light into darkness and create space for healing.
- Andre Fluellen (NFL)
- Ruthie Bolton (Olympian)
- Wesley Woodyard (NFL)
- Lee Ellis (Military Veteran & Advocate)
- Rushia Brown (WNBA)
Real Stories. Real Redemption. Real Impact.
Our Programs
School Assembly Programs
Powerful, story-driven presentations that spark real conversations about mental health, leadership, and hope.
Mentoring Programs
Ongoing support and guidance from trusted adult mentors.
Game Changer Day
Full-day immersive events with a featured speaker for deep engagement and personal connection.
Special Event Opportunities
Thrive collaborates with schools and other organizations to host impactful events that empower youth.
Grief Support
Helping students process loss in healthy, constructive ways.
Chapel Presentations (Private Schools)
Spiritually enriching talks for private faith-based schools.
Athlete/Team Presentations
Empowering sports teams through character-building and leadership development.
Youth Camps
Combining sports, leadership, and life skills in a fun, dynamic environment.
United for Youth
Our Partners
Lasting impact is built on collaboration. We’re honored to partner with organizations and schools that are just as committed to mental health, mentorship, and faith-based support.
