If you’ve lived in Bozeman for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard the name Thrive, driven past our building, attended one of our events, or even participated in one of our programs. But if someone asked you exactly what Thrive does, would you know? For many people, Thrive is a familiar name, but the story behind the organization is less well known.

For nearly 40 years, Thrive has supported children and families throughout Gallatin Valley by providing no-cost mentoring, parenting education, family support, and early childhood services. As the community has grown and changed, Thrive has evolved alongside it, continually adapting to meet the needs of local families. That commitment to listening and adapting has helped the organization remain a trusted resource for nearly four decades.

Founded in 1986 by Deborah Neuman as the Child Abuse Prevention Center, the organization began with a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, supportive environment. Rather than waiting for families to reach a crisis, Thrive has always focused on prevention—strengthening families early so children have the opportunity to succeed. Although the organization has evolved over the decades, that mission has remained the same.

As Gallatin Valley has expanded, many families have found themselves navigating new challenges. Rising housing costs, limited childcare, and the absence of nearby support networks can make raising children feel overwhelming. Rather than remaining fixed in the services it originally offered, Thrive has continually asked one question: What do families need now?

Today, Thrive serves children and families from pregnancy through age 18 through four evidence-based programs designed to support families at every stage of childhood. The journey often begins with Partnership Project, which serves expectant parents and families with children from birth to age five where the parent is under the age of 26. Through home visits, families receive individualized support, parenting education, and developmental guidance during a child’s earliest years.

As children grow, many families participate in Parent Place, where caregivers build parenting skills, connect with other families, and receive education and encouragement to help them navigate each stage of childhood. Monthly events like Mama Meetups and Thriving Dads are opportunities for parents to gather and join others in kid friendly events. 

Families needing additional support within schools and the broader community can work with Parent Liaisons, who help connect parents with resources, navigate school systems, and strengthen communication between families and educators. 

For school-aged children, CAP Mentoring provides one of Thrive’s most recognized programs. Volunteer mentors spend just one hour each week with the same student throughout the school year, offering consistency, encouragement, and a trusted adult relationship that has a lasting impact. 


While each program serves families differently, they all share the same philosophy: families already possess strengths. Sometimes they simply need connection, education, encouragement, or someone willing to walk alongside them during a challenging season.

The impact of those relationships often lasts for years. One local parent whose daughter participated in CAP Mentoring shared, “My daughter just completed her fifth year with her CAP mentor. She followed her from elementary school all the way through middle school. It is a very special experience to see your kid interacting with another adult and literally thriving because of that relationship. It’s been an amazing experience.” Stories like these remind staff why this work matters.

Thrive doesn’t work alone. This organization partners with schools, healthcare providers, businesses, local nonprofits, and community agencies throughout the Gallatin Valley. Sometimes the greatest service it provides is helping a family find the right resource at the right time. Executive Director Virginia Handlos believes those relationships are at the heart of Thrive’s success. “Our success lies in building strong relationships and trust over time.”

Like many nonprofits, Thrive relies on community support to make this work possible. Grants provide an important foundation, but individual donors, local businesses, volunteers, and event sponsors help ensure that services are offered at no cost for the families who need them. Many programs they host offer free childcare, with dinner provided. 

Throughout the year, Thrive invites the community to get involved through events including the Drive for Thrive Charity Golf Tournament, the Westside Jam Beer & Music Festival, presented by Blue Collar Group and sponsored by Lone Mountain Ranch, and the Lily Ball gala. Others choose to volunteer, become CAP mentors, or make financial contributions that directly support local children and families.

After nearly four decades, Thrive’s greatest accomplishment may not be a single program or statistic. It is the thousands of relationships built between mentors and students, parents and educators, families and neighbors who have chosen to invest in one another.

Thrive continues to do what it has always done: listen to families, respond with compassion, and help every child have the opportunity to thrive. Children are the foundation of a healthy community. When families are supported, children flourish, and the community can thrive! Want to get involved? Head to allthrive.org and sign up for our newsletter and get updates on our latest events, classes, and volunteer opportunities!    

Jessica Gildea is the Business Partnerships & Community Engagement Officer for THRIVE.