The children served through the Thrive Bag program face challenges beyond their control: poverty, trauma, instability, and—all too often—a lack of support systems. A well-defined "why" motivates us even when the work is difficult. It roots our efforts in giving these children the encouragement they need to thrive. It also inspires others—educators, caregivers, and community members—to join in and take action.

Based on the psychological theory, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs categorizes human needs into a five-tier pyramid. At the base are a person’s physiological needs, including essentials such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. Moving up, individuals seek safety and security, followed by the third tier: the need for social belonging and relationships. The fourth tier encompasses self-esteem, confidence, and the respect of others. At the pinnacle is self-actualization, representing the desire for personal growth, fulfillment, and the realization of one’s potential. According to this theory, individuals progress through these stages sequentially, with the satisfaction of the lower-level needs laying the foundation for the pursuit of higher-level ones, emphasizing the importance of addressing fundamental needs.

When Set To Thrive’s social service partners come to us regarding the needs of a child, that child is in the midst of an extremely stressful and often traumatic experience and is at severe risk of not having their basic physiological needs met. While our social service partners take on the vital role of getting that child in a home or a safe place where they can find shelter, food, and sleep, Set To Thrive provides that child with other necessary items for everyday life (clothes, shoes, hygiene items, etc.).