Each partner CBO was asked what advice it would share with other entities seeking to set up a cash transfer program. The THRIVE project coordinators offered thoughts on implementation, and the CBO leaders described the most important elements to envision for a cash transfer program.
On Implementation
Coordinators offered thoughts on why THRIVE was successful:
The trust is the families understand they have someone to talk to. Participants will call me or text me throughout the day following up or with questions. And if I didn’t have the resource or the answer, I had a partner to connect them with because of this beautiful partnership.
—Teres’a Watson, Martha’s Table
Thank goodness for our legal team—I think that really spoke to trust too. Knowing that I’m going to speak with a public benefit attorney to know what my rights are and completely understand how participating in the program will affect my benefits has meant all the difference for a lot of our participants. And it’s opened up a world for policy advocacy for public benefits and waivers for the future so that people’s Medicaid, food stamps, [and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] are not affected.
—Brittany Pope, Bread for the City
I think a lot of our success came from each partner being so unique. We each brought a different component. Be really intentional about who those partners are, what your goal is, and how partners will help you meet your goals. Taking that inventory up front lets you identify the gaps. You may even find you need an organization to be a special referral partner, but not as part of the core service provider team. Being intentional about how your partnership will work together to achieve your goals is the number one thing.
—Nekkita Beans, Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative
The THRIVE East of the River program is simply one of the best collaborations we have ever undertaken. A big part of that is the trust between the partner staff, strengthened through weekly meetings. During these trying times, having the support and care of our colleagues has meant a great deal and allowed us to quickly resolve any challenges that arise. We look forward to seeing how this partnership continues to evolve!
—Vaughn Perry, 11th Street Bridge Park
On the Big Picture
The THRIVE CBO leaders offered their key takeaways for cash transfer work:
At the heart of THRIVE is a deep respect for our neighbors in Ward 8 and a firm commitment to centering their dignity in every aspect of the program.
—Kim R. Ford, Martha’s Table
In a perfect world, we would center the voices and preferences of community members in every aspect of the creation of a cash transfer initiative.
—George Jones, Bread for the City
The THRIVE East of the River program has been such a success because it is rooted in the power of our residents to make their own decisions.
—Scott Kratz, 11th Street Bridge Park
To give people who have been disenfranchised for centuries an ounce, a moment of relief with an infusion of cash just to sustain themselves, it’s the least we should be thinking about doing. It’s the smallest thing. We should be grateful to be able to do this for 500 people, because it’s insane that we have to do it at all.
—Dionne Reeder, Far Southeast Family Strengthening Collaborative