HERE’S WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN THE LAST YEAR AND WHAT’S TO COME!
This year, partnerships have been instrumental in driving the most significant growth toward economic stability that ELI Thrive families have experienced in our 14 years of existence. Coaching is making a tangible impact. With each Thrive Coach working with 25–30 families each month, we served 203 families in 2024. These families are securing better employment, achieving stable housing, and breaking cycles of generational poverty.
In August 2024, we celebrated the graduation of 17 program participants Twenty-four individuals launched businesses with support from BCI, ELI's business incubator, and 59 completed FLIP, ELI's financial literacy program, equipping them with tools for longterm economic success And these are just a few of the numbers we are happy to share!
We embraced multiple opportunities to collaborate on new projects that strengthened the services we provide to families. Through a partnership with Jeff State Community College, ELI Thrive was proud to receive funding from the Good Jobs Challenge. This collaboration enables our team to offer coaching to three cohorts of women enrolled in a phlebotomy certification course. We recently completed the first cohort, with 11 graduates. These women are entering the workforce earning a livable wage and will continue working with an ELI Thrive coach to develop budgeting skills and financial literacy, paving the way for greater economic stabilit
Empowering families is the key to creating long-term change and lasting stability. When a low- to moderate-income family begins working with an ELI coach, the parent takes the driver’s seat. Our staff provides expertise and support through monthly budget meetings, resources for employment and education, and wrap-around services like access to food market and utility assistance. Ultimately, these families are empowered to shape their futures
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LETTER FROM PAM BATES- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
We witness it daily: when people feel supported a on and grow stronger. ELI Thrive is deeply grateful to you for entrusting us with funding that drives lasting impact and empowers families to thrive.
Program Highlights
Good Jobs Challenge
Through a partnership with Jeff State Community College, ELI Thrive was proud to receive funding from the Good Jobs Challenge This collaboration enables our team to offer coaching to three cohorts of women enrolled in a phlebotomy certification course We recently completed the first cohort, with 11 graduates These women are entering the workforce earning a livable wage and will continue working with an ELI Thrive coach to develop budgeting skills and financial literacy, paving the way for greater economic stability
Stories of Impact
Th Wi we fos our Active Parenting Classes, garden volunteer refreshment space, ELI board meetings, and is open to community partners for meeting space The space was transformed from a previous rental home There is a coaching office as well as a playroom where childcare can be offered during classes
Here is a quote from one of our program graduates who spoke at the graduation ceremony in August. Our participants can articulate the benefits of ELI Thrive better than we can!
"First of all, I want to thank everyone at ELI for all the encouragement And Macy, I want to thank you in particular because I gave you a really hard time with budgeting! I felt more comfortable with calling it a spending plan but whichever word you used, it got me there I'm proud to say that I closed on my home in October 2023
The most profound part of the program for me was the financial aspect. It was something I wasn’t taught, and you can’t teach what you don’t know. Our parents did the best they could, but now I have the chance to pass on this knowledge to my daughter and grandchildren. With their allowances, they’re already using the envelope system, and it’s been a big help for all of us
Overall, the program has been truly great and encouraging I tell everyone I meet about it, and I just want to say thank you all so much"
-ELI Graduate
Amari’s Story
Amari’s story is a powerful testament to th impact of ELI Thrive Growing up in a singl below the poverty line, with a family histor and mental illness, Amari often heard narr future as a single mom or ending up in pri tutoring and mentoring program, she disc one of purpose, resilience, and opportun
Through programs like "Created for a Purp that she was created for more ELI introdu experiences, including learning the violin, for her to attend the Alabama School of Fin she is thriving on a full scholarship at UAB.
Reflecting on her journey, Amari shared:
"There is something else. We could be something else. It takes a community to dismantle the pipeline for impoverished communities If I didn’t have ELI, I don’t know where I would be This program is a seed in the garden that our community needs Having people hold my hand and tell me I could be someone changed my entire perspective Cycles can be broken Generational trauma can be healed "
Now, as Amari continues to thrive, she’s paying it forward: “Thank God I have a job now because I will be donating some of my own money ”
Amari’s journey reminds us that what we do at ELI truly makes a difference and the stories of impact continue to grow
One requirement for participation in our program is financial literacy training In 2024 we began partnering with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Alabama A&M University and offering FLIP: Financial Literacy in Progress classes to our participants. These classes are designed to empower our clients with essential financial knowledge and skills
This year we had 59 Graduates from the FLIP program!
RibbonCutting
ELI Thrive celebrated a significant milestone in November2024withtheribboncuttingforourNew Housing Initiative in the East Lake neighborhood This transformative project includes 15 new homes designed to provide safe, affordable housing for familiesintheBirminghamcommunity
"This is community development This work that we're sitting in today is community development. Andit'snotdoneforthepeople,butitisdonewith the people And that is what you all have done at ELI Working with community partners, working withtheresidents,andIknowthatthisworkisnot easy But you all have stayed the course and we havesomethingbeautifulthatisheretoday -CoryStallworth,CityofBirmingham
Alabama Civil Justice Foundation
Alabama Cooperative Extension
Alabama Environmental
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
-Alpha Beta XI Omega Chapter
Asbury United Methodist Church
Barrett Elementary School
Birmingham Landbank
Blue Cross/Blue ShieldCaring Foundation
Bryant Bank
Cadence Bank
Childrens Trust Fund of Alabama
Childcare Resources
Christ Church Birmingham
City of Birmingham
Coca-Cola BottlingCompany United Community Foundation-
