Dear Friends and Partners,

 

As we close out the year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every individual, organization, and community partner who has supported Thrive Together Today. This year carried special meaning as we celebrated our 25th anniversary and gathered with many of you at our Gala to honor our history, recognize our founders, and reflect on the countless lives touched through this work. It was a powerful reminder of how far we have come and how many people have helped sustain this mission.

 

We were also grateful to welcome three new team members this year: Tess, Tina, and Austin. Each brings valuable strengths that enhance our work in meaningful ways. Tina is expanding our outreach with victims and survivors, ensuring more individuals feel supported and understood. Tess is growing our volunteer engagement and strengthening our social media presence, helping our message reach communities across Iowa. Austin is leading our housing program, walking alongside survivors as they pursue safety, stability, and a place to call home.

 

I also want to recognize our current staff, who continue to advance this mission with dedication every day. Savannah provides steady outreach and advocacy, standing with victims and survivors during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Sharon keeps our organization grounded and running smoothly through her work in office management and administrative support. And it remains my honor to serve as Executive Director for 18 years, guiding this exceptional team and supporting the ongoing vision of Thrive Together Today.

 

We are also approaching a season of transition and renewal on our Board of Directors. At the end of this year, four board members will conclude their terms on December 31, 2025. We are deeply grateful for their leadership, insight, and commitment. In January 2026, we look forward to welcoming three new board members who will bring fresh perspectives and energy to our work.

 

Throughout this milestone year, our team strengthened services, expanded statewide outreach, and responded to survivors with compassion and urgency. We also built partnerships that enhance safety and access for Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing individuals across Iowa. Together, we faced challenges, embraced new opportunities, and remained unwavering in our commitment to ensuring that every survivor is met with respect, support, and hope.

 

As we look ahead to 2026, we are energized by the opportunity to continue growing with a full team in place. Thrive Together Today remains dedicated to advancing safety, access, and justice for every survivor we serve. We will deepen our programs, expand training and collaboration, and advocate for systems that fully recognize and respond to the diverse experiences of our community.

Thank you for believing in this mission and for standing with us—this year and every year. It is a privilege to serve this community, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the coming year.

 

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful holiday season.

 

With gratitude,

Jennifer Kalina Upah
Executive Director
Thrive Together Today