About Us
Our Vision
We strive to create and maintain a holistic space where survivors can receive trauma-informed care and support without having to relive or discuss their trauma. Since our founding, our vision has been to offer programs and services that are so comfortable and welcoming that participants might forget why they are there—a community free of judgment, where survivors are united by their shared healing journeys rather than defined by past trauma.
Our mission is to “inspire resilience in response to violence by promoting holistic community healing initiatives.” We remain committed to our mission and vision by tirelessly working to improve the everyday lives of survivors in meaningful ways.
Core Values
Our work is rooted in what we call “The Garden Effect”: the belief that the journey of healing and growth is an interconnected and multifaceted process, much like a flourishing garden. We understand that each survivor is whole, with their own unique identity beyond survivorship, and that our collective efforts contribute to their overall well-being.
Community
Our mission is rooted in the strength of our participants and our community
Innovation
As the needs of student survivors change, our programs quickly adapt to serve.
Survivor Oriented
With professional support, survivors gain control of their own healing journeys in a safe and trauma-informed space.
Inclusive
“Survivor” is not a sole identity. Every detail of our work is grounded in inclusivity for all.
Empathy
All journeys are unique. Remove expectations. Come as you are, and we will meet you there.
Respect
All survivors inherently deserve dignity, worth, and confidentiality. We honor your choices.
Our History
What was merely an idea in 2019 is now a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by many growth-oriented hands and hearts. The Thriving Initiative was founded by a UC Santa Barbara undergraduate student who received funding from the Strauss Foundation to create a holistic healing workshop series for survivors of interpersonal violence from the ground up.
Created in collaboration with inspiring and dedicated clinicians and instructors in Santa Barbara, our cornerstone program, Thriving, Not Just Surviving, was designed to support survivors in the challenging aftermath of interpersonal violence. Since its launch, the program has expanded to San Diego. The organization has empowered hundreds of individuals on their path to healing.
Our Key Findings
The Thriving Initiative exists to increase access to alternative forms of community healing for those affected by violence. Here are some statistics and firsthand accounts of how our participants have benefited from our programs.
Statistical Findings
Decrease in...
Sleeping Difficulties
Feelings of Isolation
Anxiety Levels
Flashback Occurrence
Increase in...
Sense of Safety
Identifying Triggers
Coping Mechanisms
What Past Participants Have to Say
What makes Thriving unique is the perspective that healing trauma requires more than therapy alone. That creating resources for yourself outside of therapy, whether they are in tandem with therapy or not, can be transformational in identifying and establishing your own individual needs and limits.” - Kathi Scarminach, TNJS Provider and Local Artist