Thrive@School™

Keep students in school. Strengthen communities.

Thrive@School™ is a multigenerational, school-connected initiative designed to prevent family homelessness and school mobility for families experiencing financial hardship. Through strategic partnerships with schools and virtual coaching, Thrive@School™ helps families stay housed, children stay enrolled and financial stability takes root.

A man is giving a high five to a young student in a school hallway outside of a classroom.

How it Works

  1. School Referral: Guidance counselors, social workers and resource coordinators identify families showing early signs of financial or housing distress.
  2. Crisis Mitigation: TUW Family Coaches provide immediate, virtual support (via phone, text or video), helping parents secure rental assistance and avoid eviction.
  3. Stability Planning: Families continue working with TUW Family Coaches to build long-term financial health, including personalized budgeting strategies, goal setting and connections to wraparound services.

Available Services Include

  • Urgent Housing Relief – Fast support for families facing eviction or displacement. TUW Family Coaches help secure emergency rental assistance, negotiate with landlords and connect families to housing resources - stopping homelessness before it starts.
  • One-on-One Guidance from Family Coaches – Personalized, confidential coaching to help families stabilize during financial crises, navigate complex systems and build long-term financial resilience. Coaches work side-by-side with parents to create actionable plans for budgeting, saving and accessing critical resources.
  • Referrals to Local Nonprofit Partners – Direct connections to trusted community organizations offering services such as food assistance, childcare, mental health services and housing support. TUW ensures families get the help they need quickly and without barriers.
  • Optional In-Person Assistance – Families can meet with TUW Family Coaches face-to-face at Centers for Strong Families located in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. These Centers are a welcoming space to take the next step toward stability.

Every family deserves a stable home. Every child deserves a steady education. Thrive@School™ makes both possible.

For more information, please contact Ilze Astad, Chief Innovation Officer, at iastad@TUW.org.