Our citizens are empowered to become:
Artisans, Bakers, Jewelry-makers, Soap-makers, and more
Thank you for considering a contribution, which helps us better serve adults with special needs through meaningful work and creating community.
Mission
To provide an entrepreneurial environment that creates meaningful jobs, and builds a sense of belonging and respect for adults with special needs, while changing the way the world sees and experiences this population.
Vision
To build a vocational and residential community where our Citizens with disabilities will continue to learn, work, and live; being celebrated and empowered in a God-centered environment as they engage in meaningful work and service.
Shop
All of our products are made, assembled, and packaged by our Citizens. Support their hard work today!
Becoming a Citizen
Time
8:30am - 4:00pm
Monday – Thursday
Location
3155 Royal Drive, Suite 120
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(Map & Directions)
Tuition & Fees
$950/mo
Application Fee: $50
Registration Fee: $250
(State/Federal Funded Grants Accepted)
Scholarships available soon:
Thrive strives to provide scholarships to those in need and those who qualify.
Sample Schedule
8:30 - 9:00: Citizens Arrive
9:00 - 9:15: Morning Announcements / Devotional
9:15 - 10:15: Work Block 1
10:15 - 10:30: Break
10:30 - 11:15: Work Block 2
11:15 - 1:00: Lunch
1:00 - 2:00: Work Block 3
2:00 - 2:45: Break
2:45 - 3:15: Work Block 4
3:15 - 3:30: Clean Up
3:30-3:45 End of Day Discussion
3:30 - 4:00: Citizens Go Home
Thrive Community serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Citizens) who are desiring to be a part of a community especially for them.
Thrive provides meaningful jobs and fulfilling daytime opportunities for our citizens.
Thrive is presently accepting applications.
Thrive Community was created for those who are no longer receiving federally mandated special education services. Therefore, we will accept applications beginning at age 20 for potential placement after age 21.
To become a Thrive Citizen, applicants must complete the following 5 steps:
Step 1 - Apply
If you feel your loved one might be a fit for Thrive, we would welcome your application. Our campus is open beginning on October 18, 2021. Contact Joy at joy.prettyman@thrivecommunity.net for a link to the application. There is a $50 non-refundable application fee; this does not guarantee placement at Thrive Community.
Step 2 - Interview
After receiving the application, the Thrive staff will be excited to meet with you. They will schedule an interview time with the potential Citizen and their family.
Step 3 - Evaluation / Volunteer Day
An admissions committee will evaluate the information from the application and initial interview. Prospective Citizens will be invited to complete a volunteer day at Thrive.
Step 4 - Enrollment
After a volunteer day, it will be determined if Thrive is a good fit for the applicant. If so, congratulations! Welcome to the Thrive Family!
Enterprises
Each of these enterprises will provide a social entrepreneurial atmosphere and challenge the Citizens, while simultaneously giving them valuable work experience and a sense of purpose and belonging.
Thrive Citizens will be involved in the following creative enterprises:
Ceramics
Melt and pour soaps and other spa products
sugar scrubs
pump soap
body lotion
shower steamers
Polymer clay beads, and resin earrings
Hand-made, organic dog biscuits and dog soap
….and so much more
About
Joy Prettyman
Co-Founder | Executive Director
Joy was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Alpharetta 37 years ago with her husband, Bill. Joy raised 3 boys and continues to live in Johns Creek with her husband, Bill, and youngest son, Jack, who has Down Syndrome.
She previously co-founded the Alpharetta location for Lose The Training Wheels (currently called iCan Bike), a bicycle camp to teach people with special needs how to ride a bicycle. She also started and ran a sewing school primarily for young children but has also taught adults. Joy was also a member of the Board of Directors for Lekotek, a non-profit that provides adaptive toys to children with special needs encouraging their development through exploration and discovery.
Joy was inspired by Brookwood Community (Brookshire, TX) and Brookwood in Georgetown (BIG), Georgetown, TX to co-found Thrive Community. We are so grateful and blessed for these Communities for their support and information to help us launch Thrive.
Joy's (grandma name, Lolli) hobbies and interests are tennis, cooking, working out, crafting of all types and her 2 grandchildren (soon to be 3).
Bill Prettyman
Co-Founder
Bill was born in NYC and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Alpharetta 37 years ago with his wife, Joy, and raised 3 boys. He continues to live in Johns Creek with Joy and their youngest son, Jack, who has Down Syndrome.
Bill is the President/CEO of Wise, a print manufacturer of business forms and labels headquartered in Alpharetta with 5 plants in the eastern half of the US. Bill was previously Chairman of a print industry trade association and a member of that Board for 7 years while functioning as President/CEO of Wise. Also, Bill served on the Board of Lekotek, a non-profit whose mission is to serve children with special needs through adaptive learning and toys encouraging their development through exploration and discovery. He has also been involved for many years coaching Special Olympic athletes in softball and basketball where he first realized that 80% of adults with special needs do not have jobs as well as their parents were concerned about where their child with special needs would live as their parents aged.
Bill was inspired to start Thrive with Joy to make a difference in the lives of special needs adults to help them find purpose and significance through work and community. He has seen the difference work has made in Jack's life and wants that for other adults with special needs. Brookwood Community and Brookwood in Georgetown gave Bill a vision for a community that provided purpose through jobs for adults with special needs, create housing where they can spend the rest of their lives with their friends and inspire the world to realize how capable adults with special needs really are. Bill is very grateful for all of the sharing that the people of Brookwood Community and Brookwood in Georgetown have provided.
