Chip Retzlaff

For more than 8 years, Chip has been a vital member of THRIVE’s all-volunteer tech team, consistently going above and beyond to keep our systems running smoothly. Whether troubleshooting stubborn printers on site or building complex network solutions behind the scenes, Chip brings incredible skill and dedication to his work. Most recently, he custom-built a new database with time-saving automations for our Financial Services team—an example of the thoughtful, impactful support he provides. Chip’s humility truly sets him apart; he quietly lifts up the team and never seeks the spotlight, even as his contributions make a tremendous difference.

 

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Charlotte Eilers

Charlotte brings beauty, care, and creativity to THRIVE through her work on the Garden Team and stewardship of our building’s exterior spaces. In addition to tending the front and side gardens, coordinating mulching teams, and adding seasonal decorations, Charlotte also volunteers twice a week as a freezer clerk in the garden, assisting families as they select frozen items. Her patience, ingenuity, and heart for service help create both a welcoming environment and meaningful moments of care for those we serve.

 

 

Michelle Keeter

Michelle has been volunteering at THRIVE in The Free Bookstore for two years. She is a wonderful example of servant leadership, showing unwavering dedication to the values and mission of THRIVE Peninsula. She consistently takes initiative, noticing what needs to be done and approaching each task with a strong work ethic and care. Michelle’s ingenuity keeps our storage areas organized, and her creativity shines through in the inviting book displays she designs in our lobby for clients to enjoy. Above all, Michelle brings kindness and joy to everything she does, offering a warm and friendly presence to everyone she meets. We are truly grateful to have her as part of our Free Bookstore team.

 

 

Kim Webster

Kim is truly one of the shining stars among our Market volunteers. She regularly steps into a wide range of roles, including food sorting, greeting, sourcing bread for the Market, and stocking shelves, and always with enthusiasm and care. One of the things we appreciate most about Kim is her ability to jump into any role as needed, making her an invaluable utility player on the THRIVE team.

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Kim’s deep commitment to our mission is evident in everything she does; she has even approached vendors on her own time to help source staple items for our clients. She has a genuine heart for the people we serve and sees each person with dignity and compassion, often creating meaningful moments through her interactions. Every Monday, Kim plays a key role in helping establish our weekly routine by evaluating stock, setting appropriate limits in the Market, and communicating clearly with fellow volunteers. We are incredibly grateful for the heart, time, and dedication Kim invests in THRIVE and the families we serve each day.

 

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CL Tanner

CL is someone who truly keeps things moving at THRIVE. For several years, he has been a steady, reliable presence behind the wheel, first stepping in as a weekly food rescue pickup driver. When he realized there were more ways to help, he didn’t hesitate. He gradually added two more days to his schedule, taking on bulk food pickups from the food bank and jumping in for additional pickup needs whenever they arose. He has shown up through every phase of our growth including those weeks as we waited for the warehouse to finish, and he did it all without complaint.

His reliability, flexibility, and quiet willingness to say “yes” make an incredible difference for our team and the families we serve. Despite his disdain for cold weather, he still shows up, rain or shine (or freezing temperatures), ready to help. We are honored to have CL on team THRIVE!

 

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Jan Wiener

Jan brings care and kindness to everything she does at THRIVE. From behind-the-scenes work tending to our pollinator garden, helping it flourish as a welcoming space for all, to answering countless phone calls and patiently guiding callers through our processes, Jan’s impact is felt in so many ways. She also warmly welcomes families and visitors at the front desk, ensuring everyone feels seen and supported.

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With a generous spirit, steady presence, and a readiness to help wherever she is needed, Jan allows clients to be served with care and enables staff to stay focused on their work. Jan, your time, heart, and commitment truly make a difference. THRIVE is stronger and more welcoming because of you, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do.

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Karen FitzGerald

Project Connect assists individuals with applying for benefits such as Medicaid and SNAP, obtaining vital records and IDs, and accessing additional community resources. The program also manages THRIVE’s Resource Guide, provides a volunteer Resource Concierge in the lobby to support shoppers, and coordinates educational classes focused on healthy living, financial literacy, and workforce development.

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Karen began volunteering as a Resource Concierge with THRIVE a year and a half ago and has consistently gone above and beyond in this role. She actively researches new and expanded resources, maintains and updates the Resource Guide, ensures lobby materials are current, assists Barbara with special projects, and has recently partnered with Rafael to develop a resource packet for our Spanish-speaking clients.

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Karen’s dedication and genuine compassion shine through in every interaction. She plays a vital role in connecting our shoppers to the support they need. Karen, you are truly valued—thank you for always going the extra mile.

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Shaine Soto

The Prosperar Program connects Spanish-speaking families to The Market and to vital resources they may not otherwise know are available due to language barriers. Through this program, families are met with guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.​ 

 

This year, we are honored to recognize Shaine, whose heart for service is rooted in dignity, compassion, and faith. Fueled by the light of Christ, she creates a welcoming and trusting environment from the very first interaction, helping shoppers navigate the market and confidently find answers to their questions.

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Shaine consistently goes above and beyond, generously giving her time to THRIVE and stepping in wherever help is needed with humility and a willing spirit. Her genuine care for others leaves a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for the love, dedication, and commitment she brings to our clients and to the mission of THRIVE.

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Tony Sweers

Tony serves as a Financial Coach at THRIVE, meeting one-on-one with clients who are navigating financial hardship and seeking critical bill assistance. Known for his quiet, gentle spirit and steady willingness to help, Tony creates a safe and supportive space for clients during some of their most stressful moments.

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His care for others consistently goes beyond what is expected. After one coaching session, a single mother discovered she had a flat tire while out with her children. Tony encouraged her to return inside with her kids while he stepped in to help, only to find the spare tire was unusable. Without hesitation, Tony purchased a new tire and installed it himself.

This is the heart Tony brings to THRIVE every day. We are deeply grateful for his compassion, selflessness, and the tangible ways he shows our clients that they are seen, supported, and truly cared for.

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This is the heart Tony brings to THRIVE every day. We are deeply grateful for his compassion, selflessness, and the tangible ways he shows our clients that they are seen, supported, and truly cared for.

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Robin Kemp-Tate

At THRIVE, community connection is at the heart of everything we do—building relationships, sharing our story, and inviting others into this work in ways that are welcoming, meaningful, and even fun. We want people to experience the “THRIVE Vibe” firsthand and see how their support turns into real impact. And when they can’t come to us, our Ambassadors carry THRIVE with them wherever they go.

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Robin embodies that spirit in every way. As an Ambassador, she shares THRIVE’s mission wherever she goes, invites others to get involved without hesitation, and inspires generosity through her joy, creativity, and genuine care for our community. Her enthusiasm makes giving feel hopeful, energizing, and inclusive—and her commitment opens doors and creates lasting connections.

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