THIS PROGRAM HAS CLOSED

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County proudly partnered with Thrive Prince George’s to provide guaranteed income to up to 50 youth who emancipated from Prince George’s County foster care between 2020 and 2022.

Individuals who were 18-24 years old and emancipated from Prince George’s County were eligible to participate in this program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Thrive Prince George’s?

Thrive Prince George’s was a two-year, $4 million guaranteed-income pilot that seeks to provide greater economic stability and mobility for families in Prince George’s County.

The program, the first of its kind in the county, provided monthly payments of $800 to 50 youth (age 18-24) who aged out of foster care and 125+ seniors (age 60+) for a 24-month period with no strings attached and no requirements tied to employment.

Thrive Prince George’s was funded using both public and private philanthropic resources from the Greater Washington Community Foundation, Prince George’s County Executive and Council, and the Meyer Foundation.

Why Guaranteed Income?

Studies have shown that modest guaranteed income pilots can decrease poverty by as much as 40%. Over 100 Guaranteed Income pilots have been implemented across the country and around the region – including in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, DC, and Montgomery County. In early phases, these pilots proved guaranteed income is one of the most promising approaches to increasing financial stability. The positive impact of guaranteed income has been studied for decades, with evidence indicating that monthly cash payments can reduce income volatility and support recipients in attaining full-time employment, greater housing stability, improved health outcomes, and more.

How Did Thrive Prince George’s Work?

The Greater Washington Community Foundation administered the Thrive Prince George’s pilot program in partnership with several nonprofit organizations, including:

• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Prince George’s County– implementation partner for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
• United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP)- implementation partner for Seniors
• Prince George’s Changemakers – Community Engagement/Advocacy

What Populations Were Served By This Program and Why?
Youth Aging Out of Foster Care

Far too many foster care youth in Prince George’s County age out of the foster care system without finding a stable, permanent home. Studies have shown that those who age out of the foster care system are more likely to face socio-economic challenges including homelessness, early pregnancy, and involvement in the criminal justice system. These socio-economic challenges were further exacerbated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an effort to address this gap and make the case for more permanent and comprehensive investment in foster care youth, Thrive Prince George’s provided monthly payments for 50 Youth who aged out of foster care between 2020 and 2022.

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)/Prince George’s County oversaw the application process and facilitated payments to participating youth.

To participate, youth must:

• have spent time in Prince George’s County foster care
• during the program, been between 18 and 24  years old
• Emancipated out of foster care between 2020 and 2022.

Preference was also given to youth who were caregivers or returning citizens.

Why were there no strings attached to the payments?

The purpose of guaranteed income programs was to help lift more families out of poverty by increasing their financial stability and helping to create more pathways to greater economic opportunity. These programs are designed to put unconditional cash directly in the hands of individuals and families that need it most, allowing them to make choices about how to improve their economic position and what they need to prosper. Guaranteed income does not replace existing supplemental or government benefits, but provides an extra boost that can lift people out of the safety net and into a more stable life.

Thrive Prince George’s gave participants increased flexibility and financial freedom to live with dignity and be empowered to overcome whatever barriers they may face – whether it is meeting basic needs, paying down a debt, moving into permanent housing, furthering their education to secure a better job, or to stop working a second job so they can spend more time with their families.

Do you have an example of who benefitted from this program?

Participant Kaps Kapende says “Being a part of Thrive has helped me budget without feeling squeezed…It has simplified my life at a time when I needed it most.” Read more about his story here. 

This program was made possible through the following partnerships