Thrive Academy celebrates expansion
Family Initiative celebrated the completed expansion of Thrive Academy with a ribbon-cutting Tuesday and appeals from state and local officials for continued growth in the service of families and children impacted by autism.
Thrive Academy is a K-12 private school serving students diagnosed on the autism spectrum. The renovated building increases enrollment capacity with the addition of seven classrooms, a new STEM lab, a rock climbing wall, and special lighting to change the mood and effect in the state-of-the-art classrooms.
“We do not get here without the work of every single person sitting here today,” said David Brown, co-founder of Family Initiative.
He applauded Thrive Academy’s team members, educators and families who gathered for the ribbon-cutting, adding that the mission of Family Initiative is to help students with autism to see a way forward as productive members of society.
Co-founder Anjali Van Drie lauded the compassionate team at Thrive Academy and said they work seven days a week with the families who attend the specialized private school.
State officials reiterated their commitment to the school.
“I am going to keep being an advocate for Family Initiative, who are great stewards of taxpayer money,” state Rep. Mike Giallombardo, R-Cape Coral, told attendees.
State Sen. Jonathan Martin, R-Fort Myers, also addressed the audience before participating in the official ribbon-cutting.
“I thank each of you who work here for the wrap-around service you provide (to families of children with autism),” he said.
Family Initiative estimates one in 31 children in America will be diagnosed with autism. The organization assists with diagnosis, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), occupational therapy and child welfare.
Stevens Construction completed the expansion.
“Instead of having a ground breaking, we had wall breaking,” founder Mark Stevens said.
Early demolition was the first phase of Thrive Academy’s expansion.
“We are honored to work with this unbelievable organization to create a building that will serve another 100 children,” he added.
Generous contributions from the Cape Coral and Fort Myers business communities also played a role in Thrive Academy’s expansion. Stevens said Extreme Painting & Contracting Inc. donated “both product and labor” to the project. Additionally, Fred Anderson Toyota of Cape Coral presented Family Initiative with a check for $5,000.
Tia Livers, a client access supervisor, said she helps Thrive Academy by gathering information about children who will attend the school and then connecting the students with beneficial services.
“This expansion means we can serve more families and children, and that is fantastic,” she said.
Livers spent part of her morning standing with VIP — Very Important Pet — therapy dog Colby, who was on hand for Tuesday’s event.
Thrive Academy’s grounds were overflowing with well-wishers, family and staff who celebrated the milestone.
Thrive Academy is at 3221 Chiquita Blvd. S., Cape Coral.