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ALBANY, GA. -- FOX 31 News is partnering with the Strive 2 Thrive Organization for a new venture.

The Strive 2 Thrive organization works to empower Albany families and make the quality of life better for everyone in Albany.

FOX 31’s CEO Jenny Collins says the station will still report on poverty and how it affects our community, but now we’re going to be an active participant in the process to help.  “We’re very passionate about this community and we want to do everything we can to make it a better place to live and particularly for those people that are living in poverty.  There is hope that we can eradicate this problem and get them out of poverty” says Collins.

So far nine families have been involved have partnering with allies to help them navigate through poverty, and establish a better financial future. 

Strive 2 Thrive organizer Harriet Hollis says the families have made a lot of progress.  “They have changed their mindsets, they’re learning how to navigate and create those intentional friendships with persons who are not in poverty” says Hollis.  Family members have received high school diploma’s, secured cars, and most have been accepted into Albany Technical College.

The first group of families will graduate from the program in two weeks.  Participants will return to help support the next group of impoverished families enrolled in the program.  The second group will kick off their program on October 14, 2010. 

Every month FOX 31’s weekend anchor Romney Smith will bring viewers a new story about Strive 2 Thrive, the families, the volunteers, and how you can get involved.