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VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR: Jessica and Damian Chipriano

Damian and Jessica Chipriano are active volunteers at Thrive.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 25, 2022

Jessica and Damian Chipriano

Thrive

What do you do in your volunteer job?

Beyond our advocacy and monetary donations to Thrive, we have helped organize the silent auction packages for Bids and Blues over the past two years.

How long have you been volunteering?

We have volunteered with Thrive for almost 10 years in different capacities. Our first exposure to Thrive was through the United Way of Henderson County, of which Thrive is a funded partner. Our first Thrive event that persuaded us to volunteer was Bids and Blues, and Damian has been a board member for several years.

Why do you volunteer?

While we live in a beautiful region of North Carolina that has a good economy, there are so many people and families who face adversities and consequently require services for sustainability and to promote equity. Most Thrive clients experience severe persistent mental illness and/or homelessness, both of which are underserved populations that seek a better quality of life. The programs at Thrive help provide effective resources for their clients with an objective to eliminate the stigma around mental health and support those who need affordable housing.

What’s the best thing about volunteering?

We enjoy making a difference in people’s lives.

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?

Volunteering with Thrive is very rewarding. Whether you become a Friend of Thrive, help a family move into an apartment or home, or assist at one of our fundraisers, it becomes undeniably evident that you are improving the lives of many in our community.