About Us

Who We Are

Kids Thrive! Navigator-Advocate Program provides the GPS (Guidance, Proactive, Support) for families with children age 0-5 born substance exposed. Kids Thrive! NAVAD program helps parents navigate local resources available to support their child’s healthy development. Our goal for every child in Charlotte County is to be able to THRIVE and be successful in school and in LIFE!

Unborn babies and children exposed to alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs, and prescription drugs (including opioids and marijuana) are at risk for:

Organization History

Formed in 2018, Kids Thrive! Collaborative Navigator-Advocate Program as a support mechanism for pregnant and new moms involved in substance use and neonatal abstinence syndrome in Charlotte County. The program was built upon the practice of trauma informed care and the importance of early family literacy and bonding. With strong partnerships among providers of healthcare, behavioral health, literacy and child development, the Navigator-Advocate serves as a connector to empower mothers and strengthen families, so their children thrive. 

How: The Navigator-Advocate supports women with substance abuse issues at each stage of pregnancy using a strengths-based, family-centered, holistic approach. If a baby or child, up to the age of 5, has been exposed to substances, we are here to help. The Navigator-Advocate will help identify and access available services that can benefit children, family, and our community. 

“There are so many things that (the Navigator) has available for us that we need that we didn’t know we needed,” said one participant.