About Us
AfriThrive is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing, connecting, and empowering communities to create sustainability focused solutions.
Grow With Us
6 Years in Action
AfriThrive mobilizes and creates partnerships with non-profit and for-profit organizations, academic institutions, government agencies and individuals through strategic investments to create, strengthen and sustain the capacities of local communities in the USA.
Our partnerships are grounded in Pamoja Twaweza (Together We Can). We generate solutions through the strength of our partnerships. We focus our efforts on the most vulnerable and marginalized populations, especially women and youth.
To keep information as simple as possible and remind them that you care are working hard to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Our Story
AfriThrive started in 2013 as a community resource for a small group of African immigrants in Maryland and the greater Washington DC area who were concerned about their economic situation and the plight of their relatives in Africa. In 2019, AfriThrive officially became a community based non-governmental organization committed to helping vulnerable families through relief and development programs.
AfriThrive supports immigrants to integrate into the American life through a series of orientation workshops, trainings, resume preparation and connection to potential job opportunities.
AfriThrive mobilizes community efforts to help struggling families through food donations, clothing, and household goods. The urgency to find better paying jobs and to increase the number of African-owned businesses in Maryland and greater Washington DC area led to the start of Thrive Economic Empowerment Center.
In addition, the need to better support emerging African youth navigate the American life and grow the next generation of entrepreneurs gave birth to the Mentoring Thrivers Academy program.
Truphena Choti - Founder
Our Journey
Cultivating Community, One Season at a Time
Since 2019, AfriThrive has grown from a seed of an idea into a vibrant force for food justice, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. Our timeline captures key moments in our evolution—from emergency food distributions during the pandemic to our community farm’s launch and today’s inspiring milestones. Each year reflects our deepening commitment to nourishing families, educating future generations, and building a more sustainable, equitable world.
Explore our journey and see how far we’ve come together.
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2019: Founding & Vision
AfriThrive Inc. is founded by Dr. Truphena M. Choti.
- Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
- Mission: To build vibrant and thriving African immigrant and minority families through access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food, skills development, and economic opportunity.
- Early efforts focus on food access, culturally specific nutrition, and immigrant family support.
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2020–2021: COVID-19 Response & Rapid Expansion
- Emergency food distributions begin in Montgomery County, Maryland, during the pandemic.
- Launches community support programs for African immigrants affected by economic hardship.
- Becomes a vital food access partner in multiple counties.
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2022: Agricultural and Economic Empowerment Focus
- AfriThrive Community Farm established in Poolesville, Maryland.
- Focus on culturally relevant crops: African nightshades (Managu), Spider leaves (Saga), pumpkin leaves, etc.
- Agricultural Director Henrietta Isaboke begins leading farm education and training efforts.
- Workshops and family-friendly farm days become part of the programming.
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2023: Youth & Intergenerational Programming
- Launch of educational farm visits for schools and youth groups.
- Nutrition workshops and community gardening initiatives expand to Prince George’s and Baltimore Counties.
- Strategic emphasis on intergenerational knowledge-sharing through gardening and food prep.
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2024: Organizational Maturation & Signature Events
- Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon introduced.
- First “Night of Excellence Gala & Awards” planned for November 1–2, 2024.
Focused investment in:
- Organizational branding
- Communications infrastructure
- Launch of new programs:
- Cultural cooking demos
- Capacity-building for families and partner organizations
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2025: Grow With Us Capital Campaign + Website Relaunch
- April 2025: Launch of the “Grow With Us” campaign on Earth Day.
- Tomato seedling distribution
- Public education campaign on sustainable gardening
- New website unveiled
- Enhanced community engagement strategy, including e-newsletters and storytelling.
- Seed-saving, sustainability education, and school gardening program expansions are underway.
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2026: Scaling
- Secured a cold storage unit
- Our van fleet increases to 3
- Taskforce launched to help guide infrastructure decisions