NEWCOMER ASSISTANCE
Finding Belonging in the Mahoning Valley
Navigating life in the Mahoning Valley can seem daunting, but you’re not alone. Thrive Mahoning Valley will be with you on your journey through genuine friendship and hands-on assistance. We recognize that every individual has unique needs, and our services are tailored to address those challenges. Connect with us and unlock a range of support, including but not limited to:
- Application Assistance
- Translations
- Household Goods and Hygiene Product Pantry
- Goodwill Vouchers
- Transportation Assistance
- Legal Aid and Citizenship Assistance
- Employment / Education Connections
- Referrals for English Language Classes, Housing and Other Needs
Your transition to the Mahoning Valley becomes smoother with ThriveMV by your side.
PEDAL FORWARD
We are accepting donations of gently used or new adult bicycles, new bicycle parts, and new helmets/locks to provide to international students and other newcomer adults with short distance transportation needs in Youngstown. You may send us an email at info@thrivemv.org to schedule a pickup or to tell us about a newcomer in need. Bikes and equipment donations may be dropped off during regular business hours at 854 Wilson Ave in Youngstown.
For more information or to apply for a bike, please click this LINK
Please note that bikes are available based on supply and availability of volunteers who pick up, drop off, and repair bikes at any given time. For this reason, Thrive Mahoning Valley cannot guarantee a bike or when one will be available. Please also note that a liability release must be signed for a bicycle to be released. We also ask for any bikes that become unused or unwanted be donate back to the program.
ThriveMV also operates a social enterprise bicycle shop, complete with refurbished bikes, parts, and gear. This funds the Pedal Forward program. Email info@thrivemv.org for more information or to schedule a repair.
ThriveLink- UPDATED January 2025!
Thrive Mahoning Valley started with a collaborative project to support families relocating to the Mahoning Valley from Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Our team wanted a way for these families to have easy access to reliable resources and not have to worry about information being lost in translation. The project was initiated through the efforts of Justin Mondok and Christopher Colón, both alumni of the Raymond John Wean Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Program. The project received initial support from The Raymond John Wean Foundation’s Community Investment Grant Program.
NEWCOMERS NETWORK
Convened by Thrive Mahoning Valley, this group is designed to be space for organizations working on repopulation, immigration, resettlement, etc. The group works collaboratively to address arising needs and advocate for the newcomer community. The group meets monthly at Thrive Mahoning Valley's office in Youngstown. We invite any community member or organization working with these populations to join us. Email Vicki@ThriveMV.org for more information....
WELCOMING WEEK
During this annual series of events across the country, communities bring together immigrants, refugees, returning citizens, international students, and long-time residents in a spirit of unity to build strong connections across the community and affirm the benefits of welcoming everyone.
ThriveMV hosted the first annual Mahoning Valley Welcoming Week in 2019 and will continue in 2025 and beyond.
Follow along on Social Media!
SOUNDING BOARD
Convened by Thrive Mahoning Valley, this group is designed to be space for nonprofit leaders and future leaders to connect and share ideas while providing support for one another. Additionally, the group collaboratively works to serve the community with equity and justice in mind. The group meets at various locations throughout Mahoning County and practices the Jemez Principals for Democratic Organizing in its work. Email Vicki@ThriveMV.org for more information...
EMPLOYER OUTREACH
We work with employers all over the Mahoning Valley to help create a culture of inclusion in the workplace. We do this by providing professional digital and print translations (Spanish), meeting with HR teams, and doing trainings with leadership and staff. Please email chris@thrivemv.org to learn more or to schedule a consultation.
THRIVING FUTURES
Listen, Lead, Share, Serve: Thanks to support from the Ohio Climate Justice Fund, we provide education on renewable energy employment opportunities and environemtnal justice to middle school students all over the Mahoning Valley.
In partnership with Mahoning Valley Sojourn to the Past and Youngstown City Schools, our team spends time reading and mentoring students in middle and high school. In addition to this, we are able to provide personalized presentations to middle and high school students on welcoming & belonging, and the cultural history of the Mahoning Valley.
Starting in 2025, ThriveMV began developing curriculum for summer youth programs across the Mahoning Valley. ThriveMV is proud to work alongside Ursuline Sisters Mission and Promise Community Hub for their 2025 and 2026 offerings.
In partnership with Youngstown City Schools' English Language Learner Program, Thrive Mahoning Valley published a bilingual resource guide that has been distributed to over 500 families.
THRIVE THRU
We provide 100 hot meals out our back door to anyone who may need one. Upcoming meal dates are Nov 5, Nov 21, Dec 5, and Dec 21. Thank you to our sponsors and donors for helping make this happen: Maria Rodriguez, St. Theresa of Calcutta Parish, Vicki & Terry Vicars, The African American Community Fund of the Foundation for Appalachia, Schwebel's Bakery, Jack Kravitz, Ariana Wyndham, Jimmy's Italian Specialties, West 34, Rotary Club of Youngstown, and Bike Belmont.
SUPPORT
Program and operational support has been received from: The Raymond John Wean Foundation, Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley (General Fund, International Institute Fund, The Legow Family Fund, Roberta M. Hannay Charitable Fund, Kennedy Family Fund, The Arnett Family Fund, Willanna and William DiCiero Memorial Fund), Youngstown Foundation, Thomases Family Endowment of the Youngstown Area Jewish Federation, Swanston Memorial Foundation, Trumbull Memorial Health Foundation, Western Reserve Health Foundation, Cafaro Family Foundation, BRITE Energy Innovators, Walmart Spark Good, League of American Bicyclists, The Ohio Climate Justice Fund of the US Energy Foundation, Mahoning Valley Punk Flea, Enbridge Foundation, Farmer's National Bank, African American Community Fund of the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, and Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown.
THE TEAM
Christopher Colón | Executive Director and Co-Founder
Chris is a seasoned community leader and professional whose career spans more than 19 years in social work, counseling, and business development within the healthcare industry of the Mahoning Valley. Drawing on his rich cultural heritage—rooted in the Taíno people of Puerto Rico and Northwestern European traditions—he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to connecting people and fostering community integration. His proactive response to the 2017 hurricanes in Puerto Rico, where he played a pivotal role in assisting families relocate, further solidified his reputation as a compassionate and effective advocate for newcomers. Currently, as Director at ThriveMV, Chris continues to drive impactful initiatives that support community growth and resilience. His leadership extends to board roles with organizations such as the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Holafest, and Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services. Through his work, Chris exemplifies a steadfast commitment to service, environmental stewardship, loving thy neighbor, and community empowerment.
Chris@ThriveMV.org
Vicki Vicars | Operations Director
Raised in Canton, Ohio, Vicki and her husband, Terry, have been Mahoning Valley residents for 35 years. After working 33 years as a Catholic religious education and evangelization coordinator in a variety of parishes, Vicki left that ministry to pursue other options. She previously worked as Lead Community Organizer with ACTION and as Director of Mission, Equity, and Resilience for Ursuline Sisters Mission. Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, Vicki is excited to be also working with Thrive Mahoning Valley to build inclusive, equitable communities that welcome people from all walks of life. She and Terry have a son who is married with three children and a daughter who is engaged with two children. They have been foster parents to Jimmy for 33 years. n addition to her role at ThriveMV, Vicki is also the Executive Director of Mahoning Valley Association of Churches.
Vicki@ThriveMV.org
Ariana Wyndham | Programs Director
Ariana Wyndham has been a resident of the Mahoning Valley for the past 19 years, dedicating over 20 years over her lifetime to volunteering, activism, and advocacy across a broad spectrum of social & climate justice issues. She recently obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Youth and Family Services and Administration at Purdue Global University. Ariana is passionate about fostering equity and inclusivity and is committed to creating meaningful change in her community. Serving as the Family Engagement Manager at Thrive Mahoning Valley, she continues to advance her mission of empowering individuals and strengthening families. Ariana also teaches bilingual computer classes for Oak Hill Collaborative.
Ariana@ThriveMV.org
Austin Sturgeon | Pedal Forward Program Associate
Austin is passionate about fixing things. He enjoys tinkering and is self-taught bicycle technician. An active member of Outspokin' Wheelmen, Austin believes in the healing power of cycling. Austin is available for private repairs and can be found on YouTube restoring antique bicycles.
Austin@ThriveMV.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Justin Mondok | Board President & Co-Founder
Alongside Mr. Colón, Justin co-founded Thrive Mahoning Valley, and continues to provide financial oversight to the organization today.
Accessibility is a central focus of Justin’s professional work as an Urban Planner and much of the community outreach in which he engages. He believes in the idea of easily accessible information and physical places to better connect people to the things they need.
Follow Justin on X @justin_mondok to learn more about the work he does.
David Labra | Board Vice President
David has strong roots in the Youngstown area and is an active member of the community, while also being an avid supporter of local businesses. He is married to his high school sweetheart, Elena, who founded her own local business as a ceramic artist. Along with his passion for supporting the local community, David has several years of experience organizing local events as a member of The Neighborhood LLC. He is also a founding member of the award-winning, multicultural musical group, The Labra Brothers, which allows him to proudly tap into his Hispanic heritage.
Dr. Alexis Smith | Board Treasurer
Alexis is a radiologist with Penn Highlands Healthcare. She was previously Co-Medical Director of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center in Youngstown, Ohio and Director of Breast Imaging at Trinity Health System in Steubenville, Ohio. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Smith serves on the boards of YWCA Mahoning Valley and United Returning Citizens. She is the vice president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Youngstown, co-group leader and liaison for Citizens' Climate Lobby Mahoning Valley, and vice president of the Poland Jr Women's Club. Dr. Smith received her Bachelor's degree in Economics, graduating summa cum laude in 2003 from Washington and Jefferson College prior to entering medicine. A graduate of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Smith completed a radiology residency at Penn State Hershey Medical Center and fellowship training in women’s imaging at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center – Magee Women’s Hospital.
Dennis Yommer Jr. | Board Recorder
Denny is currently the coordinator of the English Learner Program at Youngstown City Schools. For the last 11 years he has worked with English learning scholars of all ages from across the globe in a variety of capacities. In recent years, he has presented multiple topics centered around equity, inclusive practices, and language acquisition to audiences at conferences across three separate states. Additionally, he presently serves as a board member to both West Virginia TESOL and Ohio TESOL, where his primary role is to promote and develop effective state and local practices for English Learning scholars in K-12 education. The driving mission of his work is to promote inclusivity and access among multicultural and multilingual families in the education system and local communities.
Carol Holmes-Chambers | Board Member
Carol is the Community Solutions Director for Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries (YAGI) and leads the Trumbull-Mahoning RISE Community Collaborative. Carol is a former educator turned licensed social worker with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from The University of Akron, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Youngstown State University, and a Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She is also pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work from Tulane University. Carol is a member of Jack and Jill, Incorporated and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and on the Board of Trustees for the Girard Free Library. She is a proud wife and mother of three girls. It is Carol’s passion and mission to advocate and empower the community and work alongside others to impact change.
Elainie Huncik | Board Member
Elainie is the Program Coordinator of Outreach at OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children's Center for Science & Technology in downtown Youngstown, Ohio. She has 5 years of experience in informal education, and she holds a bachelor's degree in Physics/Astronomy with minors in Geosciences, Mathematics, and Education from Youngstown State University. She enjoys volunteering, especially in community theatre. She believes that everyone, regardless of background or experience, has the capacity to understand science. Her goals are to make science accessible, correct misconceptions about STEM, and build people's confidence in STEM concepts. She sees astronomy and the night sky as a way to build and strengthen community - we all share the same sky, every culture has stories in the stars, and we all wonder what is out there. As a second generation American and a first generation college graduate, she is endlessly grateful for those who made it possible for her to pursue her passions, and she aims to pay it forward.
AJ Sumell | Board Member
AJ has been a faculty member at Youngstown State University for 20 years. He moved to the Youngstown area in 2005 after earning a Ph.D. in Economics from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. He currently serves as chief negotiator of YSU’s faculty union, YSU-OEA, has authored or co-authored 14 academic publications, presented at more than 30 academic conferences or invited talks, and conducted more than 100 interviews with local, national, and international media. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for CASTLO Community Improvement Corporation and has served for the Board of Trustees for the Montessori School of Mahoning Valley. When not working, he can often be found coaching soccer, playing tennis or Mario Kart with his daughters Scarlett Marie and Lillian Rose.
Koula Glaros-King | Board Member
Koula recently retired as a staff attorney with Community Legal Aid in Youngstown. Her focus area included immigration and citizenship representation, Naturalization clinics, Health Education Advocacy and Law (HEAL), and Civil Protection for Domestic Violence. A graduate of Kent State University, she went on to earn her Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron Law School. She has served as special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General and has teaching experience at a variety of post-secondary institutions including Southeastern College in Athens Greece teaching Business Law and Ethics, as well as at Kent State University as a Political Science Instructor. Attorney King has been involved in many professional and community organizations including the Trumbull County Bar Association, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Justice for Immigrants Council, Human Trafficking Network of Northeast Ohio, League of Women Voters, Trumbull Art Guild, and Friends of Warren Library. She is a member of the PanIkarian Brotherhood, the oldest Greek American 501(c)3 medical & scholarship charity. Attorney King is a continuing legal education speaker with a primary focus on immigration issues. She speaks English and Greek but also has comprehension in Spanish, French, Some German, Italian & Portuguese. She has taught Paper Cutting Art at the Susan Jacobs Studio in Cortland and enjoys sailing and gardening.
Anika Jacobs | Board Member
Anika moved to the Youngstown area in 1987 from Yonkers, NY. She worked in the medical field as a Medical Assistant for 22 years. She served as the Midwest Chairper-son for Simply United Together. Anika is a VISTA Alumni and served at YNDC for 2 years prior to being hired as a Neighborhood Organizer. Through her love and passion for people and the community, she founded Promise Communi-ty-Hub nonprofit organization and Pantry to help meet the basic needs of low income individuals and families. She is a Board Member of Safe Zones nonprofit organization and Glo-ris Griffin Counseling Services. Anika currently works part time at the Glenwood Fresh Market, a program for low in-come individuals and families to receive fresh fruits in vege-tables to improve their health. She is the mother of 7 and Granny to 7! In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, music, reading and enjoying the fresh air.
Dr. Gabriel Palmer-Fernandez | Board Member
Gabriel was born in Havana, Cuba and emigrated to the United States with his family after the Cuban Revolution, settling first in New Orleans, then in Miami, and spending some summers in Puerto Rico. He attended college in Georgia and graduate school in New England, where he met his wife, Sarah. While in graduate school he worked weekends at a shelter for homeless families in Framingham, MA. In 1991, he was hired as an assistant professor of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State University, and after 30+ years on the faculty, he retired as distinguished professor emeritus. Having served in several local, state, and national boards, he’s particularly excited to serve on this one and to assist the lives of other immigrants in our communities.
Joel Montaz | Board Member