‘Arlington Thrive’ head briefs Kiwanis on 50 years of service by organization

Melanie Anderson, executive director of Arlington Thrive, on July 17, 2025, spoke to the Kiwanis Club of South Arlington, highlighting the growth, successes and challenges of the organization.

Founded as an ecumenical organization to provide emergency funding for residents to pay rent, medical bills and the like, the organization has grown in recent years to deliver a broad array of services ranging from parenting classes to workforce-development support, to a diverse and inclusive clientele.

“This is a very, very expensive community to live in,” said Anderson. The goal of Arlington Thrive is to provide resources for people to make their way, she said.

When the resources of Arlington Thrive aren’t enough to provide the support one needs, “we’re never going to say ‘no’,” Anderson said. “We’re going to try to connect you with other services, going to our other partners and putting some of that together so we can meet those needs.”

Recently, the organization also began programming to support federal-government workers impacted by playoffs.

“You are not alone,” the organization says to federal workers. “We’re your neighbors, and we’re here to help you stay housed, healthy and hopeful. We’re offering short-term help to keep you stable while you get back on your feet.”

Founded in 1975 as AMEN (Arlingtonians Ministering to Emergency Needs, later Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs), the organization traces its roots to FISH (For Immediate Sympathetic Help) initiatives formed in the 1960s by churches in North Arlington and South Arlington, addressing local community needs.

In 2013, the organization was rebranded as Arlington Thrive to embrace a vision of progress, which includes all Arlingtonians.

Anderson has Kiwanis roots: She is incoming vice president of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington, and recently attended her first Kiwanis International convention.

Anderson’s mother has Kiwanis bona-fides, having served as president of the Kiwanis Club in their hometown.