Our citizens are empowered to become:
Artisans, Bakers, Jewelry-makers, Soap-makers, and more
Thank you for considering a contribution, which helps us better serve adults with special needs through meaningful work and creating community.
Mission
To provide an entrepreneurial environment that creates meaningful jobs, and builds a sense of belonging and respect for adults with special needs, while changing the way the world sees and experiences this population.
Vision
To build a vocational and residential community where our Citizens with disabilities will continue to learn, work, and live; being celebrated and empowered in a God-centered environment as they engage in meaningful work and service.
Shop
All of our products are made, assembled, and packaged by our Citizens. Support their hard work today!
Becoming a Citizen
đź•’ Time:
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Monday – Thursday
đź“Ť Location:
3155 Royal Drive, Suite 120
Alpharetta, GA 30022
(Map & Directions)
đź’˛ Tuition & Fees:
Private Pay & Now Waiver Accepted
State and Federal Funded Grants Accepted
🎓 Scholarships:
Thrive is committed to making our program accessible. Scholarships will be available for those in need and those who qualify.
Community
Friendships and meaningful relationships are essential for everyone—and especially for adults with special needs. Strong social bonds help build self-esteem, reduce loneliness, and create a sense of belonging. Whether it’s sharing a laugh, working on a project, or simply spending time together, these connections support emotional well-being and personal growth. In our community, we encourage genuine friendships that uplift, empower, and remind every individual that they are seen, valued, and never alone.
Confidence. Purpose. Happiness. Community. Hope. Faith.
Artists
Art & Confidence in the Special Needs Community
Art is a powerful tool for self-expression, especially in the special needs community. It offers a safe, creative space where individuals can make choices, share their stories, and be proud of their work.
Through painting, drawing, or crafting, artists build confidence by discovering what they can do—and by being recognized for their unique talents. Art helps shift focus from limitations to strengths, encouraging independence, pride, and connection with others.
In our community, creativity isn’t just an activity—it’s a path to empowerment.
Daily Schedule
8:30 – 9:00 AM
Citizens Arrive
9:00 – 9:30 AM
Morning Meeting / Devotional
9:30 – 10:15 AM
1st Work Block
10:15 – 10:30 AM
Break / Snack
10:30 – 11:15 AM
2nd Work Block
11:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Lunch / Movement / Break
1:00 – 2:00 PM
3rd Work Block
2:00 – 2:30 PM
Snack / Movement / Break
2:45 – 3:15 PM
4th Work Block
3:15 – 3:30 PM
Clean Up
3:30 – 3:45 PM
End of Day Discussion
3:30 – 4:00 PM
Citizens Go Home
Join the Thrive Community
Thrive Community exists to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities—our Citizens—by providing meaningful jobs, enriching daytime experiences, and a strong sense of belonging.
We are currently accepting applications for new Citizens. Thrive is designed for individuals who are no longer receiving federally mandated special education services. Therefore, we accept applications beginning at age 20 for potential placement after age 21.
Who We Serve
Thrive is the right fit for individuals who:
Are 21 years or older (applications may be submitted at age 20)
Desire community, purpose, and structured daily activities
Are ready to engage in a supportive and inclusive environment
If this sounds like your loved one, we would love to hear from you.
potters
Pottery holds a special place in biblical stories—as a symbol of creation, transformation, and care. Just as the potter shapes clay with patience and intention, we too are shaped and valued with purpose. This ancient art reminds us that everyone is a unique masterpiece, molded with love and meaning.
For adults with special needs, pottery is more than just a craft—it’s a hands-on way to express creativity, build confidence, and experience calm focus. Working with clay engages the senses, encourages patience, and fosters a sense of accomplishment as each piece takes shape. It’s a powerful reminder that, like the clay, every individual can be transformed and treasured.
In our program, pottery becomes a journey of faith, creativity, and empowerment.
How to Apply
Becoming a Citizen of Thrive involves a thoughtful, five-step process to ensure a good fit for each individual and our community.
Step 1: Submit an Application
To begin, contact Joy Prettyman at joy.prettyman@thrivecommunity.net to request a link to the application.
There is a $50 non-refundable application fee. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee placement.
Step 2: Interview & Tour
After reviewing your application, our team will reach out to schedule a personal interview with the prospective Citizen and their family. This meeting also includes a tour of Thrive Community.
Step 3: Volunteer Day & Evaluation
Applicants who move forward in the process will be invited to join us for a volunteer day. During this visit, we’ll observe participation and gather insights to help determine whether Thrive is the right match.
Step 4: Enrollment Decision
Following the volunteer day and evaluation, the Thrive admissions team will make an enrollment decision. If accepted, we’ll officially welcome you to the Thrive Family!
Step 5: Welcome to Thrive!
Once enrolled, new Citizens become a valued part of our vibrant, supportive community. We can’t wait for you to thrive with us.
Start the Journey Today
Have questions or ready to apply?
Reach out to Joy Prettyman at joy.prettyman@thrivecommunity.net. We look forward to connecting with you!
🌿 Thrive Enterprises
Work With Purpose. Create With Joy.
At Thrive Community, we believe every person deserves the chance to contribute, create, and belong. That’s why Thrive Enterprises offers a variety of hands-on, meaningful work experiences for our Citizens—adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are ready to grow and thrive in a supportive environment.
Each enterprise is designed to foster:
Skill-building
Confidence
Teamwork
A deep sense of purpose
Citizens play a vital role in every step—from creation to packaging to presentation.
đź’Ľ Real Work. Real Skills.
Thrive Enterprises teaches valuable job skills across a range of creative and operational activities. Every task contributes to our community and helps Citizens feel proud of what they accomplish.
🎨 Creative Production
Our Citizens produce beautiful, high-quality handmade goods, including:
Pottery & Ceramics – Learn to mold, glaze, and fire unique ceramic pieces.
Jewelry Making – Design and create original, wearable art.
Candlemaking – Pour and scent candles from start to finish.
Spa Products – Craft small-batch self-care items:
Melt-and-pour soaps
Sugar scrubs
Pump soaps
Body lotions
Shower steamers
Pet Products – Make all-natural:
Organic dog biscuits
Handmade dog soaps
Original Art Projects – Expressive, one-of-a-kind creative works.
Card Making and Packaging - Handmade unique cards.
Custom Orders - We create personalized, handmade pieces tailored to your needs.
Corporate Order - perfect for showing appreciation to clients, employees, or partners. Each piece is unique, meaningful, and made with care.
Fulfillment Jobs -Ensuring every package is prepared with accuracy and heart.
🛠️ Behind-the-Scenes Jobs
In addition to making products, Citizens gain experience in:
Cleaning & Sanitation – Keeping workspaces safe and tidy
Packaging & Labeling – Carefully preparing products for sale
Pricing & Inventory – Tracking items, restocking, and tagging
Glazing – Applying glaze to ceramics before kiln firing
These practical tasks build independence and transferable job skills.
🌟 Why It Matters
Through Thrive Enterprises, our Citizens don’t just learn how to work—they learn why work matters.
They experience:
The pride of a job well done
The joy of sharing their creations with the community
The confidence that comes from mastering new skills
A true sense of purpose, belonging, and achievement
🚀 Always Growing
Our enterprise offerings continue to grow as we explore new ideas and opportunities. At Thrive, the possibilities are endless—and every Citizen plays a part in building something meaningful.
Interested in Supporting Thrive Enterprises?
You can shop our handmade goods, donate, or partner with us to help expand opportunities for our Citizens.
Bloom Fitness program
Our goal is to ensure that every Athlete feels a part of the community.
This empowers them to choose a lifetime of health and wellness thus improving
their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Classes are uniquely designed to support the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Bloom instructors are highly qualified to provide fitness instruction within the IDD community.
Our class priorities in order of importance are safety, fun, community, encouragement, health, and fitness.
God Centered
Our Faith-Based Foundation
Our program is built on the Word of God, guiding everything we do. We begin each day with morning devotionals to inspire and uplift, and we come together once a week for Bible study to deepen our understanding and faith. Through prayer, scripture, and fellowship, we support spiritual growth alongside personal development, creating a nurturing environment grounded in God’s love.
About
Joy Prettyman
Co-Founder | Executive Director
Joy was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Alpharetta 37 years ago with her husband, Bill. Joy raised 3 boys and continues to live in Johns Creek with her husband, Bill, and youngest son, Jack, who has Down Syndrome.
She previously co-founded the Alpharetta location for Lose The Training Wheels (currently called iCan Bike), a bicycle camp to teach people with special needs how to ride a bicycle. She also started and ran a sewing school primarily for young children but has also taught adults. Joy was also a member of the Board of Directors for Lekotek, a non-profit that provides adaptive toys to children with special needs encouraging their development through exploration and discovery.
Joy was inspired by Brookwood Community (Brookshire, TX) and Brookwood in Georgetown (BIG), Georgetown, TX to co-found Thrive Community. We are so grateful and blessed for these Communities for their support and information to help us launch Thrive.
Joy's (grandma name, Lolli) hobbies and interests are tennis, cooking, working out, crafting of all types and her 2 grandchildren (soon to be 3).
Bill Prettyman
Co-Founder
Bill was born in NYC and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to Alpharetta 37 years ago with his wife, Joy, and raised 3 boys. He continues to live in Johns Creek with Joy and their youngest son, Jack, who has Down Syndrome.
Bill is the President/CEO of Wise, a print manufacturer of business forms and labels headquartered in Alpharetta with 5 plants in the eastern half of the US. Bill was previously Chairman of a print industry trade association and a member of that Board for 7 years while functioning as President/CEO of Wise. Also, Bill served on the Board of Lekotek, a non-profit whose mission is to serve children with special needs through adaptive learning and toys encouraging their development through exploration and discovery. He has also been involved for many years coaching Special Olympic athletes in softball and basketball where he first realized that 80% of adults with special needs do not have jobs as well as their parents were concerned about where their child with special needs would live as their parents aged.
Bill was inspired to start Thrive with Joy to make a difference in the lives of special needs adults to help them find purpose and significance through work and community. He has seen the difference work has made in Jack's life and wants that for other adults with special needs. Brookwood Community and Brookwood in Georgetown gave Bill a vision for a community that provided purpose through jobs for adults with special needs, create housing where they can spend the rest of their lives with their friends and inspire the world to realize how capable adults with special needs really are. Bill is very grateful for all of the sharing that the people of Brookwood Community and Brookwood in Georgetown have provided.
