The City of Newberry commission unanimously supported Thrive, a volunteer Healthy Resource Initiative that local organizers say will coordinate clinics, screenings and outreach to underserved residents.

Janae (Janice) Smith, a Thrive founder, told the commission the initiative grew from community conversations and aims to expand access to primary care, maternal and senior services, mental‑health supports, and screenings by partnering with UF Health, local nonprofits and churches. "Our mission is to implement sustainable programs and policies that promote physical, mental, and social health with a special focus on underserved populations," Smith said.

Smith asked the commission to pass an ordinance appointing Commissioner Donald Long as a city liaison and to create a board of directors for Thrive to help ensure oversight and compliance; she said Thrive would rely largely on volunteers and existing partners and would not initially require direct city funding. City staff and a public health practitioner who spoke in support confirmed grants and volunteer resources have been identified; one speaker noted a Children’s Trust of Alachua County grant for a gun‑prevention project already awarded to related work.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about Meals on Wheels‑type services and facility needs; staff and the presenter said Thrive would be eligible to use municipal facilities free of charge for events and that the city’s role would be oversight and coordination rather than direct funding. A motion to support the initiative and to move forward with city‑sponsored oversight passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff will draft the requested ordinance language and coordinate logistics for facility use and partnership agreements as needed.