LEWISTON — Thrive System of Care of Lewiston received the National Association of Social Workers — Maine Chapter 2010 Agency of the Year award in an awards ceremony during the NASW Maine annual conference April 9.

Thrive, in the fifth year of its six-year grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, provides training, technical assistance and consultation on the effects of trauma and the related trauma-informed service principles of safety, choice, collaboration and trustworthiness. In addition to training providers and agencies, Thrive supports local family- and youth-led advocacy organizations.

THRIVE System of Care Initiative helps providers and community organizations in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties transform the way services are delivered to children, families of children, and to youth who are affected by serious emotional and behavioral challenges. Thrive trauma-informed trainings and technical assistance are family-driven, youth-guided and culturally and linguistically competent. Thrive is a partnership of Maine’s Children’s Behavioral Health Services, Tri-County Mental Health Services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in collaboration with local provider agencies.