TOGETHER WE THRIVE!
AT A GLANCE
Our Vision, Mission, Purpose●Leadership ▢
Resource Page ● Local ● State ● Federal ▢
LGBTQIA 101 ● Legislation ● Our People ▢
Calendar●Meetings● Workshop ● Events ▢
Merch●Membership●Training●Fun Stuff ▢
Our Sponsors●Allies ●Founding Partners ▢
Together We THRIVE! represents the next chapter in the proud history of advocacy for the LGBTQ community on the Eastern Shore. We honor the progress those made before us while recognizing that our community’s needs have evolved. Today, we are raising that bar—moving beyond simple visibility toward a future of collective empowerment. We are setting a new standard by integrating mental wellness, self-awareness, youth mentorship, activism, and proactive resource-sharing into a single, high-proficiency cause. Join us as we lead the way forward, turning our shared history into a launchpad for a more vibrant, connected, and resilient community. Because, this isn't just about providing space; it’s about fueling a movement where every LGBTQ+ individual, youth, and ally is equipped with the tools to transition from simply surviving to truly thriving!
3 Branches of THRIVE!
Branch 1: Foundational Fortitude
We believe that our greatest collective asset begins with individual resilience. In a world that often asks our community to settle for mere survival, we choose to prioritize proactive vitality as a revolutionary act. We aim to empower our youth and allies to build an unshakable foundation. We move beyond simple "crisis management" to provide the tools for and empowered life; ensuring that every member of Together We THRIVE has the internal strength to not only weather the storm but to navigate any horizon with peak confidence and purpose
Branch 2. Empowered Mentorship: The "Lift as We Climb" Standard
We don't just create spaces; we cultivate leaders. By bridging the gap between our seasoned advocates and our vibrant youth, we ensure that wisdom and energy flow in both directions. We set the standard for mentorship on the Eastern Shore, ensuring that no LGBTQ+ individual or ally has to navigate their journey alone. We aren't just a safety net; we are a launchpad.
Branch 3. Proactive Connection over Passive Support
In a changing world, "being there" isn't enough—we must be ahead. Together We THRIVE operates with a mission-first mindset, actively seeking out resources, building strategic alliances, and creating modern solutions for the unique challenges of our coastal community. We lead with transparency and move with purpose, ensuring that our support is as dynamic and resilient as the people we serve.
A Message from Our Founder
Mark DeLancey, Founder & Executive Director
"My personal journey has always been defined by a commitment to serving our community and a belief in the power of its resilience. From my time as a United States Marine to over a decade of LGBTQ advocacy here on the Eastern Shore, I’ve learned that for our community to truly move forward, we must do more than just provide a safe harbor—we must provide the tools to sail.
I founded Together We Thrive because I wanted to step away from the old model and I saw a need for a higher standard of support. While providing ‘crisis management’ for our vulnerable population, we aim to move into an era of proactive empowerment. This is not just an organization, but a movement built on the foundation of shared partnerships, disciplined mentorship, and the unwavering belief that none of us are defined by our challenges, but by how we rise to meet them.
Whether you are a young person looking for your path, an ally wanting to make a difference, or a neighbor seeking a stronger community, I invite you to join us. We aren't just here to help you survive the landscape; we are here to ensure you have the fortitude, the resources, and the heart to truly THRIVE."
