One Joplin launches Thrive Joplin Project
JOPLIN, MO — One Joplin has announced the launch of the Thrive Joplin Project, a four-year, community-driven plan focused on improving physical, mental, social, and economic health across the greater Joplin region.
The initiative brings together residents, local organizations, community leaders, and regional partners to address barriers to healthy living and build a stronger, more connected, and more equitable community.
The Project officially kicks off at a press event on Friday, December 12 at 9:00 a.m. at Joplin Avenue Coffee, where One Joplin staff, partners, and volunteers will outline the goals and phases of the effort.
A Unified Path Toward a Healthier Future
The Thrive Joplin Project is designed to create a coordinated, long-term action plan that addresses community-level challenges to physical, mental, social, and economic health impacting families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. By developing data-driven strategies and unifying the efforts of organizations across sectors, including healthcare, business, education, nonprofits, churches, and civic groups, the initiative aims to generate sustainable improvements in community health.
“One Joplin’s mission has always been to bring people together to solve our community’s biggest challenges,” said Nicole Brown, Executive Director of One Joplin. “Thrive Joplin gives us the structure, tools, and community voice we need to create lasting impact.”
Community Participation at its Core
The Thrive Joplin Project uses a grasstops-to-grassroots approach to ensure both leadership voices and everyday residents, especially those from underserved or underrepresented groups, shape the solutions. Community input will be gathered through surveys, focus groups, and public events throughout the project’s duration.
The first major opportunity for input begins today: The Thrive Joplin Community Survey is now live at OneJoplin.com. All residents in Joplin and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate. One Joplin’s sole purpose is to create a collaborative environment for our area’s business leaders, community organizers, and involved citizens to identify and meet community needs in Health, Education, Literacy, and Poverty.
Project Structure and Phases
The four-year initiative includes three major phases:
• Phase One (2025–2026): Situational assessment, community survey, project creation, a regional summit, and the formation of Healthy Community Champion Teams.
• Phase Two (2026–2028): Champion Teams guide implementation, track progress, and refine strategies.
• Phase Three (2028–2030): Expand initiatives, pursue sustainable funding, and build long-term momentum.
Champion Teams: Community-Led, Action-Focused
A key feature of the project is the creation of Healthy Community Champion Teams. This will be diverse groups of residents, professionals, and emerging leaders who help guide and implement strategies. Their role ensures solutions are inclusive, practical, and deeply connected to lived community experience.
Measuring Success
Thrive Joplin will track progress annually, with success indicators such as:
• Reduced chronic disease and preventable hospital stays
• Unified community efforts
• Stronger workforce and economic opportunity
• Increased equity in decision-making
• A replicable model for community wellness planning across other regions
How the Community Can Get Involved
Residents and organizations are encouraged to:
• Complete the community survey at OneJoplin.com/
• Join or support a Champion Team
• Participate in focus groups and community events
• Share expertise, resources, or funding to grow initiative efforts