Spotlight: Rachel Cross - Retiring with Peace of Mind Thanks to Thrive Prince George’s

Building Stability and Security

The cost of living in the Greater Washington region continues to rise, with 52% of residents feeling concerned about how they’ll pay their mortgage or rent.

But Rachel Cross is heading into her golden years with a weight lifted off her shoulders.

“It’s a relief to not have to worry about whether I have enough money to pay for the things I need each month.”

One Sunday at church, Rachel heard her minister encourage senior members of the congregation to apply to Thrive Prince George’s guaranteed income pilot program. As a recent retiree, Rachel knew that the $800 provided through the program could make a big difference for her quality of life.

Healthcare had been (and continues to be) top of mind for Rachel -- as it is for so many seniors. Navigating the paperwork and bureaucracy that comes with entering the Medicare system is often stressful and time-consuming, especially if you have medical needs that require urgent attention.

As Rachel waits for her Medicare access to be approved, she knew that the money she earned through Thrive Prince George’s could go a long way to cover her medical expenses, including the cost of gas needed to drive to doctor appointments. She decided to apply for the program.

Several months later, Rachel felt “surprised and grateful” when she heard the news from Thrive implementation partner United Communities Against Poverty (UCAP) that she was one of 175 people selected to participate in Thrive Prince George’s. She felt excited for this opportunity which would significantly ease her transition into retirement.

Now several months into the program, Rachel is planning for the future. With Thrive Prince George’s supporting essential payments, she is able to continue to pay for life insurance, which helps protect her family’s future.

Inspired by her mother’s advice, Rachel values saving for a “rainy day” and building financial stability. She ensures her budget allows her to set aside money for unexpected emergencies, which provides reassurance.

Sharing the Impact

Rachel strongly believes that more seniors in the Greater Washington region should have access to programs like Thrive Prince George’s, especially because participants can choose how to allocate the dollars to best suit their individual needs.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know someone is helping you and cares about you. More seniors deserve to have their needs met, which can help them feel more confident. The team at Thrive Prince George’s and UCAP has made this a smooth journey, and I hope the program continues so others can benefit.”

Rachel’s experience shows the true value of guaranteed income programs like Thrive Prince George’s, which are designed to help people work toward or meet their financial goals.

With fewer financial burdens, seniors like Rachel have more time, energy, and resources to flourish.

Rachel Cross

Retiree and Prince George’s County Resident.