Partner Spotlight: Thrive Chelan Valley

Opening Doors for the Next Generation

As we begin the transition into a new school year, we often think about backpacks, school supplies, and classrooms. But long before a young person can fully engage in learning, they need something even more fundamental: a sense of belonging, trusted adults who believe in them, and confidence that their basic needs will be met.

For more than a decade, Thrive Chelan Valley has played a vital role in building that foundation.

The organization was officially formed in 2013 when three local groups who were all serving youth in different ways recognized they could amplify their impact by working together. Today, Thrive Chelan Valley serves youth across Chelan and Manson, driven by a simple yet powerful vision of the area’s youth having everything they need to reach their full potential.

Rather than waiting for challenges to become crises, Thrive Chelan Valley focuses on building the protective factors that help young people succeed throughout their lives. Their work strengthens several of the Vital Conditions including lifelong learning, belonging and civic muscle, and basic needs for health and safety, while creating ripple effects that extend to families and the broader community.

Preventing Tomorrow’s Crisis Today

At the heart of Thrive Chelan Valley's work are its teen centers in Chelan and Manson. While each provides a place for youth to play games, study, and spend time with friends, they are designed to do much more than simply fill the hours after school.

Every time the centers are open, students have access to a free meal along with clothing closets, hygiene supplies, and other everyday essentials. Staff and volunteers build relationships with youth that often reveal needs that might otherwise go unmet.

Sometimes it's a student who doesn't have a winter coat. Sometimes it's a young person quietly struggling to participate in school activities because they can't afford equipment or fees. By creating welcoming spaces built on trust, the teen centers help address challenges early on before they escalate.

Removing Barriers to Opportunity

That same philosophy guides Thrive Chelan Valley's CARES Program.

Originally created by community members who wanted every child to have the opportunity to participate in sports and extracurricular activities, the program has grown to meet a wide range of needs. Today it provides weekend meal bags, school supplies, formal attire, athletic equipment, and other essentials that help young people fully participate in school and community life.

Last school year alone, Thrive Chelan Valley distributed more than 7,000 weekend meal bags, providing students with reliable access to food even when school is not in session.

The organization's mentors, youth center volunteers, and other partners all play a role in identifying those needs. Because they know students personally, they are often the first to recognize when additional support could make a meaningful difference.

When families need help beyond their services, Thrive Chelan Valley works with a variety of partners such as Chelan Valley Hope, Lake Chelan Health, and Columbia Valley Community Health to connect entire families with the resources they need.

Students and staff from Chelan School of Innovation helping unload a monthly delivery of weekend meal bags from 2nd Harvest.

Building Skills that Last a Lifetime

Thrive Chelan Valley recognizes that learning and growth happen most naturally when youth feel connected, supported, and believe someone is invested in their future. That upstream approach comes to life through the organization's one-on-one mentoring program. Through 20 mentor-mentee matches, trusted adults help young people navigate everything from career exploration and educational opportunities to mental health resources and life's everyday challenges. Just as importantly, they help young people see possibilities they may never have considered and believe they are capable of achieving them.

Stefani Morgan's journey with Thrive Chelan Valley began as a mentor. While working at Chelan High School, she was asked to mentor a student through the organization's program. Today, she leads the organization as its executive director, having seen firsthand the impact those relationships can have on a young person's future.

“Mentoring is about so much more than having someone to talk to. It’s about giving a young person another person in their corner... someone who believes in them, encourages them, listens without judgment, and helps them see what’s possible. I know firsthand how meaningful these relationships can be, and it’s incredibly rewarding to now lead an organization that creates those same opportunities for so many other young people in our community.” - Stefani Morgan, Executive Director at Thrive Chelan Valley

Stefani Morgan (left) with her mentee (right).

The program recently expanded beyond middle and high school students to serve youth from third grade through college and young adulthood, allowing those supportive relationships to continue through many of life's biggest transitions.

The Vital Conditions Framework in Action

The Vital Conditions are often described individually, but the greatest impact comes from understanding how each one strengthens the next.

A young person who feels they belong is more likely to ask for help. When basic needs are met, they can focus on learning. As they gain confidence and new skills, they're better prepared to contribute to their community and support others.

That's what makes Thrive Chelan Valley's work so effective. Rather than addressing one need at a time, the organization creates an environment where these conditions naturally reinforce one another.

This approach is guiding the organization's latest expansion through a 2025 Vital Conditions Grant from Thriving Together NCW. Based on feedback from students and volunteers, Thrive Chelan Valley is introducing additional programming at their teen centers including new workshops in financial literacy, job readiness, communication, and emotional wellness.

Just as importantly, the organization is building a model designed to grow stronger over time. By inviting local businesses, skilled professionals, volunteers, and community partners to share their expertise with youth, Thrive Chelan Valley is creating a broader network of support. As young people build confidence and leadership skills, the goal is for many of them to eventually give back by mentoring younger students and helping lead activities themselves. Together, these investments are creating a more sustainable model that strengthens both today's youth and the community that will support future generations.

Get Involved

With the new school year just around the corner, now is a great time to consider supporting Thrive Chelan Valley's work. Community members can volunteer at one of the teen centers, become a mentor, donate needed items, or help make programs like the annual Back to School Fair possible.

This year's Back to School Fair will take place on August 15th from 1–4 p.m. at Manson High School, providing free school supplies, community resources, and other support for local families. Thrive Chelan Valley is currently seeking sponsors and welcomes community organizations who are interested in hosting resource booths. If you have a few hours to give, Thrive Chelan Valley is also seeking volunteers to assist with event setup, activities, and other day-of needs. Interested volunteers can contact Executive Director, Stefani Morgan directly.

To learn more about volunteering, donating, or upcoming events, visit Thrive Chelan Valley's website.