Thrive Chelan Valley to open new teen center in Manson this fall

MANSON—Thrive Chelan Valley will open a new teen center in Manson this fall, expanding its mission to serve, empower, and advocate for all youth in the Lake Chelan Valley.

Thrive, a nonprofit organization, has operated a teen center in Chelan since 1999. Thrive executive director Stefani Morgan said the new center in Manson will offer the same resources and support as the Chelan location.

"There will be fun games, a clothing and hygiene closet, a little library, school supplies, dinners, snacks, and more," Morgan said.

The Teen Center will be located in the basement of the Manson United Methodist Church and will be funded by donations and grants. Thrive is also working to obtain grants that will help with staffing and operations costs, Morgan said.

"We have a very generous valley, and they love to support our students," she said. 

Thrive Chelan Valley's mission is carried out through three core programs. 

The first is the Cares Program, which provides tangible items to help remove barriers for local students. Items include weekend meal bags, athletic gear, school supplies, warm clothing, hygiene items, and more.

The second program is the Mentoring Program, which serves middle and high school students from both Chelan and Manson. 

"We match them 1:1 with a safe and caring adult who can help them navigate this sometimes complicated time in life," Morgan said.  

The last program is the Teen Center. The Chelan center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 6:30 p.m. It offers dinner, often donated by local restaurants and community members. Students can hang out with friends, play games, get homework help, and access free hygiene, clothing, and snack closets.

The decision to open a center in Manson was driven by feedback from Manson students, who felt disconnected from the Chelan Teen Center. 

 "We really try to stay in touch with the students we serve, the school districts, our volunteers, and community members to see what is most needed," Morgan said.

"They really need all the same resources that we offer there," she said. "So, we decided to replicate our current teen center in Manson, so it would be within walking distance for Manson students."  

Since Manson is so spread out, a shuttle, courtesy of Link Transit's Surplus Van Program, will be available to take students home afterward.

Thrive aims to open the Manson Teen Center by mid-October. The center will be open on Mondays and Wednesdays.  

"Both teen centers are accessible to all students in the valley," Morgan said. "So that means any students that need the resources or a safe space to be, will have that available four nights a week now."

To meet the October opening goal, Thrive is looking to hire a part-time Manson Teen Center Manager and volunteers. Volunteering opportunities are flexible, allowing community members to contribute as their schedules permit. 

"It's such an amazing thing to be a part of, so we try to be flexible so everyone can have the opportunity to make these connections," She said.

For more information about volunteering or the job opportunity, visit Thrive Chelan Valley's Instagram and Facebook pages. Questions can also be directed to executivedirector@thrivechelanvalley.com.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.