Mikayla Gonzalez named new executive director for Thrive Chelan Valley

CHELAN - Mikayla Gonzalez, a Chelan resident, was recently named Executive Director by the Board of Directors at Thrive Chelan Valley, an organization which supports youth.
Mikayla received a degree in multidisciplinary studies from Western Washington University, where she also worked in the human resources department. Her family includes her husband, Salvador, who is a teacher at Chelan High School, and daughter Kaylee, who is two and a half years old.
Mikayla says, "Thrive is such a special and unique organization. I feel honored to serve its mission and the youth of our valley. With continued community support, we can accomplish big things."
The new director will oversee operations and fund development for Thrive.  She will maintain the financial wellness of the organization through a holistic funding strategy.
The Thrive Teen Center will be open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:30-6:30 p.m. It is held in the Fireplace Room at the Lake Chelan United Methodist Church. There are centers for doing homework and crafts, playing board games, enjoying TV or movies or just talking with peers and volunteers. The evening will conclude with a meal prepared by the Program Director, Stefani Morgan, who has been with Thrive since June 2022. Opening date will be October 3.
There were 27 Thrive mentoring partnerships during last academic year. Mentors were paired with students who wanted tutoring help, or sometimes just needed a friend. There is a continued need for adult volunteers who can help students with homework, especially mathematics.
The Thrive Cares program is designed to address any tangible need a student may have. The needs are extensive--athletic shoes to join a team, school supplies, a shortage of food at home, or a myriad of other concerns. Thrive volunteers are ready and willing to respond, no matter how small or large the need.
The annual fundraiser, the Summer Block Party, was held on August 4 at Tipsy Canyon Winery, where guests enjoyed an evening of music, good food and opportunities to bid on glamorous prizes or buy raffle tickets. The party generates a large portion of Thrive's operating funds, all donated by generous businesses, local residents and summer visitors.
On Saturday August 19, from 1-4 p.m., Thrive's Back-to-School event will be held at Chelan Middle and High School. Free Backpacks with school supplies will be available. There will also be free haircuts, valuable local resource booths with lots of giveaways, and outdoor games and activities.
Mikayla Gonzalez is enthused about her new found job, and looks forward to getting acquainted with local business/organizations, donors, and students of all ages in the Lake Chelan Valley.