Community Thread

The Thrive Program was established in April 2022 to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities living in the Stillwater Area. By engaging volunteers, this membership-based program helps fill requests for basic home assistance, such as cleaning, with the goal of making it easier for individuals to remain living at home. The program engages volunteer drivers who take people to and from needed appointments and to access community services. This program is available to all eligible residents of Stillwater School District 834 and anyone unable to pay the membership fee is subsidized. The program also provides referrals and connections to resources for the public at large and offers the amenities of two Community Centers. These centers provide programs and activities that enhance the well-being of older adults. The Stillwater site also offers free income tax preparation assistance and other services in partnership with other nonprofit organizations.

The Volunteer Center serves individuals and organizations through four primary functions: connecting people to opportunities to serve through a searchable database of volunteer opportunities; building capacity for local volunteering by providing training and support in volunteer management to local nonprofit organizations; promoting volunteerism in the community; and providing special community-wide service initiatives. For example, for over 50 years Community Thread has been providing help during the holidays through the Holiday Hope program (formerly Holiday Bureau). The program serves families, people with disabilities, and older adults by matching them with sponsors who provide gifts. The program passes through in-kind gifts to program recipients.