Thrive Mat-Su participation growing rapidly

WASILLA — Thrive Mat-Su, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting youth resilience, is greatly growing in overall participation.

According to Thrive Mat-Su managing director Matthew Clayton, they had a record breaking turnout during their 2023 Halloween event. He said over 630 youth, adult family members, and volunteers participated which was a whopping 500 increase from last year.

"We're really excited about it," Clayton said.

The massive turnout is reflective of an overall growth in event attendance, according to Clayton. He said they're seeing an average increase of 70 participants each event over the last year.

"We're happy the students are excited about our program," Clayton said.

Clayton said the high amount of interest is great but it also comes with some growing pains. He said they are no longer selling tickets at the door and sending alerts when events are sold out.

"That way people aren't turned away," Clayton said.

Over 2,300 local families across the Mat-Su Borough School District are enrolled in the Thrive text alert system which notifies them of upcoming activities and events.

There is a broad range of free youth oriented gatherings available throughout the year such as arts and craft sessions, dance parties, bowling, family game nights, field days, swimming, sledding, and volleyball.

Thrive was established as an upstream prevention coalition in 2007. The program is designed to offer fun and healthy environments for local students 6th grade and older. Clayton said their main mission has always revolved around promoting youth resilience through positive social connections and personal growth which lowers the risk of substance misuse.

"We're trying to demonstrate to the Mat-Su youth that they matter in their community," Calyton said.

Thrive averages about 40 volunteers during events, according to Clayton. He said that he's thankful for the continuous support.

"They're there to make a positive impact on students," Clayton said.

Thrive has a diverse network of community partners that aid their efforts such as Alaska Job Corps, MTA, and Youth 360.

"It's very encouraging to have so many engaged partners," Clayton said. "It's a large effort and I'm really grateful be a part of it.

The next Thrive event is their Blacklight Glow Party at Colony Middle School Jan. 20 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Local families interested in getting involved can join the text alert system by texting "Events" to 907-745-5826 to receive notifications about upcoming activities and events.

For more information, visit thrivematsu.org

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com