A Utah woman, Rachell Garrett, has established a nonprofit organization named CommonThread to provide essential support to teens in foster care. With over a decade of experience in the foster care system, Garrett aims to create a sense of belonging and hope for these vulnerable youths, especially during the challenging holiday season.
Key Takeaways
- Rachell Garrett, a licensed foster parent and former teacher, founded CommonThread to support teens in foster care.
- The nonprofit focuses on trauma-informed care and community-building activities.
- Over 130 events have been organized in the past three years, funded entirely by community donations.
- A 15-member teen board plays a crucial role in shaping the organization’s initiatives.
The Inspiration Behind CommonThread
Rachell Garrett’s journey into the world of foster care began with her role as a licensed foster parent. Through her experiences, she witnessed the struggles faced by many teens who often feel neglected and unsupported within the system.
Garrett noted, "I saw firsthand how kids were failing in ways that were not their fault. When kids were reunited with their families, the state would withdraw support, leaving them without therapists or caseworkers."
Determined to address these gaps, she founded CommonThread, a nonprofit dedicated to providing a supportive community for teens aged 12-18.
Trauma-Informed Care and Community Events
CommonThread offers a variety of trauma-informed care services and organizes special events designed to foster connection and healing among teens. Over the past three years, the organization has hosted more than 130 events, including:
- Equine therapy sessions
- Art classes
- Community gatherings
Garrett emphasizes that she wanted to create a space that felt welcoming and informal, stating, "I didn’t want this to feel like a formal government agency. There’s a lot of trauma connected with those spaces."
Empowering Teens Through Leadership
A unique aspect of CommonThread is its 15-member teen board, which meets monthly to discuss ideas and influence the organization’s direction. This initiative empowers teens to take an active role in shaping their community.
One of the board members, 15-year-old Freedom, shared her perspective on the importance of peer connection. "You can get more perspective on what teens like from teens themselves. They get to have someone who might understand what they’re going through," she said.
Garrett expressed her pride in witnessing the positive impact of the organization, stating, "It’s really priceless to see the impact of healing."
Call for Support
As the holiday season approaches, CommonThread is seeking donations and volunteers to continue its mission of supporting teens in foster care. The organization relies entirely on community contributions to fund its programs and events.
To learn more about CommonThread or to get involved, individuals are encouraged to visit their website.
Through her dedication and the support of the community, Rachell Garrett is making a significant difference in the lives of Utah’s most vulnerable youth, helping them find hope and connection in a challenging world.
Sources
- Utah woman creates ‘CommonThread’ nonprofit to support teens in foster care, KMYU.
- Utah woman creates ‘CommonThread’ nonprofit to support teens in foster care, KUTV.
