The Thrive Center will be a community building full of resources for our local community members. The historic building was built in approximately 1915 and purchased by the Foundation in December 2018. The building sits in the heart of our community, at the intersection of 5 highway and 38 highway. Once the center is remodeled, it will include spaces for a community classroom, offices, meeting rooms, study rooms, a hangout room for students, a game room, a laundry room, a kitchen for training purposes, a multipurpose room for events, and an eatery to help supplement income. The Community Betterment Foundation has partnered with several organizations, including Ozark Action, Hartville R-2 School district, MSU West Plains, and the Hartville Area Chamber of Commerce to not only enhance the programs we will be offering once the Thrive Center is opened, but also to help in the planning process.
Hartville is the county seat of Wright County, Missouri. We are one of the lowest income counties in the state with limited access to public services and resources. Wright County is also one of the leading counties for methamphetamine and opioid drug use in the state. The Thrive Center will serve the community utilizing programs designed to support and empower our economically disadvantaged community. Together with our community partners, we hope to help our communities become a better place to live.
The foundation takes a team approach to everything we do. Our Property Management Team is currently working on the demo of the interior of Thrive. The Finance Team is currently working on writing grants to remodel the Thrive Center, and also a plan for the eatery located within Thrive. The Student Training & Education Team is working on Policies & Procedures for the after school student program and on details for the program. New to the board of the foundation is Janelle Griffin, President of the Chamber of Commerce, who will also be a part of our Business Training Program for Thrive. We're so excited for Janel to join us on the board and for the knowledge and experience she brings.