Speaking on Business: Common Thread

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Common Thread is a teen-led nonprofit supporting young people ages 12 to 18 impacted by foster care, homelessness or other similar childhood experiences, providing a safe space for connection, community and free resources. Executive Director, Rachel Garrett, joins us with more. Rachel Garrett: At Common Thread, we believe every teen deserves a place where they feel safe, seen and supported. Young people’s voices and experiences are at the heart of our work, with our Teen Board helping to shape everything we do. Through a consistent community, teens can build trusted relationships, access free, high-quality mental health support, learn life skills, connect with mentors and experience joy. More than 3,500 teens have been part of Common Thread, and we’ve seen how much that sense of connection can mean. For one 15-year-old, it meant showing up every weekend for eight weeks of equine therapy, even while moving through foster homes, a residential treatment center and the juvenile justice system. Despite the uncertainty in her life, she had a place to belong. And that’s what every teen deserves: a community where they feel supported, build resilience and know they’re not alone. Learn more about Common Thread at CommonThreadCommunity.org. Derek Miller: By creating spaces where teens can connect, grow and feel supported, Common Thread is strengthening Utah communities. Their work helps young people build confidence, resilience and relationships that can positively shape their futures. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 9/30/26