Thriving Together New Paltz: Free Community Programs Supporting Families and Youth

Not every valuable community program comes with a price tag. Thriving Together New Paltz runs entirely free programming focused on mental health, substance use prevention, and community connection. The initiative is coordinated by the Town of New Paltz's Office for Community Wellness, a department that originated in January 2017 after a federal Drug-Free Communities grant ended and the town decided the work was too important to stop.

What Thriving Together Actually Does

The initiative operates on four evidence-based strategies: providing information, enhancing skills, providing support, and reducing barriers to resources. In practice, that means free community events throughout the year, education and training for adults and professionals, Narcan training and harm reduction supplies, and crisis resource coordination.

Regular programming includes community dinners and live music at Together @ the Table gatherings held at New Connexions United Methodist Church (1 Grove Street, New Paltz), free weekly Sno-Kone pop-ups at various locations around town, and the annual Recovery Fest held at Historic Huguenot Street. These events are a perfect example of the program's reach: family-friendly gatherings that normalize conversations about recovery and mental health.

The Crisis Resource Network

Perhaps the most critical work happens behind the scenes. Thriving Together maintains a network of crisis support resources. Family of Woodstock's 24-hour helpline (845-679-2485) provides phone and text support around the clock. Ulster County's Mobile Mental Health Team (1-844-277-4820) responds to crises in the field and is available daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) is always available 24/7.

Why It Matters for Families

The office works with approximately 100 community partners across 12 sectors, including schools, faith-based organizations, health care providers, and youth-serving groups. For parents navigating a teen's mental health challenge or a family member's substance use, Thriving Together provides a starting point that doesn't require insurance, referrals, or out-of-pocket costs. It's simply there, funded by the town, because the community decided this work matters.