Thrive Upstate consists of nine (9) resident board members appointed to four (4) year (staggered) terms. The Governor appoints board members upon recommendation of the Greenville County Council.
While participating as part of the organization’s governance and leadership team, board members must:
- Be the administrative, planning, coordinating, evaluating, and reviewing body for services to persons who have intellectual disabilities, autism, or head or spinal cord injuries.
Believe in and actively support the mission of the organization.
Participate in new board member orientation and ongoing board development.
Attend board meetings, planning meetings and assigned committee meetings.
Accept the legal duties of loyalty and care while serving as a board member.
Understand that all power rests with the full board, not individual board members.
Prepare well for all meetings.
Be an advocate to the community and constituents for programs and board decisions.
Purpose: Thrive Upstate (formerly The Greenville County Disabilities and Special Needs Board) is a public entity classified as a 501c3 organization that provides services to more than 600 people in Greenville County with intellectual disabilities, autism, and head and spinal cord injuries in order that these individuals may live their lives as independently as possible and at their maximum potential.
Thrive Upstate is not a government agency, but does receive funding from the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs for its programs. Other funding sources are from HUD, United Way, special grants, fund raising and contract revenue.
The organization is subject to the Freedom of Information Act and opens all meetings to the general public. The organization’s board must meet not fewer than four (4) times per year and special meetings may be called with reasonable notice given to members.
Thrive Upstate board meetings are held at 4:30 p.m. at 1700 Ridge Road on the fourth Thursday of the month, with exceptions in November, December, and July. The November meeting is usually held on the third Thursday of the month. No regularly scheduled board meetings are held in July or December.