When Aaron Chasan isn’t running around Seattle wearing a bear suit giving out hugs to help quell the Seattle Freeze, he’s busy running THRED, a company that helps people develop meaningful relationships based on shared interests.

Among his favorite and most important clients is the Evergreen Transition Program, a public school that provides services to students with disabilities ages 18-22 in the Bellevue School District, including vocational training and life skill support.

THRED created structured, interest-based connections for students, including holding several events (a Valentine’s party and group connection party) complete with prizes for participation. Activities revolved around “stitch stations” to determine common interests. Research shows that social connection is particularly important for students with disabilities once they’re on their own.

Learning how to create and maintain those relationships made all the difference for Evergreen students Samuel Wong and Magen Glasgow.

“I want to keep connecting with (my stitches),” Wong says. “They are really nice and match my energy too.” Adds Glasgow: “After I graduate, I’m going to contact (my stitches) to hang out and go see a movie.”

THRED has had a major influence on Evergreen students’ social connections, says Adina Rosenberg, a special education teacher.

“Students who never would have talked to each other otherwise are doing activities together at our parties,” she says. “My hope is that this leads to students eating lunch together, inviting each other on outings, and hanging out outside of school.”