Max Eimiller, Striders Board Member introduced our own Jen Swan-Leuze, Executive Director of the Chautauqua Striders, a multi-faceted community organization, offering diversified programs that incorporate its mission to “Mentor and guide youth through education, advocacy and athletics.” The goal of the organization is to help youth graduate high school inspired with the knowledge, skill and confidence required for successful college and career experiences.
Photo: Left to right: Erika Maberry (Mentoring & Advocacy), Lexi Lindamer (Athletics), Anna Gassman (Director of Education), Jen Swan-Leuze (Executive Director), Max Eimiller (Board Chairman) and Marian Beckerink, Rotary President.
The organization served over 1500 children last year with 70 mentors, 3 coordinators and 12 staff.
Their Academic Program includes:
· On-Track Tutoring
· SAT & Regents Prep
· SAFARI Tutoring
· Afterschool Programs
· Boys and Girls Club
· JCC GEAR UP
· Summer STEAM Camp
The Mentoring Program includes:
· Community-Based
· School-Based
· Project-Based
· Peer-Based
The Social-Emotional Learning includes:
· Small group and 1-on-1 programs
· Implemented in Jamestown Schools
The Athletics Program includes:
· Youth Track and Field Development Program
· Track Club
· Athletic Club/Races
· Girls on the Run
· After school
Each of these programs was explained by Anna Gassman (Education), Erika Maberry (Mentoring & Advocacy), Lexi Lindamer (Athletics). They were also accompanied by Kathy Benson (Director of Finance & HR), and Kaitlyn Bowen-Burns (Director of Communications & Development).
