In early fall, the United Way agencies of Northern and Southern Chautauqua County begin their annual fundraising campaigns. ''Live United'' is not just a slogan but also their challenge for a new way of life and an invitation to ''give, advocate and volunteer.''
Currently, the Northern and Southern United Ways assist in making several programs possible for Chautauqua Striders. In the North County, it receives support for tutoring programs in the city of Dunkirk. Located at the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County (NCC), academic assistance is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 5 p.m. for students from ages 6 through 18. Area high school students, as well as those individuals attending Cassadaga Job Corps up to age 24, may also meet on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
In addition, the United Way of Northern Chautauqua County awarded a Community Investment Grant to Chautauqua Striders, who has partnered with Infinity Visual and Performing Arts and the Boys and Girls Club of NCC to develop programming for a Career Explorers group. This collaboration allows students at the club to learn more about local and national employment prospects, career choices and educational opportunities. Chautauqua Striders has taken students on several field trips designed to expose students to a variety of job possibilities, including visits to the OBSERVER, Buffalo News, Brooks Memorial Hospital, Buffalo Outdoor Urban Education Program and the Almekinder Farm in Ripley.
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Recently, participants from many of Chautauqua Striders’ programs joined with the Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Family Services, and the Jamestown YMCA and YWCA to walk the track at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena to raise funds for the United Way. The ‘‘Walk United’’ teams ultimately raised $1,145 to support local community programming.
In Jamestown, the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County supports Lighted Schoolhouse tutoring, Project REACH and Chautauqua Striders Mentoring programs. Lighted Schoolhouse provides tutoring at no cost for children and youth from all county school districts at Striders' office on the second floor of the Jamestown YMCA. Other programs under its umbrella include the Eastside YMCA, George Persell Middle School, and Abraham Lincoln Elementary School tutoring. Project REACH offers support and guidance to students and their families in times of greatest need, while Chautauqua Striders Mentoring pairs children and youth with caring adults willing to share their time and talents. Mentors often receive as much, if not more, from this incredible experience as their young partners do.
Recently, participants from many of Chautauqua Striders' programs joined with the Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Family Services, and the Jamestown YMCA and YWCA to walk the track at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena to raise funds for the United Way. The ''Walk United'' teams ultimately raised $1,145 to support local community programming. Chautauqua Striders was very proud to be able to offer its support the United Way's campaign drive.
Chautauqua Striders is extremely grateful to the United Way for its continuing recognition of the Chautauqua County region's specific needs and for its steadfast commitment to meeting them.
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