About STRIDE
S.T.R.I.D.E., Incorporated (Sports & Therapeutic Recreation Instruction/Developmental Education) had its beginnings back in 1985, when founder, Mary Ellen Snelson, began a research study in her school program at the Rensselaer-Columbia-Green BOCES, now Questar III. The study examined the effects of the sport of skiing on self esteem and self image when offered to children with disabilities. Within the curriculum of her Adaptive Physical Education classes, the Project STRIDE program was born initially serving 11 children with varying handicapping conditions. It was so successful that it was requested as a model in many other Capital District agencies, as well as being replicated in other states as a curriculum unit model.
Project STRIDE grew over the next few years and enjoyed many successes. As more requests were received for skiing and learn to ski, Ms. Snelson recognized the need for extracurricular recreation programs for not only her students, but for countless numbers of children in the Capital District who are often excluded from their school's sports and clubs because of their conditions. In 1987, STRIDE reached out to children around the region and by 1989, STRIDE became incorporated as a non-profit organization, seeking grant money to operate skiing programs. In 1990, STRIDE was enhanced by the addition of two new programs, Camp STRIDE, and the Challenge Division of Little League baseball, giving STRIDE a year-round presence. In 1992 a bowling program was added, and in 1996, the addition of our sailing program, on Lake George.
STRIDE, Inc. is now a multi-disciplinary, educational consulting organization specializing in therapeutic recreation-related services for individuals with disabilities. STRIDE's primary efforts focus on directing and providing enriching, recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities or special needs. Programs are designed to provide for successful, fun experiences in athletics or recreational endeavors, as a means to develop a positive self-image and confidence. STRIDE has worked with a broad base of individuals and agencies and has advised on various aspects of Therapeutic Recreation programs.
What makes STRIDE unique, is the fact that our programs are cost-free for participants, and run completely on a volunteer basis. Fundraising efforts are primarily to provide equipment, cover program expenses and general management expenses. STRIDE recognizes the financial challenges for families rearing a child with a disability. STRIDE contributes to each child's growth by offering the resources and opportunities that are often considered too costly for families to provide. STRIDE does not cater to any one type of disability. Our programs are non-discriminating in every way. We open our arms to everyone, and try to offer ourselves as a resource for everyone to experience the joy in recreation. We hope to continue our growth and would like to thank all those involved. Without the generous outpouring of efforts from sponsors, volunteers, contributors and families, none of this would be possible.
Who Does STRIDE Help?
We provide enriching recreational opportunities and athletics for children with disabilities, ages 5 to 21, who otherwise would be left on the sidelines. Our Jiminy Peak Adaptive Ski program is offered to all ages!
Our Capital Region Headquarters allows STRIDE to offer year-round programs in many surrounding counties of New York State, as well as western Massachusetts. STRIDE is adding new programs to help more children every year.
How Does STRIDE Support These Great Programs?
To keep STRIDE's programs free to participants and their families, our staff is completely volunteer. We must rely on contributions, grants and the success of our annual fund-raiser, the Halloween Masquerade Ball and Silent Auction.
Volunteers are needed to collect donations made by generous area businesses. Volunteers and friends attend the Ball and bid on fabulous prizes, from weekend getaways, to sports memorabilia, to dinner cruises. You'll feell good knowing that you helped support STRIDE's programs. 100% of your dollar goes to kids and the programs we provide. STRIDE is a not-for-profit corporation under section 402 of the NYS Not-For-Profit Law. We are a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization.
E-mail for information, questions, and comments to Webmaster : redmax1@prodigy.net
This page was last updated on 07/08/04