Mary Ellen
Snelson
A Word From Our President and Founder
"I rely on the support of our enthusiastic volunteers. Without their dedication, this organization wouldn't exist. To get involved in helping a child with a disability, it brings rewards to the soul.
Organizationally, STRIDE is spearheaded by a five member voting Board of Directors. Under the direction of the Board, there are 12 committee head positions, consisting of program directors, and various managerial positions such as public relations, finances, and fundraising coordinators.
What makes our organization unique is the fact that there is not one paid employee throughout. Every person performing every service we provide is a volunteer! What that means is 100% of your donated dollars goes directly to our cause. Did you know that nearly every national and local non-profit organization I can think of, that less than 10% of each dollar goes to what you think you've donated to! People have asked me over the years if I intend to give up my teaching job to do STRIDE full time. My answer, of course is NO! That would mean that I would have to give up what I love doing...working and playing with kids to become a full time fund-raiser in order to raise enough money to pay my salary as well as providing programs. The intent of the organization would change dramatically.
In the last 5 years, our participant number has increased by over 100%. We now serve over 400 individuals in all 5 of our year round programs. Our database and the number of individuals and businesses who receive our newsletter is nearing 2,000. Our region extends from as far south as Hudson, to as far north as the Adirondacks. We serve ski participants in Connecticut, Long Island, Vermont and Massachusetts areas as well.
All this we do on a shoe-string budget of less than $20,000 per year. The majority of expenditures go to program expenses, equipment, fundraising expenses, and insurance.
There is a core group of volunteers, approximately 20, that seem to "do it all". When you attend a ski day in winter, a board meeting in the spring and a camping trip in the summer, did you ever wonder why you keep seeing the same faces? Those wonderful faces are the external coverings of some mighty big hearts. Ask them why they do it? You might be intrigued by their answers.
You might just want to get on board with us! We hope so.
Mary Ellen Snelson
Mary Ellen Snelson is President and founder of STRIDE, inc. Ms. Snelson holds a Master's Degree in Education, and a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Health and Physical Education. She has been teaching Adaptive Physical Education for QUESTAR III BOCES for 15 years.
Ms. Snelson has received many awards associated with her STRIDE work including the Jaycees' 1995 Outstanding New Yorker Award and being featured on Albany's NBC affiliate, WNYT-TV's "13 Who Care". She also has published numerous articles nationally.
A Message From the Executive Director ---- from winter '98 news letter
As STRIDE enters into 1998, the second decade of providing challenging, adventurous and professional programs in recreation for children with challenges, we are planning and preparing for a time of growth and change.One of the most apparent changes will be the restructuring of our organizational plan. As we approach our continued mission with the same commitment we've had for our first ten years, it is now time to meet the growth with a new plan which allows us to pursue new program ideas, add assistive technological equipment for participation, and provide resources for the ever-growing numbers of young spirits finding their way to experience the STRIDE programs.
STRIDE has attained its reputation in the past as a provider of quality extracurricular recreation and sport programs primarily through word of mouth. As we enter the new millennium, we set foot into fresh territory with new communication tools, such as the web site, and e-mail; which lends to our growth. In the past two years we have doubled our numbers of participants and now serve children in five states with the growth of our Jiminy Peak program.
Quality programs can only be maintained with quality personnel. We are desperately seeking volunteers to take the challenge themselves, as these children do every day. All we ask for is time...your talents will be pooled into the STRIDE team. Please take time to consider the ballot in the Winter '98 Newsletter, for positions that must be filled in the upcoming elections this May if we are to continue with the same commitment in providing rewarding programs to children with disabilities. We hope to hear from you!
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This page was last updated on 07/08/04