Chautauqua Striders, Inc., recently received a $5,000 mentoring grant from Jamestown Savings Bank, Division of Northwest Savings Bank. Due to the efforts of Jonathan Scalise, New York region president for Jamestown Savings Bank, this is the second year in which funding has been provided through the foundation at Northwest Savings Bank, headquartered in Pennsylvania.
Scalise said, "We welcome the opportunity to support the (Chautauqua) Striders' initiative for 2013. Under Deb Kathman's leadership, Striders and the mentoring programs have made a noteworthy, positive impact on many individuals in our community, and we wish Deb and her team continued success."
Nationally, there are upwards of 18 million young people waiting for that special person to walk into their lives. Recognizing the need for strong and positive adult role models for children and youth of all ages is nothing less than a priority, mentoring has become one of the fastest growing facets of Chautauqua Striders. Currently, there are 95 matched youth, but there are many more who are still asking for a chance to bond with a caring adult.
Article Photos
Chautauqua Striders Executive Director Deborah Kathman, left, is pictured receiving a check from Jennifer Satalino, Jamestown Savings Bank senior vice president and senior district officer, and Jonathan Scalise, New York region president for Jamestown Savings Bank Division of Northwest Savings Bank.
To date, Chautauqua Striders' mentoring programs have been able to put together very successful matches. The average school-based (interaction takes place during school lunch periods) mentoring pair lasts 21 months, far surpassing the national average of 5.6 months. Additionally, community-based (interaction takes place after school hours) relationships last on average 37 months, compared to the national average of nine months.
To find out more about becoming a mentor, call Chautauqua Striders at 488-2203.