For 35 years, the Jamestown Community Learning Council (JCLC) has been dedicated to providing programs designed to foster the educational development of youth and adolescents. The organization’s mission is to empower families by enhancing their capacity to nurture, support, and advocate for their children’s academic success, emotional well-being, and physical health. Submitted photo

The Jamestown Community Learning Council is celebrating 35 years of providing educational assistance programs to the greater Chautauqua County area.

JCLC is a non-profit organization dedicated to the educational development of youth and adolescents. Its mission is to empower families, enhancing their ability to nurture, support, and champion their children’s academic success, emotional well-being, and physical health.

This is achieved by fostering meaningful connections between home and school, creating a harmonious environment that enables children to thrive and reach their full potential.

Kristie Camarata, JCLC executive director, said the JCLC was established following two years of research conducted by an Education Task Force (ETF) in 1990. The task force, utilizing the insights gained from its study, collaborated with Jamestown Public Schools to create and implement a diverse array of programming, which led to the creation of JCLC.

“We are currently in Dunkirk, Falconer, Fredonia, Frewsburg, Jamestown, Pine Valley, Sherman, Silver Creek, and Southwestern school districts,” said Camarata. “In addition to our school-based home visitors, we have nine full-time home visitors that work with families across the county.”

An example of how JCLC transforms individual lives while bolstering entire communities involves a curious 3-year-old who, until recently, had never participated in a childcare setting and had gone unnoticed by medical professionals. It was through the observation of one of JCLC’s home visitors that developmental delays were first recognized during routine visits, Camerata explained.

“Thanks to their training using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and relationship with the family, the home visitor was able to connect them with Early Intervention services. With this support, the child began receiving the critical therapies and resources needed to support healthy development,” she said. “The home visitor also provided the family with engaging, developmentally appropriate learning activities they could do together at home–empowering the parents to be active participants in their child’s growth. Furthermore, the home visitor played a crucial role in notifying the local school district, which led to securing a spot in a Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK4) program.”

JCLC emphasizes that every young child and their family should have equal opportunities to succeed regardless of demographic, geographic, or economic factors. Camarata also said the agency tries to understand and appreciate the history and traditions of diverse cultures to support and serve families effectively.

Significant changes can occur over a span of 35 years. Consequently, Camarata indicated that her organization must not only expand but also maintain the flexibility required to address the evolving needs of the community.

“Families are facing unprecedented challenges during these trying times,” she expressed. “With the economy struggling, escalating housing problems, and rising food insecurity, we have had to remain both flexible and adaptable to effectively address our families’ needs in the midst of their struggles. Meeting them where they are has become paramount, and it’s a truly difficult situation right now – extremely tough for everyone involved.”

The JCLC will host a 35-year celebration at Lincoln Elementary School, 301 Front St., on Aug. 12 from 4 to 6 p.m. The program is open and free to the community, though reservations are requested. For more information, visit jclcprograms.org or call 716-483-5624.