Chautauqua Striders has come a long way since its inception in 1979.

The organization, originally known as the Chadakoin Valley Athletic Club, was founded by Ron Graham and Dan Feather to give youth on Jamestown’s north side a constructive outlet. Athletes in the program quickly garnered attention for their athletic prowess, but program organizers began noticing some of the athletes were having trouble maintaining their grades and succeeding in school. Tutoring then became an integral part of what became known as Chautauqua Striders.

Changes came quickly from those humble beginnings. Striders was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1982, followed by United Way member agency status in 1985. Offices were moved to the Jamestown YMCA, and a permanent “home” was established on the second floor providing a defined space for day to-day business, tutoring, and mentoring programs. Track and field continued to flourish, and the dream of having an all-weather facility became a reality with the construction of Strider Field at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. This world-class facility was formally dedicated in 1990 and gifted back to the Jamestown Public School system for its use.

Since the mid-’90s, Chautauqua Striders has expanded its horizons considerably. SAFARI, an in-school tutoring program, was instituted at Jamestown High School. Project REACH was developed with the help of the United Way to target families in need of assistance on the north side of the city. Project Visions connected adult mentors with deserving students to share life experiences and enrichment activities.

Then came 21st Century Community Learning Centers, paid for with federal grants, that enabled the establishment of after school programs in many of Jamestown’s public schools. Chautauqua Striders became the academic enrichment provider to the school district and maintains a presence in nearly every elementary and middle school in Jamestown. The Transition Team at Jamestown High School was created to help selected eighth graders make the move from middle to high school and encourage personal growth and academic excellence. An Hispanic Outreach Coordinator became part of Chautauqua Striders to assist families and students as they transition to the American cultural and educational systems. Trained staff were hired to mentor young adults in the Alternative Placement Program for middle and high school students most at risk academically and socially. More than 1,800 youth each year are helped in some way by Chautauqua Striders.

The organization has transitioned from a small neighborhood group to an integral part of Jamestown’s social fabric. Ben Lindquist, Striders’ executive director for about the past year, promises bigger and better things in the future.

“We’re continuing to look for new opportunities, and places where we can provide afterschool education to kids in the community,” Lindquist recently told The Post-Journal.

In short, there is much to celebrate tonight at Russell E. Diethrick Park as Chautauqua Striders celebrates its 35th anniversary. Striders officials are inviting the community to join the celebration by taking in a Jamestown Jammers game, with thousands of tickets being distributed throughout Chautauqua County. And, for those who want to help support the organization, call 488-2203, or visit www.chautauqua-striders.org and click the “Donate Now” button.