Empowering Upper Valley youth through free afterschool running programs, Finding Our Stride boosts fitness, self-esteem and resilience, and connects kids to peers, mentors and community.
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Fitness
We believe in the power of fitness to empower youth, regardless of their background or experience level. Our programs prioritize accessibility, inclusivity, and individual growth, providing a welcoming space for children to explore the joy of movement and develop lifelong habits of physical activity.
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Social-Emotional Learning
FOS is a microcosm of the classroom for our coaches, 80% of whom are educators. Practice time provides increased connection that builds student confidence and resilience in and out of the classroom. Our SEL curriculum is grounded in positive psychology’s research on character and relationships
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Community Engagement
Each season, teams and runners contribute meaningfully to their communities. This helps youth to foster self-esteem and resilience; build a sense of purpose and belonging; and develop a sense of agency and pride. Since 2016, FOS teams have raised more than $219,000 for Upper Valley non-profits.
What’s New at FOS?
As summer comes to a close and we gear up for the fall season, Greg DeFrancis, who came on as Executive Director in July, sat down with Founder and former Executive Director Jenny Williams. The two discuss their shared commitment to youth and families, how Jenny knew the time was right to step down, and Greg’s vision for Finding Our Stride.
Accessibility
Finding Our Stride was designed to bring the joy of running in community to all Upper Valley youth. We partner with area elementary and middle schools where more than 30% of students receive free and reduced-price lunch, and develop a program that fits each school’s needs, at no cost to schools or families.
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Free to Schools and Families
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After School to Limit Parent Drive Time
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Open to All Experience Levels
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Healthy Snacks Provided
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Coached by Trusted Adult Educators
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Sneakers Provided as Needed
“Finding Our Stride helps us get started and then we can set it up for parents to make it accessible. We’ve removed a lot of the barriers. It doesn’t cost parents anything, and it’s at school with adults they trust. You just show up with what you wear at school and you’re set to go.”
– Allison Porreca, Canaan Elementary School Coach
1:7
COACH TO RUNNER RATIO
1000+
YOUTH SERVED ANNUALLY
$219K
RAISED FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS
87%
OF RUNNERS CONTINUE POST-SEASON
