Community Engagement

Fostering a sense of belonging, connection, and purpose.

Recognizing the profound impact of social ties on children's development, Finding Our Stride facilitates opportunities for each team and runner to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Research underscores the importance of these connections: community engagement 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, community engagement initiatives have raised more than $206,000 for Upper Valley non-profits.

Fall: CHaD Hero Race

Since 2016, FOS teams have participated in the annual CHaD Hero Run to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth. In 2023, FOS had the largest team at the Hero – with more than 550 runners, coaches and family members – and raised more than $74,000 for the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth.

Spring: Supporting Local Nonprofits

To celebrate the end of each spring season, teams raise funds for or contribute goods to local non-profit organizations of their choosing. A group conversation around which organization to support provides an opportunity to empathize with community challenges and contribute to solutions. In 2023, FOS teams raised $17,824 for 17 Upper Valley non-profits including food banks, humane societies, trail organizations, summer camps, and school playgrounds. Thanks to a generous, anonymous donor, FOS matches the contributions up to $1,000 per team. Since 2022, spring fundraisers have raised more than $26,000 for Upper Valley non-profits.

  • "We met as a team and talked about the things we’d like to change in our world. The kids did not like the fact that there are children in our community who don’t have enough food to eat. So we will be running laps to earn funds for Willing Hands.”

    -Nina D’Cruze, Co-Head Coach, Mount Lebanon Elementary School

  • “I took the liberty of utilizing some of these funds [raised by Thetford Elementary School] for a local farm worker who broke his tooth and was not able to eat or drink. HYH paid for his emergency visit and then a generous donor picked up the final appointment fee. It was so great to be able to help out this worker thanks to the generosity of the Thetford Elementary School Finding Our Stride runners!”

    – Eloise Ginty, Founder and ED of Hearts You Hold, former Mount Lebanon School principal

  • “Developing close ties to family and community creates a solid sense of security that helps lead to strong values and prevents alternative destructive paths to love and attention... Children need to realize that the world is a better place because they are in it.”

    – Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D. | Pediatrician specializing in adolescent medicine at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Community Engagement Spotlights

Wright’s Mountain Race to the Top

The Newbury Elementary School team, pictured here led by head coach and board member Kelley Houde, raised funds for trail maintenance on Wright's Mountain Trails by running the annual Race to the Top, organized by the Bradford Conservation Commission. Bradford, VT and Piermont, NH teams also participated in this race.

White River School BATs Donate Peanut Butter and Jelly to Local Food Pantry

The White River School BATs (Being Awesome Together) mobilized their classmates to donate more than 100 jars of peanut butter and jelly to the Caring and Sharing Food Pantry of United Methodist Church. The initiative was highlighted by NBC News.