What has STRIDES been up to?

Wow! Where has the month of August gone? Time flies when you are busy planning a program that includes 20 skill-building and 5k training sessions and a community 5k Run/Walk to help prevent youth suicide. We wanted to give everyone an update on what we've been up to this month, but first what have you been up to this month?

• You have donated $1905 so far to help us run a successful program at Olympic High School.



• 124 of you became a fan of the STRIDES Facebook page.



• Several of you have contacted us about donating shoes and sports bras.

You all rock! We so appreciate all of your support and hope that you continue to share our program's blog, facebook page, twitter account, and story with other people.


What have Ashley and I been up to?

On September 13, STRIDES sessions begin at Olympic High School. Before then, we have a ton of work to do! So far we have:

• Developed 6 of the 20 session plans, including sessions on self-esteem and setting and achieving goals.



• Secured the location and date for our STRIDES 5k Run/Walk: Dockweiler State Beach on Sunday, November 21.

We are currently working on:

• Continuing the development of the STRIDES curriculum.



• Finalizing an evaluation plan to maintain the integrity of the STRIDES program and demonstrate any changes in self-esteem and social support among the STRIDES participants.



• Determining safe running options for the STRIDES sessions.



• Getting t-shirts and water bottles for the STRIDES participants (and t-shirts for those who register for the STRIDES 5k Run/Walk)
  


• Developing our Active.com registration page for the STRIDES 5k Run/Walk. Keep your eyes open for a post regarding registration. Coming soon!
  
  
• Coordinating with friends and friends of friends who work with companies that could donate running shoes, sports bras, water bottles and snacks.



• Planning a fundraiser to earn more money for the STRIDES program and reach our $5000 goal.
  

We will hold our first STRIDES session just less than a month from today. Can you help us reach our $5000 fundraising goal before September 13? If you'd like to donate, you can do so here. You can also email STRIDESLA@gmail.com for a mailing address for any old running shoes or nearly new sports bras.

Thanks again for your support. We couldn't do it without you!