About Us
Our Mission & Vision
STRIVE (Strengthening Tomorrow Requires Initiative & Vision Everyday) Initiative’s mission is to cultivate positive perceptions and provide diverse, aligned mentorship, helping Pottstown youth realize their academic and individual aspirations.
Through STRIVE’s mission we envision students that develop into independent, driven and respected adults prepared to take control of their destiny.
STRIVE programs prepare students for success!
How We Work
We seek grassroots engagement, connection, and solutions
Engagement
STRIVE has hosted a series of community-wide meetings where residents expressed the lack of connection as a contributing factor to challenges faced in our community and in our schools.
Connection
The ill-effects of disconnection are evident in the deterioration of neighborhoods, increased crime rates, increased family dysfunction, the lack of living-wage jobs, limitations to the social determinants of health, and most profoundly in the struggles of youth in our schools.
Solutions
Fortunately, we have the power to turn this around. Research indicates that a positive relationship with another person can reverse the negative impacts of disconnection.
STRIVE Values
All Are Represented
We are committed to representation, ensuring that all youth have culturally and racially relatable mentorship.
Youth Potential Is Realized
We are committed to the potential of youth through education and mentorship.
Community Is Engaged
We are committed to a community where youth are valued, honored and deserve to be heard.
Bridges Are Being Built
We are committed to serve as a bridge to build stronger community-school connections.
Ongoing Meaningful Discussions
We are committed to dispelling negative stereotypes of Pottstown youth and facilitating meaningful discussions with community stakeholders.
Benefits Maximized
We are committed to evaluating the effectiveness of our programs and making the proper adjustments, ensuring youth receive the maximum benefit.
By getting to know our neighbors and by mentoring our young people on their educational journey, WE have the power to change the dynamics of OUR town. We believe that each person has the power to make a difference in our community and we strive one day at a time, one person at a time, to mentor one another to become a more connected Pottstown!
Meet Our Board
David Charles
Co-Founder / CEO
The long-term commitment of STRIVE, under the direction of David, works to support community revitalization through personal development of our precious youth.
Dimitri Smith
Board Treasurer
Dimitri is a graduate of Temple University, where he majored in Business Administration (Accounting) and minored in African American studies.
Anna Johnson
Board Member
Anna Johnson is a career Scientist and 15 year resident of Pottstown serving on numerous community outreach programs and non-profit organizations, with a particular passion for promoting STEM education.
Tamara Charles
Board Member
Tamara serves on the Family Advisory Committee for Pottstown School District, to build community between the families of Pottstown students. She serves on the Board of Pottstown Community Action, a volunteer organization whose mission is to empower and improve the quality of life of Pottstown residents.