SFTJ is 501 c3 tax exempt in the US: EIN 81-2877406
Dominican Address
Parroquia Asunción de María Avenida Melia Jamao al Norte, Espaillat
1(849) 915-1581
US Mailing Address
P.O. Box 51, Port Clinton, Oh 43453
Strength for the Journey could not provide quality educational opportunities that enable children to create new possibilities for themselves without the excellent teachers and staff we have working for us. Our teachers are motivated and committed to each child who is struggling to read or learn English or tackle a hard problem. Together, they plan and meticulously record progress of each student in order to insure success.
Pictured left to right are Felipe Santana, Esequiel Olivares, Juan Nelson Peralta, Eunce Paulino, and Rossanyie Sanchez.
Lindsey was a long time educator and administrator in the Port Clinton City School system in Port Clinton, Ohio. She began the award winning Champions for Children after school program. In 2000, Lindsey traveled to Ghana, West Africa to work as a volunteer teacher in a remote village. There, she founded the Bawaleshie Children’s Project, a non-profit to support education and health of village children. Later, she collaborated to create Accra Grammar School, a private school in Ghana which now enrolls more than 800 students. In 2006, Lindsey moved to the Dominican Republic where she first worked informally in the aide sector. Eventually, she founded Strength for the Journey, a non-profit in the Dominican Republic and opened the Sosua Community Learning Center. In 2015, Lindsey opened the Jamao al Norte learning center and in 2016, the US non-profit Strength for the Journey, DR. Inc. was legally formed.
Kami graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in respiratory therapy and was a therapist in a small, rural hospital, but her passion for children and families, though, led her in a different direction. She has settled into a career in social work where she both assists families in crisis and helps children placed for adoption to find forever families. Kami resides in Port Clinton, Ohio, with her four kids, Courtney, Colby, Chance, and Christen, and their cockapoo, Beckett.
Paula Adkins currently serves at the Port Clinton City Schools "Til Next Time" (TNT) Mentoring Program Director. Paula is also President of the Port Clinton Academic Boosters, an organization that provides scholarships to high school seniors. She and her husband, Pat, have two daughters, Sydney and Kennedy. Paula is a member of Immaculate Conception Church and is also a Girl Scout troop leader. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, spending time with her family and playing with her two dogs, Beezus and Millie.
Cheryl Witker Kocher was born in Toledo, Ohio. She received two degrees from Ohio State University in Dental Hygiene and Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After 40 years of part time practicing dental hygiene in Toledo, Indiana and Port Clinton she has since retired. Currently, Cheryl is active in P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization. She loves boating, bridge and grandchildren. Cheryl resides on Catawba Island with husband who is still practicing law.
Connie has been in the education field for over 25 years. She is currently the Principal Immaculate Conception School in Port Clinton, Ohio. Connie has two children both whom she is very proud and is married to the love of her life for 50 plus years. She has one grandson and two step grandchildren. Making a difference in the lives of children is her passion. Helping those less fortunate is also important to Connie. In her spare time, Connie enjoys reading, listening to music, cooking, and family.
Beth is a mom, wife, beekeeper, and City Councilman. She is quick to “say yes.” Introduced to Strength for the Journey by her late mother and board member, Chris Galvin, Beth believes in the mission that “together we can break down the barriers and create capabilities for the impoverished providing a safe environment to learn, grow, belong and change their life’s course.” Beth is excited to continue her mother’s work and to bring her own talents to the Board
Pat George graduated fromBowling Green State University with a degree in Education and two Masters Degrees in Reading and in Counseling. She worked for 22 years in the Port Clinton City School District. She is married to her husband David and they share five sons and 8 grandchildren. She is currently President of PEO, a group of women who raise money for scholarships for other women. She loves reading, puzzles, bridge, and being with family.
Lindsey was a long time educator and administrator in the Port Clinton City School system in Port Clinton, Ohio. She began the award winning Champions for Children after school program. In 2000, Lindsey traveled to Ghana, West Africa to work as a volunteer teacher in a remote village. There, she founded the Bawaleshie Children’s Project, a non-profit to support education and health of village children. Later, she collaborated to create Accra Grammar School, a private school in Ghana which now enrolls more than 800 students. In 2006, Lindsey moved to the Dominican Republic where she first worked informally in the aide sector. Eventually, she founded Strength for the Journey, a non-profit in the Dominican Republic and opened the Sosua Community Learning Center. In 2015, Lindsey opened the Jamao al Norte learning center and in 2016, the US non-profit Strength for the Journey, DR. Inc. was legally formed.
Kami graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in respiratory therapy and was a therapist in a small, rural hospital, but her passion for children and families, though, led her in a different direction. She has settled into a career in social work where she both assists families in crisis and helps children placed for adoption to find forever families. Kami resides in Port Clinton, Ohio, with her four kids, Courtney, Colby, Chance, and Christen, and their cockapoo, Beckett.
Paula Adkins currently serves at the Port Clinton City Schools "Til Next Time" (TNT) Mentoring Program Director. Paula is also President of the Port Clinton Academic Boosters, an organization that provides scholarships to high school seniors. She and her husband, Pat, have two daughters, Sydney and Kennedy. Paula is a member of Immaculate Conception Church and is also a Girl Scout troop leader. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, reading, spending time with her family and playing with her two dogs, Beezus and Millie.
Cheryl Witker Kocher was born in Toledo, Ohio. She received two degrees from Ohio State University in Dental Hygiene and Bachelor of Science degree in Education. After 40 years of part time practicing dental hygiene in Toledo, Indiana and Port Clinton she has since retired. Currently, Cheryl is active in P.E.O., a philanthropic educational organization. She loves boating, bridge and grandchildren. Cheryl resides on Catawba Island with husband who is still practicing law.
Connie has been in the education field for over 25 years. She is currently the Principal Immaculate Conception School in Port Clinton, Ohio. Connie has two children both whom she is very proud and is married to the love of her life for 50 plus years. She has one grandson and two step grandchildren. Making a difference in the lives of children is her passion. Helping those less fortunate is also important to Connie. In her spare time, Connie enjoys reading, listening to music, cooking, and family.
Beth is a mom, wife, beekeeper, and City Councilman. She is quick to “say yes.” Introduced to Strength for the Journey by her late mother and board member, Chris Galvin, Beth believes in the mission that “together we can break down the barriers and create capabilities for the impoverished providing a safe environment to learn, grow, belong and change their life’s course.” Beth is excited to continue her mother’s work and to bring her own talents to the Board
Pat George graduated fromBowling Green State University with a degree in Education and two Masters Degrees in Reading and in Counseling. She worked for 22 years in the Port Clinton City School District. She is married to her husband David and they share five sons and 8 grandchildren. She is currently President of PEO, a group of women who raise money for scholarships for other women. She loves reading, puzzles, bridge, and being with family.
Strength for the Journey, DR, Inc. is fortunate to have a broad base of advisory members who help with decision making, communications, fund raising, and general support. These members include:
Tina Hablitzel
Cathy Greene
Janis Nitz
Pat George Marlene Gulas
Carol Morgan
Paula Adkins
Mary Krejci
Stephanie Hunker
Father John Missler
Andi Moore Szabo
Terry Bodager
Evelyn Slay
Maria Pilar
Flynn Kathy Buckingham
Michelle Fitzthum
Patsy Skinner
Pat Hovis
Louise Terry
Susie Freeh
Bob Kaspar
Carrie Sanchez
Kathy Mehl
The Strength for the Journey teaching and administrative team help provide quality programs and classes to the children throughout Jamao. Working together, they plan and implement programs and monitor for results.
Lindsey Kaufman Director, Teacher
Juan (Fermin) Peralta Teacher
Felipe de los Santos Teacher
Eunice Paulino Montez Teacher
Ezequiel Olivares Teacher
Rosanyi Sanchez El Centro de Compartir
Lismar de los Santos Student Trainee, El Centro de Compartir
A heartfelt thank you to our generous donors and partners who make programs and classes possible and who work with us to change lives and opportunities for children and families in Jamao al Norte. YOU are our Strength for the Journey!
Program Partners
Dubois Foundation, Switzerland
Port Clinton, Ohio Rotary Club
Port Clinton City Schools, Port Clinton, OH
Jamao Districto Educativo 0608, Jamao, Dominican Republic
Robyn Bloom Mercado, Canada
Asunción de Maria Catholic Church, Jamao, Dominican Republic
Immaculate Conception Church, Port Clinton, Ohio
Burton D Morgan Foundation
Guzmán Ariza Attorneys at Law
Estrellas
Jamey and Patsy Skinner
The family of Chris Galvin
Tina and Mark Hablitzel
Cheryl and John Kocher
Black and Decker Stanley
Mark/Lisa Kelly
Crowne Batteries
David/Cindy Obergefell
Linda Rankin and family
Pat and David George
2019 Donors
Goodwill
Ben and Jen Moore
Andrea Moore/Ron Szabo
Donald Corley
Lori/Dwayne Colston
Bob/Anne Butcher
Don/Mary Poppe
Judy Twarek-Bickley
Suzanne Church
Rosanne Parker
Dori Ceccoli
PC Democratic Club
Karen Mathison
David Logan
Janis Nitz
Jeanne Gay
Dan/Tammy Almendinger
Karen/Richard Coffin
James/Brenda Brahier
Dan/Bobbie Jo Lowe
Terry Bodager
Sharon/Snip Snider
Mike Snider
Jeanne Morgan
Mike/Julie Rosiar
David/Teresa Ashton
Marlene Gulas
John/Martha Stefano
Judy Pashen
John/Margaret Bodie
Donna Lueke
Loretta Grentzer/Bethany Gabriel
Bolte Insurance
William/Susan Hollyday
Phil/Deb Weirzba
Jane Moore
Eugene/Laurie Rospert
Dorothy Buchman
Dale/Eileen Bird
Rita DeRose
Beth Adkins
Jeff/Mary Williams
Don/Marcia Jess
Pat Keys
Barbara Radebaugh
AP/AM Maag
Juanita Mills-Persley
Cathy/Ted Greene
Tyler/Jennifer York
Kurt/Corinna Bench
Port Clinton City Council
Dave/Kathy Mehl
Ottawa County Family Advocacy Car.
Susan/Lonnie Freeh
Yolanda Nemecek
Tally/Kathy Gallogly
Gerald/Rebecca Pellegrino
Wayne/Mary Maxton
John/Mary Alice Schaffner
Debra Skotte
Carole Pinover
David Moor/Janet Gray-Moore
Margaret Lyons
The Benevity Com. Impact Fund
Tom/Joyce Salamone
Julie/Bill St Leger
Robert/Ruby Ann Kyle
Bob Johnson
Cohn Caputo
Jim/Bernie Puffenberger
David/Patty Soderberg
Jackie Warnicke
MJ Phillips
Patricia Burkey
RP/HA Denney
Gary/Susie Rasmussen
Anita Buskey
Hal/Diane Hawk
Girl Scout Troops
Joel Babkes
Janine/David Howell
Bergman Farms
Mary Jane Gibson
Carl/Mary Anne Koebel
Holly/Barry Larcey
James/Priscilla Faris
Lissa Gillman
Barry Cover
Todd Ferguson
Alice Cook
Linda Sprenger
Michelle Fitzhum
Clever Bridge
Mike Nitz
Robert Hare
D’Arcy Wright
Grace Olivo
Cary Sherburne
Ian Chesnoff
Goodwill
Ben and Jen Moore
Andrea Moore/Ron Szabo
Donald Corley
Lori/Dwayne Colston
Bob/Anne Butcher
Don/Mary Poppe
Judy Twarek-Bickley
Suzanne Church
Rosanne Parker
Dori Ceccoli
PC Democratic Club
Karen Mathison
David Logan
Janis Nitz
Jeanne Gay
Dan/Tammy Almendinger
Karen/Richard Coffin
James/Brenda Brahier
Dan/Bobbie Jo Lowe
Terry Bodager
Sharon/Snip Snider
Mike Snider
Jeanne Morgan
Mike/Julie Rosiar
David/Teresa Ashton
Marlene Gulas
John/Martha Stefano
Judy Pashen
John/Margaret Bodie
Donna Lueke
Loretta Grentzer/Bethany Gabriel
Bolte Insurance
William/Susan Hollyday
Phil/Deb Weirzba
Jane Moore
Eugene/Laurie Rospert
Dorothy Buchman
Dale/Eileen Bird
Rita DeRose
Beth Adkins
Jeff/Mary Williams
Don/Marcia Jess
Pat Keys
Barbara Radebaugh
AP/AM Maag
Juanita Mills-Persley
Cathy/Ted Greene
Tyler/Jennifer York
Kurt/Corinna Bench
Port Clinton City Council
Dave/Kathy Mehl
Ottawa County Family Advocacy Car.
Susan/Lonnie Freeh
Yolanda Nemecek
Tally/Kathy Gallogly
Gerald/Rebecca Pellegrino
Wayne/Mary Maxton
John/Mary Alice Schaffner
Debra Skotte
Carole Pinover
David Moor/Janet Gray-Moore
Margaret Lyons
The Benevity Com. Impact Fund
Tom/Joyce Salamone
Julie/Bill St Leger
Robert/Ruby Ann Kyle
Bob Johnson
Cohn Caputo
Jim/Bernie Puffenberger
David/Patty Soderberg
Jackie Warnicke
MJ Phillips
Patricia Burkey
RP/HA Denney
Gary/Susie Rasmussen
Anita Buskey
Hal/Diane Hawk
Girl Scout Troops
Joel Babkes
Janine/David Howell
Bergman Farms
Mary Jane Gibson
Carl/Mary Anne Koebel
Holly/Barry Larcey
James/Priscilla Faris
Lissa Gillman
Barry Cover
Todd Ferguson
Alice Cook
Linda Sprenger
Michelle Fitzhum
Clever Bridge
Mike Nitz
Robert Hare
D’Arcy Wright
Grace Olivo
Cary Sherburne
Ian Chesnoff
SFTJ is 501 c3 tax exempt in the US: EIN 81-2877406
Dominican Address
Parroquia Asunción de María Avenida Melia Jamao al Norte, Espaillat
1(849) 915-1581
US Mailing Address
P.O. Box 51, Port Clinton, Oh 43453