Chris Wertman

After School Youth Wellness Programs The L.E.A.D. Foundation delivers a no cost, evidence based after school wellness program designed to improve youth physical health, education, and personal development across underserved communities in the Capital Region. During Quarter 1 of 2026, L.E.A.D. successfully expanded programming across Troy Middle School and multiple Schenectady City School District elementary schools, providing consistent, structured programming that integrates physical...

The holiday season reminds us what truly matters: family, faith, and community. It’s the season of giving, of showing love through action, and of remembering that sometimes the greatest impact we can make is right in our own backyard. ​ The Capital Region is filled with incredible nonprofits doing real work for real families. These organizations don’t just exist on paper, they’re in our schools, our neighborhoods, and our hearts. They rely on the generosity of local people to survive, and...

The holidays are a time for community, compassion, and giving back — and this year, the L.E.A.D. Foundation is excited to launch two special initiatives to support families across the Capital Region: our Holiday Raffle  and the Troy Giving Tree . Both programs directly benefit local students and ensure that every child in our schools feels seen, supported, and celebrated this holiday season. THE TROY GIVING TREE Helping Troy Middle School Students Have a Brighter Holiday Inside Aspire...