10 Years of Making Dreams Come True

Ten years ago, Pathways Adult Learning Center was formed to create a safe, enriching environment for the Tulsa special needs community. In 2009 Pathways opened its doors to seven students as a part-time enrichment program, answering Tulsa’s need for variety in services for adults with intellectual disabilities. The goal was to serve the whole person, mind, body and spirit.

Students engage in their community through service learning, having volunteered over 4,200 hours in the last year alone helping Tulsans in need. They stay active through daily fitness classes and Special Olympic swimming and track and field. Students continue their education by practicing the skills they learned in high school to help retain and continue to grow their knowledge and their independence. They enjoy book club, cooking classes, science lessons, and gardening. Classes also include Bible study and worship, allowing students to grow in their Christian faith. Still, Pathways is more than a place to learn, it is a place for these adults to belong, enjoy friendships, and make their dreams come true. Today, Pathways is a full-time day program giving its students a place to thrive 40 hours a week and serving more than 60 students live happier, healthier and more enriching lives.

 “Thanks to the generosity of the Tulsa community over the last decade, these students and their families’ lives have been impacted greatly,” says Monique Scraper Pathways Executive Director. “With community support, our students will continue to give back to the community, to become important members of this community and these families will have respite for many more years to come.”

 “Twelve years ago, members and staff from Kirk of the Hills started praying, dreaming and planning for a faith based Christian adult day program that would offer continuing education for adults with developmental disabilities. I don’t think any of us realized just how incredible the program would become,” says Crystal Fulda Pathways Founder.  “It makes my heart smile to think of the variety of activities these students can participate in throughout the day in a loving and caring environment.  Through Pathways, God continues to bless the students, their families, the staff, volunteers and the community in special ways.”

To celebrate this milestone, Pathways students are creating original works of art that will be available for silent auction at the Pathways Summer Carnival on Saturday, June 22. These works will celebrate students’ talents and creativity and will allow members of the community to sponsor a Pathways student. This free community event will include all of the favorites from a dunk tank and a clown to a pet fashion show and a circus performance. Pathways hopes that families from throughout the Tulsa area can come and enjoy this event and celebrate the impact this program is making.