Read some of our highlights and stories below and get to know more about our students, staff, volunteers, and things we do in the community.
The Gift of Sarita’s Down Syndrome
When I was pregnant, I was told I would have a boy, but when Sarita was born, I realized she was a baby girl with Down syndrome. When I realized this, I felt chosen by God because it’s a community [...]
Everybody Is Different, and That’s Okay
“How long is this interview going to take? Will I be out of class for a long time? Will I be missing worship time? How many questions are there?“ asked Josh as he walked towards a table to sit down [...]
Mentorship, A Gift of the Heart
This Valentine’s Day, consider giving a gift of time by becoming a mentor to a Pathways student. Volunteer mentors are matched one-on-one with a student to build a special relationship, and work together on their individual math, reading and life [...]
3 Ways to Help During Developmental Disability Awareness Month
In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”
Marcy and Randy Love Pathways for its Impact on Students’ Lives
Marcy and Randy were deeply moved by the transformation they witnessed in their nephew's life through the Pathways program. Filled with gratitude, they felt compelled to give back. Marcy began volunteering in a Pathways classroom five years ago, finding joy in spending time with the students and seeing its positive impact on their lives.
A Bigger & Better Lip Sync Battle & Gala
he inaugural Lip Sync Battle took place in 2017 and has since become a cherished yearly event. Every year, both the community and Pathways students elevated their performances in pursuit of the Lip Sync Battle Championship title, and the Lip Sync Battle looked different and new. Pathways had grown and evolved just like the Lip Sync Battle. We are thrilled to have over 100 students enrolled in our program this summer. As we continue to expand, we need additional resources. In order to fulfill this need, the Lip Sync Battle is transforming into a gala! It is our prayer that the Lip Sync Battle and Gala is a successful fundraiser that helps provide the excellent and unique programming that Pathways offers.
A Virtual Classroom & Community
At Pathways, we've been able to bring adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities together in an incredible virtual community for the past three years. Our program has connected students from all over the world, not just in the Tulsa Metro area. After completing high school, adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) often feel isolated and lonely, with limited options. But our virtual community changes all that! Here, individuals can form bonds, make friends, and continue learning in a comfortable, supportive environment, wherever they may be.
Myth V Fact: Adults with I/DD Can’t Learn More After High School
At Pathways, we wholeheartedly believe that adults with I/DD possess the mental capacity to continue learning throughout their lifetime, despite the common myth that they do not. We are constantly asked why continued education is an essential part of our program, and the answer is simple - it is integral to enhancing the quality of life for our students.
Remembering Cade Wegener: Extraordinary Love
“Every morning he would come in and say, “Hey, bestie!” when he saw me. We always said we were besties.” teacher Chelsea Carpenter recalls her relationship with student Cade Wegener, “Cade was truly heaven on earth. I have known him for years, and I told pathways staff about him before he ever toured here. He loved coming to pathways.”
Myth Vs Fact: People with Intellectual Disabilities are Always Happy
Myth: People with intellectual disabilities are always happy. Fact: Neurodivergent individuals are not always happy. It’s common for them to struggle with regulating their emotions. When you visit a classroom at Pathways, you’ll often find our students smiling and laughing, but sometimes students struggle with frustration, sadness, or other emotions. In fact, neurodivergent individuals may struggle to regulate their emotions due to poorly developed socialization and coping skills. A delay in emotional development is often associated with intellectual disabilities
Pathways Celebrates 100 Students and Counting
Pathways began in 2009 with seven students, and now, 14 years later, we’re celebrating 100 students enrolled at one time! We’ve always known that Pathways is a unique community where students can be loved, respected, and valued, and we’re so thankful to reach this point in Pathways' history.
