Pathways Stories and Blog
Richard Enjoys Pathways
Before Pathways, Richard worked for the Cancer Treatment Center of America. He was a medical records transporter and could maneuver his way around that complicated building. He worked for the Oncology Department. When Cancer Treatment Center moved to its present location, all medical records changed to digital, and there was no position for him. But they had a need…
“I am Ordinary”
April is “Autism Acceptance Month,” in honor of our students who are autistic; we want to share with you about Tiffany. “My name is Tiffany, and I am autistic. If someone didn’t know much about autism and wanted to understand, I would tell them that I am an ordinary person who wants to be treated just…
Living with Down Syndrome
When Matthew was born, the doctors gave me a book called “Babies with Down Syndrome.” I didn’t know anything about it, but somewhere in the book, it said that children with Down syndrome are more like other kids than they are different. Reading that part was what I held on to as a mom, and…
My Disability is Filled with Purpose
When I was born, I didn’t have the nerve that connects the eyes and the ears to the brain. Nerves like that don’t grow back after birth. The doctors at a prestigious university hospital said I would never be able to take care of myself and should be placed in an institution. But God had a…
Ripples of Kindness
We had the blessing of participating in Random Acts of Kindness Day by making an impact at home or in the life of a stranger. Our generosity created a ripple effect of smiles and joyful tears and inspired others to “pay it forward.” February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) Day. With everything…
Our Beginning
When Pathways started, there were only 7 students and two employees without a job guarantee within 6 months due to not knowing what the program’s outcome could be. Thankfully the program rapidly grew into a bigger dream than anyone could have imagined. Today Pathways serves over 60 students and has become its own 501(c)3 nonprofit…
Why I Give to Pathways
When I joined the advisory board 10 years ago, I began to contribute financially to the program. As I got to know the Pathways program and students better, I realized that certain needs arise as it grows, like the need for a new van, supplies, sensory items for students who need it, a sensory room, and so…
Virtual Classes Have Been Life-Giving for Bailey During the Pandemic
Bailey is currently a senior in high school, and when the pandemic started, in order to keep her safe, her mom decided that it would be best for her to do her senior year online until things get better. Around April of 2020, her mom saw a Facebook Ad about Pathways and decided to enroll…
Life with an older brother with Down Syndrome
I grew up listening to all types of music because of my brother Clark who loves music. He is the reason why I do musical theater and where I got my love for music from. I would say a big part of who I am is because of Clark. He is a huge part of…
The Importance of Virtual Classes for Adults with I/DD
For 11 years, Pathways has been a place for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to belong and thrive together, in-person! But we’ve had to adapt our program to a virtual setting since March of this year to protect our more vulnerable students from the Coronavirus. Our students can learn and connect with others…
