At Pathways to Independence, our mission is to support the development of social and interpersonal skills that empower neurodiverse individuals to build confidence, gain independence, and achieve social success. Our community-based outings offer a supportive environment where participants can step out of their comfort zones and practice essential social skills.
In our latest volunteer video highlight, we caught up with Jen Wohlner, a dedicated Pathways volunteer and talented artist, as she welcomed a group of participants to a guided tour of her art exhibition (titled “BINGO!”) at The Sheldon.
Exploring Art and Learning New Skills
Group excursions like gallery tours provide a natural space for skill-building and self-expression. During the visit, participants engaged in group discussions about art, their personal lives, and what inspires them. Inspired by Wohlner’s unique techniques, participants got hands-on and created their own original artwork, learning new creative skills along the way.
Fostering Confidence and Long-Term Connections
Beyond exploring the creative process, the event highlights the power of ongoing volunteerism. By coming together regularly in the community, participants build natural social networks and develop the courage to express their own ideas.
“We’ve formed connections now over these years. Folks that keep coming back, get more confident, or bring their own ideas to what we’re doing, and that’s been really fun!”
— Jen Wohlner, Volunteer
Through authentic relationships and shared community experiences, our volunteers and participants continue to pave the way toward greater independence and lifelong social connection.
Watch the short video highlight above to see the tour in action!
Video Transcript
- Jen Wohlner: Hi, I’m Jen. I’m a volunteer with Pathways to Independence, and today a group of participants is touring my art show at the Sheldon. It feels really good to have the participants support my art practice, see how the sausage is made behind the art, see how other people read the artwork. Plus, we’re going to have like cookies and snacks, so that’s fun.
- Omer: …like tall, skinny buildings.
- Jen Wohlner: They’re meant to like, blow… so the wind… so they’re not so stiff.
- Lyla: This reminds me of, cause I want to go to a BINGO party or something, and who I’d invite…
- Dave: Very green!
- Ben: I think this is really kind of neat… it’s like part of a map, with like a shoe logo…
- Katie: I just really get “maps!”
- Jen Wohlner: …you know, we just formed connections now over these years. Folks that just keep coming back, get more confident, or bring their own ideas to what we’re doing, and that’s been like really fun.
- Group: Thank you, Jen!
If you’re interested in learning more about volunteering, please reach out to our Community Engagement Coordinator, Grace Murray, by emailing grace@ptistl.org or clicking the link below.
To learn more about Jen Wohlner’s art practice or support her work, click the link below.
To learn more about current exhibits at The Sheldon, click the link below.