Pathways’ Young Adult Program focuses on building connection, confidence, and community for young neurodivergent people through accessible events. These events are listed in an exclusive calendar sent to participants to choose what activities they’d like to do. While this is a great system to give young adults the ability to try many new things and meet many new people, it can be tough to build deeper connections with someone if they only see you when you both happen to pick the same event.
Families recognized the challenge, and asked for opportunities for their loved ones to build stronger bonds by seeing the same people more consistently. We took this feedback to the drawing board, and voila! Our series program was born!
Here’s how it works: When a participant signs up for a series, they commit to multiple events spanning a few weeks that go deeper on one topic. Each event in the series supports the same group of participants. This allows them to know they will see the same people at each event, which eases nerves. That structure empowers them to build stronger bonds with others in the series by getting to know through repeated interactions over a shared interest.
One of our very first series programs starts today with our Kitchen Skills Series! Participants will spend six sessions getting to know each other while learning to measure, mix, and munch on delicious treats. Guides will not only teach kitchen skills, but will also facilitate introductions, suggest conversation questions, and empower participants to form strong friendships. We can’t wait to see what connections they cook up!
Over 30 one-time calendar events are still available each month for Pathways participants. This is simply one of many ways that Pathways turns feedback into creative opportunities for neurodivergent young adults to thrive.
Innovative programs like this are only possible through the generous support of donors. If you are inspired to support the Pathways mission of inclusion, please consider clicking below and making your impact with a gift today.
Do you have a hobby or skill that you’d like to share? Pathways is actively looking to expand our horizons with new and interesting programming. Please click below to fill out our contact form and get involved.