News Archives - Pathways to Independence

Pathways to Independence Names Matt Jannings as Executive Director

Pathways to Independence is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Jannings as its next Executive Director.

Following a comprehensive search, the Board of Directors unanimously selected Matt for his leadership experience, deep commitment to the mission, and ability to build programs, partnerships, and teams that create meaningful impact.

Matt brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership focused on expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Most recently, he served as Chief Program Officer at Boone Center, Inc., where he led multi-site employment programs supporting hundreds of individuals across Missouri and Illinois.

“Matt stood out for his ability to lead collaboratively while driving growth and impact,” said Keith Jacob, President, Board of Directors. “He understands our mission and is well-positioned to guide Pathways into its next chapter.”

Pathways to Independence supports individuals with I/DD through social connection, skill-building, and community engagement, helping people build confidence, form meaningful relationships, and find belonging. As demand for services continues to grow, the organization remains focused on expanding thoughtfully while maintaining its strong, people-centered culture.

“I’m honored to join Pathways to Independence,” said Jannings. “I look forward to working with the team and community to build on the organization’s strong foundation and continue creating opportunities for the individuals we support.”

Matt will begin his role on May 26.

Boy Howdy! How Much Did We Raise at Trivia Night?

Thank you to those who were a part of the fun and fundraising at Pathways’ 17th Annual Trivia Night!

We appreciate our community coming together to celebrate our participants and support our mission of helping people with disabilities find confidence and connection!

We are always looking to grow. If you attended Trivia Night, please fill out this short survey so we can make next year’s event even better:

Share Your Opinion

Congratulations to our Trivia Winners, the Zafft family, who have graciously donated their winnings back to the organization in memory of former participant, Susie Zafft.

Why do we gather? To celebrate and support people like Rudi, our Trivia Night Speaker this year.

Rudi has been a Participant for over 20 years. His message of being welcomed by the Pathways community and finding trust in himself is an inspiring reminder of why this mission matters.

Check out his speech below!

… and boy howdy, did you all support! Together, we galloped past our goal of $60,000 and raised …

$61,666! You showed up and showed us what it means to truly Find Your People.

We could not be more grateful! With your contributions, we can fund the building of confidence, essential life skills, and friendships for people with disabilities.

Thank you.

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Thank you, Trivia Sponsors!

These amazing businesses, organizations, and community members stepped up to support our biggest fundrasing night of the year. This is more sponsors than we have ever had, and we couldn’t be more grateful!

Every dollar given in support of Pathways goes towards building essential skills, confidence, and community.

Whether you are supporting, attending, or spreading the word about our mission, we appreciate your involvement in the Pathways community.

Now let’s get fundraisin’! See you Saturday!

Pathways Seeks New Executive Director

Pathways to Independence has launched the search for our next Executive Director to lead Pathways into its next chapter. This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven, relationship-oriented leader who thrives in a hands-on role and values both operational excellence and a healthy, supportive culture.

Interested candidates should submit a resume to search@emdconsulting.com by March 13, 2026. The full position profile is included below and also linked here.

Get Your Tickets Now! Trivia Night is February 21st, 2026

🐎 Saddle up! It’s time to test your trivia grit!

Don’t miss your chance to ride into a rootin’-tootin’ good time for a great cause.

Click Here to Nab Your Tickets!

Join Pathways to Independence for our Cowboys for Community Trivia Night happening Saturday, February 21st at T.A.S.K.!

When? Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Where? 980 Horan Dr, Fenton, MO 63026
What time? Doors open at 6 PM, and trivia kicks off at 7 PM
How much for tickets? $240 per table of 8, or $30 per person

Round up your posse, play mini-games, and take a shot at winning some mighty fine raffle prizes! Plus, don’t forget to show off your frontier flair with your table decorations. The best wild west themed table wins a prize!

Click Here to Nab Your Tickets!

🤠 Want to sponsor the event or get involved? Download sponsorship information and email Grace at grace@ptistl.org to ask questions or get started.

Pathways Trivia Night 2026 Sponsor Levels Download

So dust off your boots, tip your hat, and join us as we raise funds and have a hootin’ hollerin’ good time for an even better cause!

A Parent’s Point of View

John and Glenn smiling wearing chiefs merchandise with the chiefs stadium behind them

Glenn Shares a Parent Perspective on Social Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Families searching for social opportunities for people with disabilities often rely on the insight of other parents. Glenn’s perspective on his son John’s first year with Pathways shows just how life-changing the right community can be. Since John first joined, Glenn says, “he hasn’t looked back!”

At 27, John lives with Asperger’s Syndrome and other mental health challenges. Before joining, Glenn recalls “It was the same thing every day. I could tell he seemed unhappy at times and was looking for activities to do.” That all changed when John became part of the Pathways community.

For Glenn, sharing a parent perspective on social opportunities for people with disabilities means highlighting how much confidence and connection John has gained. “He has more friends since joining Pathways than at any time I can remember! His confidence is as high as it’s ever been,” Glenn says. John agrees. “I’ve gotten more confident in myself. I’ve been more social and interacted more with people.”

Seeing his son thrive has meant everything to Glenn. “Pathways is a place for anyone and everyone. It’s the perfect place for people with disabilities to make friends.” Looking ahead, Glenn says they’re both excited for what’s next. “We’re looking forward to this upcoming year and many more down the line.”

If this story inspires you, please consider making a donation to support Pathways. Your gift helps build connections, grow programs, and foster independence for people with disabilities in the Greater St. Louis Area.

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We are truly thankful for your participation in the Pathways community in 2025. Your gift today directly impacts our mission to help those with disabilities truly Find Their People in 2026. Thank you.

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New Video: Pathways Parent Perspectives

At Pathways to Independence, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendship, confidence, and community through shared experiences. In this video, parents share the real impact Pathways has had on their families.

If this video moves you, please consider making a donation to Pathways. Your gift directly supports independence for so many people with disabilities in the Greater St. Louis area.

Donate

Watch on YouTube

We are so grateful for your involvement in the Pathways community in 2025. Your donation today directly supports our mission to help those with disabilities truly Find Their People in 2026. Thank you.

St. Louis Children’s Service Fund Awards Pathways to Independence Funding for Grassroots Services

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) has awarded
Pathways to Independence a funding amount of $149,014 to support mental and behavioral health services for children and families in St. Louis County. The funding will be used to support Pathways’ mission of providing social skills training and community building to young adults with disabilities.

“With 129 letters of intent submitted to CSF totaling over $17 million in requests, we feel honored to be among the 24 organizations chosen,” says Jodi Woessner, Executive Director of Pathways to Independence. “These dollars will directly support our young adults as they navigate life transitions with community and confidence.”

As a funded partner of CSF, Pathways to Independence joins an integrated network of partners who share a commitment to providing quality services and programs to the children and families of St. Louis County. CSF invests in local nonprofits and governmental entities that provide mental and behavioral health services, substance use treatment, and prevention services for kids and families in St. Louis County through a voter-approved quarter-cent sales tax.

For more information about Pathways to Independence, please visit our services page.

For more information on CSF, their partner organizations, or how to get involved in their funding process, visit stlcsf.org or their interactive “Find a Service” map tool.

For an immediate mental or behavioral health need or crisis, please call 988 or Behavioral Health Response’s Youth Connection Helpline at 314-819-8802 or visit bhrstl.org.

Donor Tax Law Changes Coming in 2026: What to Know

As 2025 draws to a close, many individuals and families begin thinking about their charitable goals for the coming year. Along with those plans come a few important updates to federal tax law that could affect how charitable contributions are deducted starting in 2026.

While everyone’s situation is unique, being aware of these upcoming changes can help you make more informed decisions when you speak with your tax or financial advisor.

New Rules for Itemizers

Taxpayers who itemize deductions will see a few adjustments beginning in 2026:

Deduction Floor: Starting in 2026, itemizers will need to give more than 0.5% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) to receive a tax benefit for charitable donations.
Top Bracket Benefit: The top tax rate will decrease from 37% to 35%, which means the deduction value for high-income earners will be slightly lower.

General takeaway: Individuals who typically itemize their deductions may want to review their charitable giving strategy with a financial professional to understand how these shifts could affect their overall tax picture.

New Rules for Non-Itemizers

For taxpayers who don’t itemize deductions, there’s some good news on the horizon:

Beginning in 2026, individuals will be able to deduct cash gifts up to $1,000, or $2,000 for couples filing jointly, even if they take the standard deduction.

This change creates a new opportunity for more taxpayers to receive a small tax benefit for charitable giving, though the details may vary depending on each person’s circumstances.

What This Means for Donors

These changes may influence when or how some people choose to give, but it’s important to remember that every financial situation is different. Consulting a qualified tax advisor can help determine the best approach for your individual needs.

As always, the most meaningful part of charitable giving is the impact it creates in your community, no matter the tax landscape.

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Individuals should consult a licensed tax professional or financial advisor before making any giving or investment decisions.

Interested in understanding our donation system? Click below.

Learn more about donating

Join Our Mission: Become a Board Member

Are you ready to make a tangible difference in the community? Pathways to Independence is seeking passionate, dedicated leaders to join our Board of Directors. This is more than a volunteer role; it’s a chance to shape the strategic future of an organization committed to empowering individuals with complex cognitive disabilities to make connections that build independent, fulfilling lives.

The Commitment

Serving on our board is an active and rewarding partnership. Your commitment will include:

Strategic Oversight: Attend 5 Board Meetings annually to discuss policy, strategy, and organizational direction.
Focused Work: Join one of our working groups, attending approximately 5 Committee Meetings each year (Executive, Finance, Governance, Development, or Program).
Be Our Ambassador: Serve as a key organizational voice. Connect with potential partners, educate the public about our cause, and inspire others to join our movement.
Meaningful Giving: Demonstrate your belief in our mission by making a personal financial contribution at a meaningful amount for you.
Fundraising Support: Actively support our fundraising efforts, participating in and promoting key events like our annual Trivia Night and our 36-Hour Campaign.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking individuals with diverse professional backgrounds, a passion for our mission, and a willingness to leverage their expertise for the greater good.

Interested in learning more? Please email liz@ptistl.org.

Category: News