Category: News

Quarterly Newsletter: Summer Socials and Strong Connections 

Welcome to the Pathways Quarterly Newsletter. We’ve built deeper bonds through inclusive theater outings, helped young adults design their own hangouts, and empowered waitlist participants to connect! Read on for more.

Spotlights

Summer Magic at The Muny

This summer, our groups headed to Forest Park thanks to tickets gifted by the Community Access Program! By planning ahead and practicing theater etiquette, we enjoyed hits like Newsies close to the stage. We love building connections through these outings. Read the full story.

Plan Your Own YA Hangout!

Our Young Adults are taking the lead with Social Focus Small Groups! From thrilling trips to Fright Fest to cozy Lego nights, our participants are building planning skills while designing their own custom hangouts. Read the full story to learn how your young adult can plan their own outing!

No Waiting on this Waitlist

We had to expand our waitlist, but we know connection shouldn’t have to wait. “It feels empowering,” says Kristina, who built confidence and found a friend at our monthly office events before even officially enrolling. Watch her quick video (under a minute!) to hear her waitlist story.

Upcoming Events

9/18/26 BCI Transition Conference

Join us at the BCI Transition Conference at Ameristar St. Charles! Connect with local resources and plan for employment while supporting your young adult’s future. Click here to learn more

9/26/26 Annual Family Picnic

Meet Pathways at the Jewish Community Center Pavilion, 11-1:30! Bring your family for games, free food, and great conversation. New and alumni families are encouraged to join the fun! Mark your calendar!

Ways to Get Involved

Shop Our New Summer Merchandise!

Find brand-new golf polos, blue tees, UV rash guards, coozies, and beach towels that give back. Every purchase empowers people with disabilities to grow their skills and community. Shop the collection

Get On Board to Make a Difference

Have fun and make an impact as a board member, or join a committee for a smaller time commitment. We are looking for experts in finance or marketing. Your input matters! Click here to learn more

Try new things, make friends and belong. By embedding key social and interpersonal skill-building into our activities, we empower individuals with complex cognitive disabilities to successfully navigate both personal and professional challenges. Thank you for reading our summer updates!

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Partner Spotlight: Experiencing the Magic of The Muny

There is a unique magic to Forest Park just as the sun begins to set. For the adults and young adults in our program, summer in St. Louis is not complete without our favorite tradition: gathering under the stars for an evening of live musical theatre at The Muny.

As the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, The Muny represents the very best of our city’s culture. Thanks to incredible community partnerships, this world-class experience remains wonderfully accessible to our participants.

The Power of the Community Access Program

We are incredibly grateful to be partners with The Muny’s Community Access Program. Through their immense generosity, our group is gifted tickets that allow us to get close to the stage and experience the full production up close, entirely without a financial barrier.

For our program, these gifted tickets represent dignity and inclusion. By removing the paywall, this program ensures our adults and young adults can sit in the heart of the audience, fully immersed in the community, sharing the same space and excitement as everyone else.

Navigating the Night with Thoughtful Preparation

While the tickets are generously provided for us, our staff and participants work together ahead of time to ensure every trip is a comfortable, successful experience. Outdoor theatre in St. Louis summers can be intense, so we prepare with plenty of forethought.

Before we set out, we help our participants plan for the physical aspects of the evening, like navigating the walking and standing in Forest Park, and packing personal cooling fans and binoculars.

We also use these outings as a wonderful opportunity to build real-world social skills. Together, we:

  • Practice Theatre Etiquette: We talk about when to lean in and listen to the music, and how to quietly share the space with thousands of other theatergoers.
  • Spark Conversation: We brainstorm fun, engaging questions about the plays, the musicals, and Forest Park to ask each other while we wait for the show to start, turning the evening into a true social connector.

Unforgettable Showstoppers

We have built so many incredible memories together over the recent seasons. Our group has cheered, laughed, and sang along to an amazing lineup of shows:

  • Frozen & Shrek: Bringing out our inner child with magical worlds and big-hearted humor.
  • Bring It On & Hairspray: Filling the night with high-energy dance numbers and powerful messages of inclusion.
  • Jersey Boys & Newsies: Wowing us with spectacular harmonies, high-flying choreography, and stories of standing together.

Grateful for Forest Park

We are incredibly lucky to live in a city that champions accessible public culture. From the Zoo and the Art Museum to the nightly spectacles at The Muny, Forest Park is a gift. It allows our program to blend fresh air, friendship, and rich local arts into experiences our participants look forward to all year long.

Thank you, St. Louis, and thank you to The Muny’s Community Access Program for keeping the gates open, the stage bright, and the arts open to us all.

Support Our Mission: Help Us Keep These Outings Possible

While The Muny generously gifts us the tickets, it is our program that provides the vital support, staffing, and preparation that gets our participants there safely and confidently.

To keep these outings accessible to every adult and young adult in our program, we rely on the generosity of supporters like you. Your donation goes directly to funding the dedicated care and resources that make community inclusion a reality.

Your gift directly supports:

  • Our Dedicated Staff: Funding the trained mentors who guide participants through social cues, theater etiquette, and park navigation.
  • Essential Outing Gear: Providing personal cooling fans, binoculars, and sensory tools to keep everyone comfortable in the summer heat.
  • Barrier-Free Access: Ensuring we can offer these enriching, community-building experiences to our participants at no cost to them.

If you believe in a St. Louis where people of all abilities are fully included in our city’s best traditions, please consider making a donation to our organization today.

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Small Groups, Big Connections: How Young Adults are Leading Their Own Social Adventures

For many young adults, finding your niche and scheduling hangouts can sometimes feel overwhelming. Traditional social structures built around high school classrooms and organized sports often shift or fade as we enter adulthood, leading to what many families call the social “cliff of service”.

At Pathways to Independence, we believe that neurodiverse young adults shouldn’t just look at a pre-made calendar to find connection. They should have the power to design it themselves and learn essential skills along the way.

That is exactly why our Social Focus program is taking off! This participant-led initiative puts the steering wheel directly in the hands of young adults, empowering them to coordinate, plan, and host small group events tailored to exactly what they love doing while building stronger bonds with their peers.

What is a Social Focus Small Group?

A small group event is created and planned entirely by a participant, involving an activity or location of their own choosing. The host decides when and where they would like to go. They then invite 3 to 5 fellow participants they would like to get to know better in a close-knit, low-pressure setting.

The best part? While it is entirely participant-driven, a Pathways staff member is present in the planning and hosting of the event to provide light support behind the scenes and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Life Skills Disguised as Fun: Real Stories of Success

On the surface, a small group hangout looks like a simple evening of friends having fun. Underneath, it is a masterclass in vital life skills. When a young adult hosts a small group, they naturally practice vital social goals: initiating conversations, budgeting spending money, planning transportation, respecting peer autonomy, and managing a backup plan if logistics change.

We are already seeing our community bring incredible, customized ideas to life:

  • Drew’s Lego Night: Drew wanted a relaxed environment centered around a shared hobby. He planned a dedicated Lego-building night, bringing young adults together over bricks and blueprints. The evening was a massive hit, providing the perfect, low-stimulation canvas for natural, comfortable conversations.
  • Ava’s Fright Fest Excursion: Looking for high-energy excitement, Ava stepped out of her comfort zone to plan a thrilling trip to Fright Fest at Six Flags. By managing the logistics of a busy theme park with a small group of friends, Ava got to take ownership of an unforgettable adventure while surrounded by a safe, supportive network.

Whether it’s a quiet evening of building blocks or a roller-coaster-filled weekend, these customized events prove that when young adults are given the freedom to lead, their self-esteem and independence soar.

Are You a Current Pathways Participant?

Taking the leap from attendee to host is made simple with the support of our dedicated team. If you are a young adult participant with a great location in mind, a specific activity you want to try, or a few friends you are eager to invite, your next steps are just a message away:

  1. Connect with Jen: Reach out to Jen Messmer, our small group coordinator.
  2. Map Out the Details: Jen will talk you through the entire checklist, including helping you navigate when your event could occur, how to write invitation scripts for other participants, and details to keep in mind (like managing budgets or planning transportation).
  3. Party with a Purpose: Lock in your date, welcome your guests, and enjoy an event where you make the rules.

Don’t wait to start building your own community on your own terms. For more information, resources, or to kickstart your planning process, email or text Jen Messmer today.

Not a Participant Yet? Join Our Waitlist Community!

Because these small groups are designed exclusively for registered participants to practice independence within an existing, supportive peer network, you must be enrolled in Pathways to Independence programs to host or attend.

If you or a neurodiverse young adult in your life (ages 16+) are looking for your people and want to build the skills needed to design your own social life, we would love to meet you!

To learn more about our three core programs (Social Growth, Social College, and Social Focus) and to inquire about our current intake process or waitlist status, please fill out our contact form or reach out to our main admissions desk at info@ptistl.org / 314-836-0202. Let’s bridge the gap together so more people can find their people.

Summer Merch: Pathways’ New Premium Tanks, Athletic Polos & Coozies are Live

Summer is officially here, and we’re not about to let you spend it in last season’s gear.

Our first-ever Summer Drop is officially live! We took our core brand, dialed up the performance details, and added the exact pieces you’ve been asking for. Here is a look at what just hit the vault.

The New Staples

We took our community favorites and gave them a seasonal refresh. If you know, you know.

  • The Blue Hues: Our signature tees just landed in highly requested, custom blue colorways with bright yellow details. Same premium fit, brand new summer feel.
  • The Vault Coozies: You asked, so we delivered! Keep your drinks ice-cold and your aesthetic on point in standard and slim sizes.

Engineered for the Heat: The Athlete Lineup

For those who spend their summers on the green, the trail, or the beach, we designed a sub-collection of high-performance gear tailored specifically for outdoor athletes and golfers.

  • Premium Polos & Visors: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and tailored perfectly to keep you looking sharp from the 1st tee to the clubhouse.
  • Performance Tank Tops: Cut for maximum mobility and breathability when the midday heat peaks.
  • Rope Cap Hats: A vintage-inspired nod to classic sport culture, built with modern, breathable materials.

Sun & Surf Essentials

Whether you’re catching some waves or floating on the river, we’ve got your coverage and carry sorted.

  • UV-Protective Rash Guards: Sleek, long-sleeve defense against the elements without the bulk. High-level sun protection, zero distractions.
  • The Summer Beach Towel: Oversized, ultra-plush, and featuring our bold “Find Your People” design.
  • Drawstring Bags: Durable and designed to grab and go with just the essentials.

Built for the Season and the Mission

Every stitch and colorway in this release was selected to handle the heat, the water, and the mileage of a packed summer calendar… but looking good is only half the story.

Each piece in this collection directly fuels our mission to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities grow their skills, confidence, and community. Your gear is an investment in our shared vision, turning everyday style into real-world impact.

The shop is open, and the first wave is shipping now! Grab your gear to represent the community, or fuel our impact directly below.

Shop the Summer Collection

Support Our Work

If your closet is already full but you still want to back the movement, consider making a direct contribution to the cause. 100% of your support goes straight toward making a tangible impact in the lives of people with disabilities.

Donate

Partnership Spotlight: Singles Karaoke Night with Safe Circle Coalition

Looking to make a meaningful connection, meet other local singles with disabilities, and have a fantastic night out? Our community partners at the Safe Circle Coalition (SCC) are hosting an exciting Singles Karaoke Night right here in the Pathways to Independence program space!


This special event is designed specifically for single individuals with disabilities who are looking to date, mingle, and share their favorite music in a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment. Whether you are ready to take the center stage mic for a solo, team up for a duet, or just enjoy the music and cheer on your peers, it is going to be an unforgettable evening of fun and connection.

Event Details:

• When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Where: Pathways to Independence (11457 Olde Cabin Rd., Ste 235, St. Louis, MO 63141)
• Cost: Free to attend!

Please Note: This event is independently organized, hosted, and staffed entirely by the Safe Circle Coalition.

Because this is a partner-led initiative and not an official Pathways program, attendance will not count toward your Pathways event total!

Space is limited and song requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. Secure your spot and submit your favorite tracks early by clicking the registration button below!

Click Here to Sign Up

Interested in keeping up with what’s going on at Pathways? Sign up for our Newsletter!

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Don’t Wait to Connect: Join Our Monthly Events for Waitlist Members

Taking the first step toward building a social circle can be incredibly daunting. For many individuals looking to improve their social independence, finding the courage to reach out is a massive milestone. The last thing we want to do is put that momentum on hold.

That is why we are thrilled to announce the expansion of our waitlist across all counties, but with a unique twist. At Pathways to Independence, our waitlist is an open door.

Belonging From Day One

We believe that growth shouldn’t have to wait for official enrollment. Once an applicant completes our initial intake process and is officially placed on our waitlist, they gain immediate access to our monthly drop-in waitlist events, held in the Pathways Program space.

For just a $5 contribution per event, attendees enjoy a fully hosted experience that includes food, all the supplies for craft projects, and a dedicated staff team on hand to guide activities.

These casual, supportive gatherings offer a low-pressure environment where future members can:

  • Explore the Space: Get comfortable and familiar with our layout and environment.
  • Meet the Team: Build rapport with our staff so there are always friendly, familiar faces around.
  • Put Themselves Out There: Practice essential real-world skills like reading social cues, setting boundaries, and initiating conversations at their own comfortable pace.

You may even make a friend before officially joining the program!

Engage to Empower: Kristina’s Story

If you’re feeling nervous about taking that first step, you are not alone. In fact, that’s exactly how Pathways member Kristina felt when she first joined our waitlist.

“Being on the waitlist was a bit nerve-wracking at first,” Kristina shares. “I was shy. I was scared of people… scared of talking to them, and I wanted to learn how to connect with people.”

But everything changed when she attended her very first waitlist drop-in event. Not only did she realize how much fun the events could be, but she also met Karoline. The two quickly became fast friends, and today, they regularly swap houses for movie marathons, hang out, and navigate life together.

For Kristina, the active waitlist was the launchpad for a more confident, connected life. “It feels empowering when I’m at Pathways,” she says. “It helps me learn new things… and not be afraid to put myself out there.”

Join Our Community Today

Whether you are looking to build your own social confidence or know someone who is, the Pathways community is ready to welcome you. No matter which county you reside in, you can start your journey, learn new skills, and find your people starting next month.

Ready to take the first step

Apply to Join the Waitlist

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.