When KP graduated high school, she and her mom Kelly faced a challenge familiar to many families: the friendships and routines that once provided connection had ended. They began searching for a place where KP could continue to grow, have fun, and make meaningful relationships. In this five-minute interview, KP and Kelly share how Pathways to Independence became the perfect fit, showing why it’s where you truly Find Your People.
A Perfect Fit From the Start
Kelly recalls, “After doing some research online, we found Pathways. Seeing the reviews gave us a lot of hope… and after the very first meeting, we knew it was a perfect fit.”
For KP, who has been with Pathways for about two years, joining meant “trying new experiences and meeting new people.” Her favorite memories include the Halloween party, Craftibilities nights, and even hosting her own small event with Pathways friends – painting sculptures and enjoying ice cream together.
Growth, Adventure, and Lasting Friendships
Kelly has watched KP blossom since joining Pathways. Dropping her off at events now means hearing her name shouted with excitement. “Something’s clicking, something’s working in this group,” Kelly says. “It goes way beyond the hours of just the events themselves.”
She describes how KP has become more adventurous – signing up for pickleball, reaching out to friends outside events, and warmly welcoming newcomers. “Your vibe attracts your tribe,” Kelly smiles. “The individuals at Pathways have an amazing vibe about them… Money can’t even buy that.”
KP agrees: “The staff is really nice. And then you get to make some really nice friends. You feel like you’re part of a great community.”
Watch the Full Conversation
This article shares only part of KP and Kelly’s experience. Watch the full video to hear their voices, laughter, and pride as they talk about what Pathways means to them.
KP and Kelly’s story proves that Pathways isn’t just about attending events. It’s about building real friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging for people with disabilities. Their five-minute conversation is a powerful reminder that Pathways is where you can truly find your people.
Read the Full Transcript
Grace (Interviewer): What is your name?
KP: Uh, Kaitlyn and I’m 20.
Grace: And what’s your name?
Kelly: Kelly.
Grace: Kelly. Thank you guys so much for being here. So, KP, how long have you been at Pathways?
KP: I believe about two years.
Grace: Awesome. And what did you want to gain from joining Pathways?
KP: Try new experiences and meet new… meet new people.
Kelly: Right before we joined, Kaitlyn was graduating high school and we had found success with some um inclusive clubs, and then after high school a harsh reality that people move on, things change and we needed that social component back and after doing some research online found Pathways, and seeing the reviews gave us a lot of hope that this might be a good fit for her. And after the very first meeting, we knew it was a perfect fit.
Grace: So KP, what are some of your favorite kinds of pathways events?
KP: Well, well, one of them is… has to be the one where I went to the Halloween party and the other I believe it was the uh Oh, the.. the one time I went to with the, with all the craftsmanships like I went to.
Kelly: Craftibilities
KP: Yes, they were really fun to go to. One where I like had my own event with some close friends that are in PTI.
Kelly: What did you do?
KP: We uh painted sculptures and I got ice cream later. Well, I’m more outgoing and more adventurous.
Grace: Tell me a little bit more about that. What does it feel like?
KP: Well, it feels really nice and I’m really comfortable with it.
Kelly: Watching her um participate in it. Um, I’ve seen a lot of growth and um, a lot of interaction between her and others. Just even dropping her off, people yell out her name and she’s excited to be there. So, something’s clicking, something’s working in this group and I’m happy to see it. Kaitlyn is doing a really good job of taking the initiative of reaching out to friends and um, pushing friendships even outside of the organization. So, um, it’s amazing to build the friendships within the organization, but then to see that blossom outside during our just day-to-day hours has really been cool because it’s, it goes way beyond um the hours of just the events themselves. And watching connections grow has been exciting to see.
We used to be kind of home bodies, I would say, before um we didn’t really branch out or were quite as adventurous as we, as we are now. And I attribute that very much to Pathways and to Kaitlyn’s growth in the program. Um because I’ve seen her do things like sign up for the pickle ball event. Um she goes into those full steam ahead and has a blast doing it. And we’re just really proud of her for being adventurous. Yeah.
You gain so much more in in this group than just um you know giving your loved one an opportunity to to to do a fun thing. You’re building relationships, making friendships. you’re um expanding yourself in a way. Um now she’s the one when a newcomer comes into the group that welcomes them friendly and warmly and makes them feel like they have a fresh new friend as soon as they step out of their car. And that’s what you can gain from this is um real true friendships. And that can be hard for anyone, any person. I think that can be tough. Um, but especially for this population, I think that it’s even harder. So, your vibe attracts your tribe. I think that that’s the saying. And um, a lot of the individuals that I’ve seen in Pathways really have an amazing vibe about them and are excited to see each other and excited to be around each other. And that’s… Money can’t even buy that.
KP: The staff is really nice. And then you get to make some really nice friends… you feel like uh like you’re a part of a great community. Well, I say it would be great to join that you can have new experiences, meet new people, and well, the more the merrier.
