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

Over $150,000 Raised for Your Community

Wow. We are overwhelmed with gratitude after this year’s Find Your People Campaign. When we launched Find Your People, we knew we were asking for a lot. But we also knew the Pathways community is something special. You showed up with heart.

Because of your generosity, we raised over $150,473 to support people with disabilities in building friendships, confidence, and independence through Pathways’ social programs. More than 300 donors from 30 states came together to make this possible, alongside 31 generous matching donors who helped every gift go even further.

Click below to hear a thank you message directly from the people supported through this fundraiser.

If you missed the campaign but would still like to support our mission, you can give anytime by clicking here:

Thank you again for believing in the people we support and the work we do every day.

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:

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.

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.