News Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Pathways to Independence

Grab a Bite and Give Back: Support Pathways at Hi-Pointe Drive-In

From Monday, August 18 to Sunday, August 24, all Hi-Pointe Drive-In locations are teaming up with Pathways to Independence for a weeklong fundraiser to support our mission of helping neurodiverse young adults and adults build life skills, friendships, and greater independence.

Whether you dine in, carry out, or order through the Hi-Pointe website or app, you can participate by showing our flyer, mentioning “Pathways Fundraiser,” or using the code FUNDRAISER at checkout. When you do, 20% of your total bill will go directly back to Pathways to support our programs.

You can screenshot the flyer or stop by our info table to pick one up in person. We’ll be at The Hub in Chesterfield on Thursday, August 21st from 6 to 9 PM during their showing of Pirates of the Caribbean. Swing by to say hello, learn more about our work, and grab a flyer for the Hi-Pointe nearby!

This is a great chance to support a locally owned, community-focused restaurant while making a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. Help others find their people by simply grabbing a meal. Thank you for being part of our community.

Email grace@ptistl.org to get a flyer sent directly to your inbox!

Party With a Purpose

five participants stand around a cat sitting in a hanging chair, with a light up sign saying "cat Zen" behind it. Everyone is smiling with their arms around each other.

How peer-led hangouts build real-world skills and lasting friendships for for young adults with disabilities

At Pathways to Independence, we’ve seen how powerful it can be when participants get to take the lead. Our Social Focus outings put members in the driver’s seat with staff support: giving them the tools and confidence to organize their own small group outings and take ownership of their social lives.

From crafting nights to trips to the cat café in Historic St. Charles, participants decide what the outing will be, who to invite, and how the event will run, all with staff offering guidance along the way. For many, it’s their first time planning a get-together with friends on their own. That moment when a peer accepts their invite? It’s not just exciting – it’s empowering!

These fun, self-directed gatherings are especially powerful tools in social skill building for young adults and adults with disabilities. Social Focus helps participants strengthen essential life skills like:
• Executive functioning (planning, initiating, organizing, following through)
• Communication (inviting peers, sharing accurate details, making decisions, following up)
• Social confidence (deepening existing connections, hosting, navigating group dynamics)

These aren’t just parties – they’re parties with a purpose. They’re stepping stones toward greater independence and self-determination.

Some recent Social Focus outings included:
• Animals Aglow at the Zoo
• Exploring The Science Center
• Putt-putt adventures
• Cat Zen Café hangs in St. Charles
• Tower Grove Farmers Market
• Dinner at a favorite local spot
• Cooking and baking with friends
• Crafting nights full of creativity

Social Focus builds on the connections made in our Social Growth program, and leads to deeper connections between individuals. Participants often tell us they feel more confident after hosting an event, and many go on to plan their own gatherings outside of Pathways. It’s not just about having fun (though that’s a big part); it’s about learning to create your own community and feeling proud of what you’ve made.

Interested in helping your neurodiverse loved one plan their own party with a purpose? Click here to get involved.

A Shamrockin’ Success: Trivia Night Results!

Wow, what an incredible night! Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, our trivia event was a record-breaking success. We couldn’t have done it without each and every one of you, and we are thrilled to share the final totals with you.

Keep reading to see the amazing impact we made together!

A Standing Ovation for Courtney!

In this 4-minute video, we meet Courtney, a Pathways participant from St. Charles County, MO. After a brain injury, Courtney faced memory challenges, but through Pathways, she found a supportive community and regained her confidence.

This story is part of our St. Charles County Find Your People campaign, which aims to recruit new participants through community outreach.

If you know someone in St. Charles County who could use help finding their people, click below and connect with the campaign!

Find Your People

A Fantastic Fund-A-Need!

Thanks to your incredible generosity, our Fund-A-Need paddle raise helped us surpass $25,000!

This amazing support will provide impactful experiences and resources for our neurodiverse community. Your contributions make a real difference, and we couldn’t be more grateful!

If you didn’t get a chance to donate, it’s not too late! Click below to make a difference today!

Donate

A Record-Breaking Raffle!

We are beyond excited to announce that our raffle raised nearly $3,000 – our highest total ever!

This incredible achievement is a direct result of the generosity of our donors and sponsors, and attendees. It’s because of you that we’re able to continue making a lasting impact.

If you’d like to get involved as a sponsor, donor, or volunteer next year, click below!

And The Total Is …

We are excited to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal, raising a record-breaking $56,355!

This incredible accomplishment is thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and everyone who contributed. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Thank you for helping us achieve this milestone and for being part of our community.

Thank you, 2025 Trivia Sponsors!

As we gear up for our exciting Trivia Night on March 8, 2025, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who are making this event possible. Your generosity fuels our mission, helping neurodiverse people build friendships, gain confidence, and engage in their community.

We’re lucky to have Ascension as the Presenting Partner for Pathways Trivia Night for the second year in a row! Ascension is a healthcare organization dedicated to delivering compassionate, personalized care to communities in need and has generously contributed $2500 to our fundraising efforts.

Our $1000 Event Partners include Riverside Golf Club, St. Charles Automotive Group, Jeffco Complete Exterior Work, Anders CPAs and Advisors, George Diederich, and Sharon & Tom Kircher.

Our $750 Genius Level Sponsors include Lumiere Wedding Films, People’s National Bank, and Larry & Cary Schneithorst Reed.

Our $500 Scholar Level Sponsors include Trailhead Capital Management Group, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust, Kohls, Powers Insurance & Risk Management, Moneta, Michele Woodley & John Wallis, and Debbie & Tom Hilton.

Our $250 Master Level Sponsors include Planify Group , Thrivent Financial, Tubular Steel, Norwin Technologies, and Kathy & Tom Schlag.

Lastly, thank you to our In-Kind Sponsors, EchoCATT, for providing hosting services courtesy of Diane Kettering, and Marti & John Finkenkeller for their generous wine donation.

A huge thank you is in order for each and every sponsor. Your contribution makes an impact in the lives of the neurodiverse.

If you would like to sponsor Pathways Trivia Night or get involved, it’s as easy as clicking here!

Get Your Tickets Now! Trivia Night is March 8th, 2025!

🍀 Luck is in the air—don’t miss this golden opportunity!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Join Pathways to Independence for our Shamrock Showdown Trivia Night on Saturday, March 8th, at T.A.S.K.

When? Saturday, March 8th, 2025
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

Gather your clan, play mini-games, and try your luck at winning some amazing raffle prizes! Plus, don’t forget to go all out with your table decorations—the best shamrock-themed table wins a prize!

💚 Want to sponsor the event or get involved? Email Grace at grace@ptistl.org for more information.

🍀 May the luck of the Irish be with you as we raise a glass and funds for a great cause! Sláinte!

Save the Date: Trivia Night is March 8th!

Pathways to Independence is excited to announce our Trivia Night 2025, happening on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at T.A.S.K. in Fenton, MO. This annual event promises an evening filled with trivia, fun, and friendly competition, all for a great cause.

Starting at 7:00 PM, the trivia will test your knowledge across a variety of topics, while also giving you the chance to win fantastic prizes, including the coveted Best-Decorated Table award. Doors will open at 6:00 PM, giving guests plenty of time to settle in, enjoy the atmosphere, and get ready for an unforgettable night.

Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast, a casual player, or just looking to enjoy a night out with friends, this event has something for everyone. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support Pathways to Independence and make a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve, all while having fun with your community.

We are thrilled to announce that the official invitations will be sent out in January, where we’ll reveal the exciting theme for this year’s Trivia Night. So, stay tuned! We can’t wait to share all the details with you.

In the meantime, don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on event news and announcements. Be sure to visit our Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and information.

Mark your calendars now for March 8, 2025, and make sure to join us for a memorable night of trivia, prizes, and community spirit. We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating another year of supporting Pathways to Independence!

Pathways is On-The-“Haunt” in St. Charles this October!

Fall has arrived, and Pathways to Independence is excited to bring the community together through a variety of fun events this October. Whether you’re interested in art, community activities, or just enjoying some festive fun, there are many chances to connect with us this month. Our mission is to help individuals with disabilities build meaningful social skills, and this fall, we’re taking our team into the community to share what we do.

We’re starting the month off with the Community Council of St. Charles County Mission and Mingle on October 3rd. On October 10th, come meet us at the Western St. Charles County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at Piazza Messina and learn about our local impact. If you love art, don’t miss our two special installations this month. On October 11th, our talented participants will be collaborating with local artist Martha Valenta for an interactive exhibit called “Lost & Found Meditation” at the Saint Louis Art Museum from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you can’t make it, catch us on October 24th at the I Need That Art Gallery in Clayton from 5 to 8 p.m. to see the creativity of our participants.

For anime fans, stop by our information table at Anime Conbini Mart on October 12th and 13th at the St. Charles Convention Center. We’ll be there to talk about how our programs positively impact people’s lives. We’ll also be joining the community for some Halloween fun! On October 25th, find us at the Lake Saint Louis Halloween Party at Founders Park, where we’ll be celebrating the spooky season. Come by, say hello, and learn about what we do while enjoying the festivities.

We’re so excited to spend this fall engaging with the St. Charles County community and highlighting the amazing work of our participants. Pathways to Independence is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities connect, grow, and thrive. By connecting with us at these events, you’ll experience art, fun, and community spirit while supporting our mission to build a more inclusive society. We can’t wait to meet you and help you #findyourpeople!

Category: News