Stories and News

Our success stories

Read the stories of individuals whose lives have been changed by the services and opportunities we offer.

Liam: Face Fear to Find Friends

Pathways to Independence is proud to share an inspiring moment from one of our recent events, where Liam, a young adult participant in our program, spoke about his journey. In the summer of 2020, Pathways launched a new program for young adults aged 16 to 21, designed to help individuals with disabilities enhance their social […]

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Allaina

Allaina: Socialize to Succeed

Allaina has been with us for several years, participating in our programs as soon as she was eligible. Before Allaina began attending our events, her dad volunteered to make sure we offered the type of programs he knew his daughter needed to succeed. Since starting here, Allaina has thrived and dramatically improved her social skills and connections in the community.

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Brian speaking at podium

Brian: Connect to Confidence

Brian moved to St. Louis a few years ago after living in Cincinnati, Ohio. Although Brian and his parents had family in the St. Louis area, he didn’t want to leave his friends and his job of 22 years at Kroger.  A month after moving to St. Louis, Brian secured a job with Schnucks. He […]

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Leigh with her book

Leigh: Read to Relate

Leigh has a full plate these days – going to work, volunteering in her community and hanging out with family and friends. She has been employed for 12 years and was recently promoted to Team Lead, supervising six team members. Leigh remembers a time when she didn’t feel as confident as she does today. She often didn’t know how to express her emotions and had a hard time dealing with feelings of frustration. Leigh’s mom learned about us through a friend, and after a “little convincing,” Leigh tried out her first event. By the time she went to her third activity, she knew she had found the right place. That was in 2009, and now Leigh is leading her own activities.

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Melanie sitting on butterfly bench

Melanie: Engage to Experience

Melanie admits she was very nervous when she attended her first event a couple of years ago. She wasn’t comfortable trying new things or interacting with new people. Looking back, she remembers how our staff made her feel at ease during dinner and the Bunco event that followed. By attending more events and with the assistance of our staff, Melanie has developed new friendships and has become more comfortable in group situations. Before working with us, Melanie would avoid venturing out on her own. She will now even go places by herself.

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Michael and two women at race track

Michael: Plan to Prosper

Michael joined us in 2015 and since then has achieved many of the goals he set for himself. When he graduated from high school, he was ready to try new things and get out in the community. Michael says, “During high school I was very shy. I felt kind of insecure about myself. I had some acquaintances and a couple of friends. When high school ended, I lost contact with the few people I was friends with; I mostly kept to myself.”

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Jim with a vintage car

Jim: Fun to Friendship

Jim says life was a little dull before he joined us in 2009 at the age of 40. “The organization has opened some new doors for me, socially,” Jim said. He has made lasting friendships, which he feels would not have been possible without his involvement. Jim says, “Some of the best times of my life have been at Pathways events.”

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The latest news

October 1st, 2024

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

Pathways to Independence is excited to invite you to join us this October for a range of fun and meaningful community events across St. Charles County. From art installations and local luncheons to anime celebrations and Halloween festivities, there’s something for everyone. Come learn about our mission to help individuals with disabilities build social skills while enjoying interactive experiences, meeting local artists, and celebrating the season. Check out our upcoming events and find out how you can be a part of building a more inclusive community! Read the full article here

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

The above calendar shows all the days the Pathways recruitment team will be at St. Charles activities in October 2024.

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2024 Trivia Night Sponsors!

Thank you to our Presenting Partner Ascension!

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2024 Trivia Night!

Support Pathways to Independence 2024 Trivia Night on Saturday, February 24th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Register today!

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Care to Celebrate – Thank you for your support!

Pathways to Independence is grateful for all of the support in making our virtual wine tasting, Care to Celebrate a huge succes. Our supporters helped us raise over $10,000!

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Give STL Day – May 6th!

We are very excited to have generous matching gifts again this year, doubling each donation – up to $7500!  If you would like to encourage friends and family to give to Pathways for this event – consider posting a personal fundraiser on Facebook or promote via email.   Contact [email protected] for more information and assistance.  Early Giving […]

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Pathways Welcomes New Board Member, Keith Jacob

Keith Jacob founded and ran a full-service staffing company in St. Louis for the past 24 years.  His newest entrepreneurial venture is FocalPoint Business Coaching and Training.  Keith currently sits on the board of the Missouri Merchants and Manufacturing Association and the Alumni Board for the Entrpreneur’s Organization – St. louis Chapter.  He is also […]

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Virtual Trivia – Thank You!

Trivia Night is our biggest fundraiser, and the decision to go virtual this year was a little scary for everyone.  We appreciate all of you who participated, sponsored and donated allowing us to raise $13,295 to support Pathways’ mission.  These important fundraising dollars allow us to continue providing valuable programming and keep our community of  Pathways partipants connected and engaged during […]

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Pathways Welcomes New Board Member

Ellen Harmon is the Associate General Counsel for a global medical and emergency transport company. She has served on a variety of boards over the years.  Ellen is a member of Missouri Bar Association and currently serves as a board member for the St. Louis Audubon Society and Center for Patient Safety in addition to […]

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Pathways Welcomes New Board Member

Cary has a wide breadth of experience in the non-profit community. She has been involved with COCA, Hope Happens and the Garden Club of St. Louis. Cary specializes in networking and fundraising to support the organizations she cares about. She is excited to promote awareness of Pathways and help us reach our goal of doubling the number […]

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Pathways Welcomes New Board Member

Stephanie has a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Master’s in Higher Education and worked for more than a decade assisting college students with social-emotional development, community integration and general life skills. She is currently working on a law degree at St. Louis University and is eager to apply her legal knowledge in service to Pathways and […]

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Thank You for Your Support!

Pathways to Independence is grateful for all of the support received during our end of year appeal.  We raised $62,925 this year… our most successful campaign ever! Pathways is looking forward to expanding our services to reach even more people and helping our participants achieve confident, connected and fulfilled lives. 

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Congratulations Ray! Outstanding Service Award Recipient

The St. Charles County Coalition of Service Providers and the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board of St. Charles County recognized PTI’s very own Ray Bozesky with the Direct Support Professionals Outstanding Service Award in a ceremony on November 21, 2019.   Ray has an exceptional delivery of direct support.  He is one of those professionals who just […]

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Meet Pathways’ Newest Staff Member: Alyssa

Alyssa will be joining the team as a full-time staff member. She is the Program Manager for the newest addition at Pathways—a program to serve young adults ages 16+. Be sure to welcome Alyssa if you see her at an event!

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