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While there are many struggling in our community and in this economy, Pathways (PTH) is providing programs and services that are working to stabilize, strengthen and empower families.Your partnership with us makes this possible! We hope you enjoy reading the first e-newsletter, On the Path and the impact your support is having in the lives of children and families every day. April 2012 Issue 1 P a t h w a y s t o H o m e April 2012

On the Path: Pathways to Home September Newsletter

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While there are many struggling in our community and in this economy, Pathways (PTH) is providing programs and services that are working to stabilize, strengthen and empower families. Your partnership with us makes this possible! We hope you enjoy reading the first e-newsletter, On the Path and the impact your support is having in the lives of children and families every day.

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While there are many struggling in our community and in this economy, Pathways (PTH) is providing programs and services that are working to stabilize, strengthen and empower families. Your partnership with us makes this possible! We hope you enjoy reading the first e-newsletter, On the Path and the impact your support is having in the lives of children and families every day. April 2012

Issue 1

Pathways to Home

April 2012

April 2012Page 1

...bright future

for him

Kenny Roe has been an asset to Pathways to Home (PTH) since its inception; however, giving to his community is nothing new. As a volunteer FireFighter in Long Island, New York, at the age of 18, Kenny found it natural to serve his community and has not stopped since. Spurred on by an awareness of the blessings in his own life and the need in the lives of others, Kenny blesses PTH and the families it serves with his dedication and enthusiasm.

First introduced to Pathways to Home through St. Stephen’s Catholic Community, Kenny began by simply doing what needed to be done. Alissa Kraman, PTH Program Director, noted, “when presented with a challenge, Kenny acts quickly to Find a resolution.”

As president of Custom Wall Designs, LLC, Kenny has not only contributed his own personal resources to Pathways to Home, but also with the support of his family, friends and clients, he has encouraged others to become aware of the challenges facing homeless families in Seminole County. He Finds himself not only inspired by the families he meets and the impact PTH has had on their lives, but also our community’s generosity when the immense need that exists is understood.

The profound importance of organizations like PTH was underscored one day as he was helping store furniture inventory for PTH with the help of a local moving company that had donated their services. While loading items into the Boys Town building in Sanford, the young man employed with the moving company pointed out a room there that had been his bedroom for a time as a child. The man commented that the help he received there allowed him to have a great job, a great family and a fulFilling life. Witnessing this full-circle moment reinforced Kenny’s conviction that every child deserves a safe bed and a warm blanket.

As a community servant since his youth, Kenny has been very familiar with many charitable organizations, but remains astounded at how quickly Pathways to Home has grown and how much the organization has accomplished in a relatively short time. To anyone interested in volunteering, Kenny advises, “ don’t be afraid to start somewhere.” He adds that with even a minimal amount of time, anyone can help and just build on it from there to Find where one’s skills and time are most valuable.

Article by Megan Aldridge

spotlight: volunteer

We are always looking for in-kind contributions to help lower the cost. Below are just a few things on our “wish list.” Please contact [email protected].

Gift CardsWelcome baskets for families moving in homesOffice suppliesPackages of toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs

do

nate now...

April 2012Page 2

...bright future

for him

Make a difference.• Volunteer• Host a Dress Down

Day to raise funds for Pathways (PTH)

• Sponsor a family• Speakers Bureau • Host a drive for

needed items• Donate professional

services like marketing etc.

empoweringfamilies together

get involved

wish listWe are always looking for in-kind contributions to help lower the cost. Below are just a few things on our “wish list.” Please contact [email protected].

Gift CardsWelcome baskets for families moving in homesOffice suppliesPackages of toilet paper, paper towels, light bulbs

Birthday cakes for families graduating from our program

Silent auction items for fundraisersDiapers – All sizes

donate

now...

Denice is a strong, confident and outgoing woman. Denise is also a mother, a

daughter and was a dedicated wife. But behind this intelligent and beautiful

women is a story of physical and verbal abuse.

When Denice recalls her relationship with her ex-husband, she says that

what stands out is that you never knew what his mood would be that day.

The abuse she received would be based on his moods. She would have to

hide in her own house before he arrived home, for fear of the abuse she

might receive.

Denice stayed in that home with her children because she depended

on her husband financially to care for her and their children. Without

marketable skills, she felt like she couldn’t afford to leave and take care of

herself and her children.

One day, after receiving a black eye from him, she finally had enough and

gathered the children and left. As she expected, her life became even

more difficult. Denice did find a job making $8.00 per hour, but caring for

a family with low wages was a constant uphill battle. Things took a turn

for the worse when her hours were cut to 8 hours every 2 weeks and

Denice found herself looking for employment once again.

Just when Denice was feeling at her lowest and all alone she received

a visit from Alissa, Pathways Program Director. During this visit Denice

found out that she was not alone, and that there were people who

wanted to help her. She said that she finally had hope and that

Pathways could help her get out of this deep hole.

So Pathways became Denice’s support system. Pathways helped her

financially until she was able to pay her rent, utilities on her own. She

took budgeting classes, opened a bank account and began taking

classes aimed at increasing her employability. Denice says Family

Team Conferencing really works and how it helped her do things she

couldn’t imagine she would ever be able to do.

Today Denice is working making $10.00 per hour at Cocina 214

Restaurant & Bar in Winter Park and says she is able to handle

situations calmly, making sound decisions. She mentions often that

she is strong, stable and has high self-esteem now that she has

graduated from the Pathways program. She is currently shopping

for a vehicle of her own. Denice stated that once she receives the

education that she wants….just look out!!

through the eyes of childrenWhat can we learn from kids’ wishes?

Be prepared to be surprised by the child’s world. For, among the anticipated wishes for toys and treats, there are also wishes of amazing humanity and grandness:

When asked, “If you could have three wishes, what would they be?”

April 2012Page 3

“I would like to be a lawyer when I get out of college.”

-Molly, age 11

“car”-Nayom, age 6

-Molly, age 11

“my first wish would be probably to have a million dollars to take care of my family members.”

“To have a grandfather”-Derrick, age 9

“a pair of black jordan’s slides.”-Dimitri, age 6

“money”-Nayom, age 6

“to be successful”-John, age 13

“I wish to be a choreographer. I want to go to a great college and major in dance, especially Hip Hop.”

-Timothy, age 18

“i would love to rescue animals”-Timothy, age 18

“to be part monkey”-Derrick, age 9

“house”-Nayom, age 6

“i want a pet dog”-Timothy, age 18

donat

e today...

...provide moments

like this

caring‘n

upcoming eventsMark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events:

The Pathway Home Breakfast

If you want to learn more about us, please join us for The Pathway Home Breakfast. This free breakfast will enlighten you and inspire you. Help make a difference in a child’s life, help make a difference in your community, join Pathways (PTH) so you too can make a difference.

For more information please call 407.585.3087.

Pathway to Home presents...Dance, Dream, & Inspire

Save the Date for an exciting night of fun for a great cause on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 at the Sanford Civic Center.

Six Stars (TBA) will be paired with professional dancers from local dance studios. More information to come soon!

Stable. Safe. Productive. Meaningful.

A few basic attributes of the American life most of us take for granted

perhaps, but to thousands of Central Florida’s children and families a life

with these qualities is a dream yet to be realized.

Here enters Intervention Services, Inc. (ISI) a non-profit organization serving

the needs of at-risk and dependent children and families in Central Florida

since 1994. In four counties, ISI endeavors to expand its partnerships with

community businesses to achieve the greatest value of quality services

that foster personal and economic independence and self-reliance

among the children it serves.

As partners with Pathways to Home, children ages 18-23 who have

aged out of the formal foster care system are guided towards personal

autonomy and self-sufficiency through mentoring and personal

development counseling.

Lives that once seemed hopeless and fearful now have the tools and

potential to bring to fruition the American dream.

Article by Megan Aldridge

April 2012Page 4

partnership

donat

e today......provide momen

ts like this

Board of Advisors

Pathways Staff

Partner Agencies

Steve Burris, ChairAlene Stewart, Vice-ChairJoe Vaughan, SecretaryFather John Bluett, TreasurerGeorge BakerCaptain Greg Barnett

Bakari BurnsSteve ChitwoodWanda Duty Eric Gassman, CPA, CPFO, CGFOKathleen Gallagher McIverDeana Schott

Debbra Groseclose Executive DirectorAlissa Kraman Program DirectorDebbie Leon Development DirectorStacey Beck Case Manager

Akilah Hunte Resource Library - Public AlliesKelly Jasen Eligibility SpecialistSharon Nelson Case ManagerJennifer Plant Budget AnalystCharmaine Williams Office Manager