YOU Keep the Dream Alive!
Celebrating 50 Years of Helping Kids and Families: Pathway Caring for Children’s Journey
In 1973, a vision to transform the lives of foster children became a reality. Today, Pathway Caring for Children celebrates 50 years of dedicated service, empowering children and families across our community. Let’s take a journey through our history and look towards our future.
Our Humble Beginnings
1. A Dream Takes Root
In 1969, Jim Bridges, a foster care caseworker, recognized the need for a more effective approach to supporting foster children. He envisioned a community-based program that would provide comprehensive support and training to foster families, enabling them to work through challenges as a team. Social workers are the backbones of many support systems. They navigate complex human challenges with ingenuity and compassion. Their work extends beyond standard procedures, requiring a unique blend of professional expertise and compassion.
2. The First Pathway Home
In November 1973, Pathway Caring for Children was incorporated, and the first group home for teen boys opened on Spring Avenue in Canton, Ohio. This marked the beginning of a journey that would impact thousands of lives over the next five decades.
Milestones Through the Years
1970s: Laying the Foundation
- 1973: Pathway is incorporated, with Jim and Velma Bridges joined by original board members.
- 1979: Foster Home network established to provide trained, caring homes for children.
1980s: Expanding Services
- 1986: Harvard Avenue Group Home opens for adolescent boys
- 1986: Volunteers begin collecting prairie seeds for restoration projects
1990s: Growth and Specialization
- 1992: Foster home network upgraded to Treatment Foster Care
- 1994: Pathway Support Services organized
- 1997: Official name change to Pathway Caring for Children
- 1998: Post Adoptive Family Support Services created
2000s: Broadening Our Reach
- 2002: Pathway approved for adoption placements
- 2003: First Family Home opened in Canton
- 2008: Mental health services expanded to include community children and families
2010s and Beyond: Adapting to New Challenges
- 2018: Became a “Bridges” program provider for young adults transitioning out of foster care
- 2020: Adapted services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including telehealth options
- 2022: Began offering Early Childhood Mental Health prevention services
The Impact of Our Work
Over the past 50 years, Pathway Caring for Children has touched the lives of countless individuals. Our programs have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community, always staying true to our core mission of empowering children and families.
Key Areas of Service
- Foster Care and Foster-to-Adoption: Providing loving homes and permanent families for children in need
- Mental Health Services: Offering counseling and support for children, families, and the community
- Family Support: Assisting families through various challenges and transitions
- Youth Services: Supporting young adults as they transition to independence
A Message from Our Co-Founder
Velma Bridges, co-founder of Pathway Caring for Children, reflects on the organization’s journey:
“As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, I cannot help but reflect on all that Pathway has accomplished because of support and guidance from you – our friends, our partners, our community.”
The Vision of a Full-Circle Caring Community
Velma envisions a community where:
- Children and families are at the center
- Case managers and therapists form a supportive inner circle
- Staff, volunteers, and board members provide additional support
- The broader community offers opportunities for success
“When this happens, we have the best chance of changing a child’s experiences of negative self-image and rejection to them, knowing they deserve love and care. Then, that child will know how to love and care for others and positively contribute to our community.”
Looking to the Future
As we celebrate 50 years of service, Pathway Caring for Children remains committed to its mission of empowering children and families. We continue to adapt our services to meet the evolving needs of our community, always striving to provide hope and healing.
Our Ongoing Commitment
- Expanding mental health services to reach more individuals in need
- Enhancing support for young adults transitioning out of foster care
- Developing innovative programs to address emerging challenges in child welfare
- Strengthening partnerships within the community to create a robust support network
Join Us in Making a Difference
We invite you to join us as we embark on the next 50 years. Whether through volunteering, fostering, or supporting our programs, your involvement can help change lives and strengthen our community.
Ways to Get Involved
- Become a foster parent.
- Volunteer your time and skills.
- Attend our fundraising events.
- Make a donation to support our programs.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Hope
For 50 years, Pathway Caring for Children has been a beacon of hope for children and families in our community. Our impact has grown tremendously from our humble beginnings with just a few boys in a group home to now serving over 1,500 children and families annually.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to our founding vision – providing a place where children can live through their problems with people trained and committed to their success. With your continued support, we can ensure that Pathway Caring for Children will be there for generations, offering hope, healing, and a pathway to a brighter future.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families for the next 50 years and beyond.