Mentors play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging the clients in Pathways to Independence.
Most of the clients have never experienced a healthy relationship with an adult. The idea of someone wanting to help and support them without an ulterior motive is often completely foreign.
Over time, mentors teach the clients to trust again and help the clients develop an adult set of values that aren’t anchored in the dysfunction of their childhood. The clients are required to check in with their mentors at least once a week by phone and then usually the mentor will coordinate an in person meeting once a month.
50+ medical professionals collaborate to keep the young women in our program healthy. Since all the clients in Pathways are poor by state/federal standards, very few of them have ever had regular visits to the doctor and in some cases have never been to a doctor.
40+ licensed therapists donate their time every week to help heal the pain left by years of abuse and neglect. Through mandatory weekly counseling, our young women are able improve their self esteem, organize their feelings, and address the psychological damage wrought by dysfunctional families.
5 local mechanics help us acquire and maintain cars for all the young women in Pathways. Most of the clients couldn’t afford cars prior to entering the program. A working car greatly facilitates getting to school, to work, to therapy and to Pathways related events in addition to immediately giving the clients a greater sense of freedom and independence.
15+ dentists and orthodontists donate time and materials to keep our clients smiling. Upon entering our program, many clients have poor dental hygiene and are in need of serious dental work and orthodontia. Improving a young woman’s smile is one of the quickest ways to boost her self esteem.