Our Services
Life Skills Classes
“Am I going to make it?” is a common question of adolescents growing up in orphanages as they contemplate adulthood. They share a genuine concern about their readiness to handle life on their own! Pathways strives to prepare these young people, ages 14-18, to overcome obstacles they will face on the road to independence through Life Skills Classes. Our goal is to create an environment in which every voice is valued and respected. We engage students in meaningful personal learning through the use of games, object lessons, discussions, videos, role plays, and activities that promote personal application. We welcome difficult questions and encourage each group to work together and support each other – important skills for the road ahead. Topics covered in Life Skills Classes include communication, decision making, goal setting, managing resources, studying effectively, problem solving, conflict resolution, and looking ahead.
Case Management
Pathways staff meet with young adults, 18 and older, who are ready to make the big leap from orphanage care to independent living. First, we assess their needs and their strengths; and then, we assist in setting goals for next steps. We help them recognize their own strengths and how these can help turn their goals into reality. Pathways also searches for people who can come alongside these young adults in the journey and join their support team on the challenging path to independence. Ours is a holistic approach – one that promotes emotional, social, spiritual, and physical wellness while addressing educational, vocational, and legal needs, as well. Once an individual’s goals are established, a case manager meets with her or him twice monthly to provide mentoring and practical help in evaluating progress and adopting strategies for ongoing success.
Peer Mentorship
All of us long for people to identify with us, to understand us, and to walk with us. Pathways’ peer mentors are guides who are walking the road to independence themselves and are now reaching out a hand to help others. Research indicates the best-equipped individuals to support orphans transitioning out of residential homes are orphans who have journeyed to independence themselves. At Pathways, our peer mentors accompany staff to residential homes to facilitate life skills classes. The lessons come alive as they share their stories. Peer mentors also speak into the lives of those in our case management program. We see that their transparent sharing of struggles and joys in their own journey brings hope to those who are just stepping out into independence. Our peer mentors are able to identify with the young adults we serve, and often give valuable insights to our case managers that aid in their mentoring.