Pathways to Independence

04/06/2026

Are you a caregiver or family member of a Pathways participant? Are you looking for guidance on what disability resources/benefits are out there for your loved one? We are here to help!

🔗 Scan the QR code or click below to register for our Disability 101 Info Nite for Family and Caregivers!

https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLSfR0Wzc2xiRrx9SzzrH0y3Bkrjfg43tXH4PD8qfIc4aGds2Sw/viewform?usp=send_form&pli=1&authuser=0

🗓️ Happening Saturday, April 26th from 10:30AM-12:30PM at the Pathways office

You'll learn about:
💡Benefit information
💡Planning for the future
💡Services and resources available

🤝 We will also feature breakout groups for caregivers and siblings

Thank you for being an amazing supporter to your Pathways participant!

03/19/2026

Spring is here 🐰 and Pathways is hopping all over St. Louis having fun! Our crew can be spotted ...

🐟 Touching hearts at the Union Station Aquarium
🃏 Trading smiles at Pokekon
🛠️ Building bonds at an Ikea Scavenger Hunt
🐶 Making a difference crafting DIY dog toys for a local shelter
🍳 Cooking up new skills at our Cooking Class
🎭 Breaking a leg at our Fox Theatre tour
🐱 Petting new pals at the Cat Cafe
🌷 Crafting up fun with DIY flower arrangements

Interested in learning more? DM us or go to www.ptistl.org

03/18/2026

Boy Howdy! How Much Did We Raise at Trivia Night?

Thank you to those who were a part of the fun and fundraising at Pathways’ 17th Annual Trivia Night! We appreciate our community coming together to celebrate our participants and support our mission of helping people with disabilities find confidence and connection!

We are always looking to grow. If you attended Trivia Night, please fill out this short survey so we can make next year’s event even better: https://forms.gle/oYoP83YifzYRuCiy9

Congratulations to our Trivia Winners, the Zafft family, who have graciously donated their winnings back to the organization in memory of former participant, Susie Zafft.

Why do we gather? To celebrate and support people like Rudi, our Trivia Night Speaker this year. Rudi has been a Participant for over 20 years. His message of being welcomed by the Pathways community and finding trust in himself is an inspiring reminder of why this mission matters. Check out his speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8F1KgYsXwA&feature=youtu.be

… and boy howdy, did you all support! Together, we galloped right past our goal of $60,000 and raised ...

$61,666!

You showed up and showed us what it means to truly Find Your People. We could not be more grateful! With your contributions, we can fund the building of confidence, essential life skills, and friendships for people with disabilities.

Thank you.

Interested in staying up to date with Pathways? Subscribe to our newsletter: https://ptistl.us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=01b3aba0cf0182459bea19c88&id=432e0613f1

02/19/2026

Thank you, Trivia Sponsors!

These amazing businesses, organizations, and community members stepped up to support our biggest fundraising night of the year. This is more sponsors than we have ever had, and we couldn't be more grateful!

Every dollar given in support of Pathways goes towards building essential skills, confidence, and community.

Whether you are supporting, attending, or spreading the word about our mission, we appreciate your involvement in the Pathways community.

Now let's get fundraisin'! See you Saturday!

02/06/2026

Pathways participants are already getting the party started! 💃 Shellye, Ellie, Alyssa, and Holt cut up the dance floor with line dancing to get moving during this chilly week. Are you practicing your boot-scootin boogie for February 21st?

Trivia Night is only 2 weeks away! Tables are running out fast, so hurry to stake your claim.

Click here to nab your tickets for this night of fun and fundraisin':
https://ptistl.ejoinme.org/MyPages/RegistrationPage/tabid/1258630/Default.aspx

01/29/2026

Our Trivia Night speaker is .... Rudi! Leave a comment with some kind words to encourage Rudi before his speech 💙

We’re honored to welcome Rudi, a Pathways to Independence participant since 2003, as our Trivia Night speaker.

Rudi will share how Pathways helped him find community, build confidence, and develop the skills to form lasting friendships, especially during major life transitions. His story reflects the power of self-advocacy and the impact Pathways can have over a lifetime.

Join us to hear Rudi’s journey and why Pathways continues to matter in his life today.

Get your table before it's gone: https://ptistl.ejoinme.org/MyPages/RegistrationPage/tabid/1258630/Default.aspx

Unable to make it? Message us for sponsorship opportunities!

01/23/2026

How are you staying warm this winter? ❄️ Pathways is getting cozy and creative with our community!

⛄Young adults made vision boards to envision a great 2026
🌲Volunteers led a crafty class on jewelry making
⛸️ partnered with us for a lively game night
🧤Young adults have begun hosting their own small groups - this time with legos!

Have a skill you'd like to share with our community? DM us to host your own cozy wintertime event!

01/21/2026

"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This Monday, participants were invited to join an accessible virtual event to examine what social justice means to our community.

During this virtual event, participants got to learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and talk about social justice for all people.

Dr. King's impact is felt through the activism of everyone who believes in inclusion. Thank you to our Program Specialist, DeVonshae, for leading this important discussion!

12/29/2025

Thank you, Safety National, for continuing our tradition of lovely holiday parties together!

This year participants played bingo and snowball co****le, crafted clay snowmen, and won prizes, all while celebrating this wonderful community.

Safety National is a leading specialty insurance and reinsurance provider. With a culture built on relationships and over 80 years of unique expertise and resources, Safety National specializes in providing long-term solutions to their clients.

Cheers to Finding Our People in 2025!

12/17/2025

Trivia Night is Saturday, February 21st! Mark your calendars for Pathways’ biggest fundraising event of the year coming this February.

Enjoy games, raffles, and trivia starting at 7 PM. The best decorated table will even win a prize!

Keep an eye out for your official invitation (coming in January) which will announce our theme. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Add to your Google Calendar: tinyurl.com/pathwaystrivia

Interested in volunteering? Have questions? Email grace@ptistl.org for more info!

Unable to make it but still want to make your impact? Donate today: tinyurl.com/pathwaysdonation

12/10/2025

Your Gift Changes Lives: Glenn Shares a Parent Perspective on Social Opportunities for People with Disabilities

Families searching for social opportunities for people with disabilities often rely on the insight of other parents. Glenn’s perspective on his son John’s first year with Pathways shows just how life-changing the right community can be. Since John first joined, Glenn says, “he hasn’t looked back!”

At 27, John lives with Asperger’s Syndrome and other mental health challenges. Before joining, Glenn recalls “It was the same thing every day. I could tell he seemed unhappy at times and was looking for activities to do.” That all changed when John became part of the Pathways community.

For Glenn, sharing a parent perspective on social opportunities for people with disabilities means highlighting how much confidence and connection John has gained. “He has more friends since joining Pathways than at any time I can remember! His confidence is as high as it’s ever been,” Glenn says. John agrees. “I’ve gotten more confident in myself. I’ve been more social and interacted more with people.”

Seeing his son thrive has meant everything to Glenn. “Pathways is a place for anyone and everyone. It’s the perfect place for people with disabilities to make friends.” Looking ahead, Glenn says they’re both excited for what’s next. “We’re looking forward to this upcoming year and many more down the line.”

If this story inspires you, please consider making a donation to support Pathways. Your gift helps build connections, grow programs, and foster independence for people with disabilities in the Greater St. Louis Area.

We are truly thankful for your participation in the Pathways community in 2025. Your gift today directly impacts our mission to help those with disabilities truly Find Their People in 2026. Thank you.

🔗 Click here to donate today: tinyurl.com/pathwaysdonation

12/03/2025

New Video 🎥 Three Minutes to Find Your People with Pathways Parents

At Pathways to Independence, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendship, confidence, and community through shared experiences. In this video, parents share the real impact Pathways has had on their families.

If this video moves you, please consider making a donation to Pathways. Your gift directly supports independence for so many people with disabilities in the Greater St. Louis area.

Donate: https://www.tinyurl.com/pathwaysdonation/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6QWJ_S5NJws

Thank you for helping our community Find Their People 🧡

Three Minutes to Find Your People | Pathways Parents Share Their StoriesAt Pathways to Independence, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities ...