Nancy

“I am 19 years old. I was sent to Pathway of Hope when I was 17. Might I say not by my own choice either. I had a very rebellious heart and I didn’t want to change my ways. So my parents decided to perform an “intervention”.  I had recently been involved in some minor drug use, been pregnant, had a miscarriage and had almost perfected my lying. I had buried myself in so many lies that I had forgotten who the Lord created me to be.  I feel God’s calling on my life was made fairly clear to me about two weeks into my stay at Pathway. While I was there I had many informative counseling sessions. Scott had also set goals that I had to meet before I left. He helped instill discipline in me (something I have never been good at). I made lifetime friendships with people I worked with at Springhill (I worked there while the other girls attended school), staff at Pathway, and a couple of the girls. After four months at Pathway, a serious “heart surgery,” and being under the loving care of Scott, Angela and all of the Pathway staff, I was released back into the real world.”

“Since I was released from Pathway I have established myself in a Christian retail company. I am already an assistant manager at one of our store locations. I have recently gotten married to a wonderful man who shares my beliefs and convictions. We actually met because Scott got me the interview at the store location I started at. (He said he knew there was a reason I needed to work at that store). I am involved as a youth leader at my church. My relationship with my parents has moved to a much deeper level because of my experience at Pathway. I am not saying everything is perfect; but I am actually able to relate to my parents, and I look forward to spending time with them when we get the chance. The thought of what my life would be like had I not gone to Pathway scares me and I am so thankful for the program.  I keep in contact regularly with some of the Pathway staff and I try to keep up with some of the girls I shared my time with there.”

Julia 

“During my last year of High School I had the privilege to intern at Pathway of Hope. I was very nervous but Mr. Gardner and his staffs made me feel very welcome. I was able to observe all job duties at Pathway from the courtroom to direct care. Being at Pathway helped me learn a lot about myself and the career path that will fit for me. The girls taught me that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I became close to many of the girls. When girls graduate from the program they are able to pick a “favorite” staff to present their award and I was lucky enough to be chosen. I was so honored because the girls work so hard. During my time at Pathway my faith in God and all He is capable of was so defined. God is at work at Pathway. You can feel His presence throughout the whole place and in the workers. I must say that while at Pathway it made me feel like I had a second family. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.”

Anonymous

“Before I went to Pathway I was basically a wreck. I had no goals for life and I thought that life sucked. During my stay at Pathway I learned that life had a lot of good stuff in it that I wasn’t aware of because of my situation. And I learned that no matter what I had been through that I could still be someone important. I had a lot of problems but I got the help I needed to overcome them. If you knew me before Feb. 27, 2007 and saw me in June of 2008 when I left, you wouldn’t believe it was really me. Because of Pathway Of Hope I have grown spiritually and have a better view on life and myself. I have a wonderful home with one of the staff from Pathway who took me in and I have since been adopted by her and her husband and I have a real FAMILY. Thank you so much for all you have done to make my life better.”

Steve & Nancy

“Our daughter struggles every day of her life.  She was born with fetal alcohol syndrome. However, we did not have the diagnosis until late in her teens.  My husband and I adopted our lovely daughter when she was just an infant.  She was the apple of her father’s eye and gave us so much joy!  But as she grew and the years went by, we knew something wasn’t right.   By the time she was in ninth grade, her life had spiraled out of control. She was skipping school, using drugs, getting in trouble with the law, and putting herself in extremely dangerous situations. We tried two different types of residential treatment centers/rehabs, only to see her continue to destroy her life and ours. In desperation, we called Pathway of Hope.  I can remember crying when Scott (the founder/director) prayed for us at the end or our initial phone conversation.  We placed Kelsey in Pathway’s care for ten months.  It was a very difficult journey, but Kelsey graduated and has been home for eight months.  I am certain that without the help of the wonderful people at Pathway, Kelsey would not be with us today. We will be forever grateful to Scott, Angela and the others who showed our family so much love!  We feel there is a need for more homes like Pathway of Hope.”