Pathways to Independence
PROGRAMS
Pathways to Independence
Pathways to Independence is a comprehensive program providing education, health care, counseling, mentoring, housing and automotive support to women living below the poverty level. While in receipt of this support, these young women commit to a program of education that will lead them to social and financial independence. Currently 40 young women are in the program, all who have suffered poverty. 70% are recovering from chemical dependency, 60% have experienced sexual abuse and have specialized therapists treating that issue and about 60% of our clients have experienced homelessness. Clients remain in the Pathways program approximately 3-5 years, the large majority receiving a Bachelor's degree. Since inception, Pathways to Independence has operated with a relatively high program efficiency ratio (program services / total expenses), which averages 80%. This reflects the tremendous contributions from close to 120 volunteers. No one who serves on the Board of Directors receive any remuneration.
Long term success is measured by the number who complete the program. Over 470 have been helped by Pathways to Independence. 80% of those who enter the program graduate from college and become successful. At graduation celebrations, all clients and mentors attend as well as many service providers. Each honored graduate shares what she has overcome to be who she is today. A recent graduate said, "Prior to acceptance into Pathways, I was barely living. My life consisted of sleeping in my car and being in survival mode to make it through each day. Upon acceptance, I was assigned a mentor, a therapist, a medical doctor, a dentist, and a car mechanic. I was given a monthly stipend that allowed me to pay rent for my own studio apartment, a place where I felt safe. Today I am no longer a broken little girl who survives each and every day. Today I am a woman who holds her head up high and thrives." She is now a Nurse Practitioner. Pathways provides a network of support and encouragement to allow the young women in the program to become empowered.
CONTACT
Pathways to Independence
P.O. Box 43
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Diana Hill
diana.hill@pathwaystoindependence.org
Phone: 310-720-7677