By Jaimie Julia Winters
“Wait until my parents see what I’ve done.”
Those words came after an individual at Pathways to Independence received his very first paycheck through the organization’s Extended Employment Program. For him, the check represented more than money earned for a job. It was a tangible sign that he was accomplishing something on his own — and a milestone he could proudly take home to his parents.
Moments like that are at the heart of Pathways to Independence, a Kearny-based organization that has spent nearly five decades helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build skills, find employment, and become more independent.
Founded 49 years ago as the West Hudson Council for the Handicapped by a group of parents, Pathways began with just seven adults with disabilities. Today, the organization supports more than 150 adults each day, providing programs throughout New Jersey with a primary focus on Hudson, Bergen, and Essex counties.
“They recognized the need for meaningful opportunities for their family members with disabilities after high school,” said Gloria Spence, board secretary. “Their vision was simple yet powerful: to create a place where adults with disabilities could continue learning, growing and becoming active members of their communities.”
That vision continues to guide Pathways today.
Through day and employment services, career planning, community-based supports, community inclusion, prevocational training, supportive employment, transportation, respite, and other programs, Pathways works with each person according to their individual abilities, needs, and goals.
For Executive Director Alvin Cox, the most rewarding part of the work is seeing those goals become reality.
“One of the greatest compliments to receive is when a parent says, ‘My son has been in numerous programs, but he really loves coming to Pathways,’” Cox said.
Turning Skills Into Opportunities
Employment is an important part of Pathways’ mission. Its supported and organizational employment programs help participants develop workplace skills and obtain and maintain jobs.
One recent success story is Beron, a participant in the Supported Employment Program who secured a position as a maintenance worker at New Jersey City University.
Now he has another goal: saving enough money to rent his own apartment.
For Pathways, that kind of goal represents what independence can look like — not necessarily the same for everyone, but shaped around each individual’s aspirations.
“His accomplishments reflect the mission and values of Pathways,” Cox said.
Walking for a Cause
Community support helps make those opportunities possible, and Pathways will bring that community together Sept. 26 for its 24th Annual Walk-A-Thon & Tricky Tray.
The event begins at 10 a.m. at West Hudson Park, at the Schuyler Avenue entrance, and will feature the Walk-A-Thon, Tricky Tray, food, gifts and prizes. Participants who collect $100 in pledges will receive a free T-shirt.
Proceeds help support Pathways’ job-skills training and other programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Tricky Tray has become a favorite part of the event, with prizes ranging from jewelry and watches to a 65-inch LED television and themed gift baskets.
Registration forms are available at Pathways to Independence, 60 Kingsland Ave., Kearny. For information, call 201-997-6155. Sponsorship and donation opportunities are also available.
Looking Toward the Future
After 49 years, Pathways is continuing to expand its vision of what independence can mean.
The organization is planning a Saturday Recreation Program that would provide adults with disabilities additional opportunities to socialize, participate in community activities and enjoy meaningful recreation outside the traditional weekday schedule.
Pathways is also developing an After-Hours Program from 3 to 6 p.m. The program would provide a safe and engaging environment for individuals whose parents or caregivers work later in the day, while giving families greater flexibility and peace of mind.
Facility improvements are also planned, including modernized bathrooms, new flooring throughout program areas and renovations designed to make program spaces safer, more comfortable and better suited to the needs of the people Pathways serves.
For Spence and Cox, the organization’s future remains connected to the dream of the parents who founded it nearly five decades ago.
What began as an effort to give seven adults opportunities after high school has grown into a network of programs serving more than 150 people each day.