Friends of Pathways will host its 26th annual event to benefit Pathways to Independence on October 1, 2022, in Long Beach. The theme of this year’s event is “Pathways to the Future.”
Pathways to Independence is a nonprofit that provides housing, mentoring, healthcare, therapy, college education, and services for young women who have experienced trauma. Pathways’ clients, despite having experienced great hardships, are eager to become self-sufficient by earning their college degree, finding a rewarding career, and giving back to their community in meaningful ways. Since Pathways helped its first student in 1991, the organization has assisted hundreds of young women in the Long Beach and Orange County areas.
Many of Pathways’ clients come from a background of abuse, homelessness or foster care. They have lacked the emotional and financial support systems that are often necessary for success. Yet, they are committed to completing their education and becoming self-sufficient.
Clients commit to maintaining a full-time class schedule with a minimum GPA, attending regular therapy sessions, maintaining part-time employment, being accountable to a mentor, learning fiscal responsibility, and having a planned graduation date. Pathways to Independence provides its clients with mentoring, tuition and books, housing stipends, healthcare, regular therapy by a licensed therapist, auto services, and assistance from professionals such as attorneys and accountants,
In 1996, Pathways to Independence was struggling financially and ready to close its doors. Along came a small group of “can-do” women who formed “Friends of Pathways” to raise funds for Pathways to Independence. They have grown from a handful of friends to a committee of over 75 volunteers.
Last year’s event attracted over 500 attendees. This year’s event will once again take place at the Park Estates section of Long Beach at 5552 E. El Cedral with the auction starting at 5:30 p.m. Activities will include cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, dancing, entertainment and prizes.
Donations are needed to support the event and will be gratefully accepted through September 1. Suggested donations include both goods and services including activity/event tickets, gift certificates, jewelry, airline miles, hotel points, restaurant gift cards, professional services, vacation homes, private lessons or house parties. Additional ideas for donations are welcome and encouraged.
Monetary donations are also welcome and checks are payable to: Friends of Pathways – Tax ID #33-0148082, P.O. Box 43, Los Alamitos, CA 90720. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. For sponsorship or auction opportunities, please contact Lisa Mais at 562.884.3629 Lisa.Mais@PathwaysToIndependence.org.
Attendees to this year’s event, themed “Pathways to the Future,” will enjoy futuristic food from more than 30 local restaurants and dancing to cosmic tunes. To learn more about the organization, the event and purchase tickets, please visit PathwaysGives.com.