Pathway Caring For Children

Today we celebrate and thank Mark Wedekemm for the past 15.5 years as a Pathway Youth Engagement Specialist! Mark has mentored so many young men and made a lasting impact on the lives of children and families! Mark shared, “The hardest thing is leaving the boys I work with. It’s been interesting to say the least and I could write a couple books!” You will be missed Mark, and happy retirement!

This month we take the time to say Pathway is committed to be advocates for all children and families in the constant pursuit of making them feel worthy and valued in hopes of changing any unfair perceptions that have been projected on them. We are committed to building a community rooted in dignity, empathy, and opportunity for all. We are Love, Recognize, Respect, Security, Success, Responsibility, and Personal Involvement.

Pathway stands to create a welcoming environment for all children, families, and individuals. This work takes all of us—staff, foster parents, volunteers, and YOU. Together, we create a culture that supports children and families in realizing the possibilities of their lives.

Want to make a difference? Join our team! ➡️ https://www.pathwaycfc.org/about-pathway/join-our-team/

Today we’re talking about “Bio Family” 💛
Supporting biological family relationships is one of the most important parts of foster care. Reunification is almost always the goal, and foster parents play a powerful role in that journey.
By modeling healthy responses, respectful boundaries, and being available for hard conversations, you can make a lifelong impact on the children and families you serve.
Always speak respectfully about biological parents. The way we talk about bio families helps children maintain their own sense of identity, love, and respect. ❤️
Are you interested in making a difference in a child's life? We can't wait to hear from you! Email [email protected] TODAY! Complete ALL foster parent pre-service training in just four days and take the first step toward changing a child’s story. July 23-26, 2026! 👉 Learn more and register today: https://www.pathwaycfc.org/events/foster-parent-pre-service/

Wellness Tip: Try the 5 Senses Grounding Exercise. Feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Grounding with your 5 senses can help bring you back to the present moment. Step outside and try this simple mental health exercise:
👀 Name 5 things you can see
✋ Name 4 things you can touch
👂 Name 3 things you can hear
👃 Name 2 things you can smell
👅 Name 1 thing you can taste
This practice can calm racing thoughts, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more connected to the world around you.
Today is a great day to get outside and give it a try!

Foster care is full of transitions 💛
As foster parents, one of the most important skills we can develop is learning to anticipate and navigate change with grace.

Be the role model your children need—SHOW them that it’s okay to feel anxious, sad, or scared, and still move forward. Your set the tone.

Routine and structure can make transitions feel safer and smoother at home. And when it’s time for a child to move on, remember: departures often come with mixed emotions for everyone involved.

Sometimes something as simple as letting a child help pack their belongings can provide comfort, emotional preparation, and a sense of closure.

Are you interested in making a difference in a child's life? We can't wait to hear from you! Email [email protected] TODAY! Complete ALL foster parent pre-service training in just four days and take the first step toward changing a child’s story. July 23-26, 2026! 👉 Learn more and register today: https://www.pathwaycfc.org/events/foster-parent-pre-service/

All Pathway offices are closed today for Memorial Day - Monday, May 25th. We sincerely thank and remember those who have served and sacrificed.

Being a foster parent requires time, self-sacrifice, dedication, and a little humor. It may be one of the most demanding roles you take on, but the rewards are immeasurable. Foster parents are equipped with resources to extend love and care to children in need of a soft landing spot.

Being a good team player by consulting with case managers when issues arise means that foster parents use the tools that are offered, take constructive criticism, and follow through with recommendations. We’re all in this together. Having good communication with the case manager gives foster parents an outlet for their feelings and concerns, and it provides a positive example to the child.

Are you interested in making a difference in a child's life? We can't wait to hear from you! Email [email protected] TODAY! Complete ALL foster parent pre-service training in just four days and take the first step toward changing a child’s story. July 23-26, 2026! 👉 Learn more and register today: https://www.pathwaycfc.org/events/foster-parent-pre-service/

Therapeutic foster care is more than a safe home—it’s healing through everyday moments. 💙

It’s a family. A kitchen table. A school morning. A steady adult who understands that behavior is communication and stays present when things get hard.

Pathway families open their hearts and homes to children carrying deep wounds, helping them look beyond the pain and begin putting the broken pieces back together.

Read the full blog → https://www.pathwaycfc.org/blog/what-therapeutic-foster-care-actually-means-and-why-it-matters/

Move a Little : Stretch. Walk. Dance it out.
Moving your body—even just a little—can ease anxiety, release tension, and lift your mood. How are you moving today?