Pathways to Independence

"It really is just a great opportunity to connect with a group of people who are passionate about inclusion." That's how Washington University in St. Louis student leader Josie describes her Best Buddies International chapter's ongoing partnership with Pathways.

This ongoing collaboration brings college students together with participants across our Young Adult and adult programs for genuine connection. Through interactive group activities and one-on-one buddy pairs, this partnership connects our participants with peers in the wider community while giving students hands-on experience in disability advocacy.

Reflecting on the personal impact of these gatherings, Josie shared: "My favorite part is just seeing those friendships blossom."

Pathways is actively seeking to build similar partnerships with forward-thinking businesses, educational institutions, and civic organizations. Partnering with us gives your team a hands-on way to embody inclusion and make a lasting impact in the Greater St. Louis area.

📲 Read the full feature article to get started: https://ptistl.org/2026/10/community-partner-volunteer-opportunities-st-louis-pathways/

Who's ready for some fun this fall? 🙋‍♀️ 🍂 Pathways is making the most of the change in seasons by trying new things and making friends! Let's see what we got up to in September:

🐴 Laura, Ryan, and Cindy connected with Sundance and learned about how animals can heal people thanks to Arise Equine Therapy

🤜 Kristie, Brandon, and Kathleen gained confidence and self defense skills with the guidance of Legends Karate

🪢 Young Adults Drew, Matthew, and Ava passed their friend Zac through the low ropes course in Missouri Bluffs State Park

✨ Cindy hosted a Social Focus Small Group seeing the beautiful light displays at MO Botanical gardens with her friends

🐶 Brian and Dorian enjoyed petting puppies and shopping at the St. Charles Vintage Market

🎮 Katie hosted a Social Focus Small Group exploring and talking pokemon at Yeti Gaming

😂 Melissa shared a laugh with Tina at Courtney's Social Focus Small Group at the Streets of St. Charles Concert

🥨 Ben and Matthew shared snacks and smiles in St. Charles at Oktoberfest

🌈 Susie, John, Aaron and friends expressed themselves in their brightest rainbows for Tower Grove Pride

🔍 Young Adults Ava, KP, and Mitchell solved the mystery at Adventures in Intrigue

Make a meaningful impact. Partner with Pathways for your next volunteering event and join us in making memories!

🔗 Go to ptistl.org/get-involved/volunteer/ to learn more!

As we reflect on our recent Annual family Picnic, it's days like this that remind us of the core of our mission: connection, confidence, and community.

Participants enjoyed the company of each other and got to know each other's families through casual chit chat over lunch and through get-to-know-you games. We also got games of wiffle ball and football going on the field!

Thank you to the J for partnering with us for so many years and allowing us to use your beautiful pavilion and recreational green space ⚾ and thank you to Valenti's Catering for providing delicious pasta, salad, and rolls 🍝

Thank you to Blue Bell Creameries for donating perfect portions of chocolate and vanilla ice cream 🍦 and thank you to our Ambassadors, Crystal and Dave, for hand-delivering ice cream to families!

If you want to be a part of the magic, consider supporting these lifechanging programs through donation or sponsorship. To learn more, go to ptistl.org/donate

We are so proud of Aaron and Jay! What a great opportunity to master the same types of social skills we learn at Pathways in an inclusive professional environment. We love bringing Social Growth groups to try all your delicious treats and see the Pioneer team's great work 💛

At the heart of The Pioneer Café is a commitment to inclusion, breaking down barriers, and creating lifelong opportunities for people of all abilities. And you, our customers, are a key part of making that possible.

Today, we’re proud to congratulate our five 2026 StepUP graduates! 🎓👏

StepUP, our award-winning collaboration with Lafayette Industries, has now celebrated six graduating classes and 60 graduates. Even more importantly, 45 graduates (75%) have gained and maintained competitive employment after successfully completing this rigorous, multi-year training program.

And we’re just getting started! Our largest new StepUP class ever begins in early October, and we need your help. Every time you visit The Pioneer gives our participants more opportunities to learn, practice, grow and build the skills and confidence needed for lifelong employment.

So STEP UP for StepUP! Stop in a little more often, bring a friend, have breakfast or lunch, and be part of creating opportunities that can last a lifetime. 💙


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Wow! What an incredible show of community we got to experience recently in St. Charles County. Pathways attended two incredible events that brought us face to face with some of the most dedicated advocates across sectors - families, direct support professionals, educators, and more!

🤝 Thank you to everyone at Community Council of St. Charles County for the amazing opportunity to connect with other nonprofits at the Community Services Summit. Our Adult Program Manager, Christine, connected with many organizations that could be vital resources for our participants.

🚀 And thank you to the team behind the BCI (Boone Center Inc.) Disability Transition Planning Conference for bringing together disability services and the families who need them. Our Executive Director, Matt, was a member of the planning committee who made sure the event ran smoothly, including insightful breakout sessions and parent panels.

Our Community Engagement Coordinator, Grace, represented Pathways at both events, welcoming guests at the information booth and sharing the organization's mission with attendees.

How lucky we are to learn and connect with the neurodiverse and the professionals who support them! We cannot wait to build these connections into meaningful partnerships that help all of us in St. Charles County. Thank you so much 🧡

🔗 Click here to learn more: https://ptistl.org/2026/09/st-charles-county-disability-support-partnerships/

Behind every metric is a personal journey of courage and growth.

From July 2025 to July 2026, the Pathways community focused on building real skills and lifelong connections. Here is what that growth looks like:

💪 99% increased their level of independence
🩵 99% reported feeling a sense of belonging at Pathways
🎯 98% saw measurable skill improvement in social skills, self advocacy, and functional life skills
🏠 97% of families see participants actively apply these skills at home

Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and helps this incredible community thrive!

🔗 Learn more at our website: https://ptistl.org/2026/09/pathways-outcomes-in-action/

It's Direct Support Professional (DSP) Recognition week! 💙 Every day, our DSPs go above and beyond to empower and advocate for neurodiverse individuals in St. Louis.

Check out these photos to see our amazing team members out in the community doing what they do best!

🧺 Ray, Jocelyn, and Bailee enjoy the outdoors and each other's company at the 20-Somethings Potluck Picnic
🎭 Lacey and Tyrone enjoy some frozen treats before a show at The Muny
🧡 Chris, Jamie, and DeVonshae support Participant Laine's family as they debut The Tree Frog
🥎 Ed leads some fun in the sun for participants at last years Annual Picnic at The J - St. Louis
🎄 Jen, DeVonshae, Mary Beth, and Kelli bring the cheer for St. Louis Union Station Polar Express Night
🦌 Bryce goes along for the ride as participants experience the Grant's Farm Tour!
🇨🇷 Madison chats with Carrie, Mike, and Evan over Costa Rican snacks
🍝 Jim joins Chris and Matt in enjoying Favazza's Restaurant on the hill

Pathways' Direct Support Professionals build bridges to confidence, friendship, and community inclusion. Thank you to our team and to all DSPs who make magical moments possible.

💬 Comment and share your favorite memory with a Pathways DSP!

If you know Pathways, you know Craftibility 🎨 We are so excited to be bringing a team to their upcoming Trivia Night!

The Details:
🗓️ When? Saturday, October 17th
(doors open at 5:30pm and trivia will run 6-9pm)
📍 Where? St. Timothy's Episcopal Church
(808 Mason Road, St. Louis, MO 63141)
🎟️ How much? tables of 10 are $250 or $25 per person

Craftibility Foundation and Pathways have partnered for many creative and community-building events! Funds for this event will go toward inclusion scholarships and programming.

We encourage you to register your team and play along with us for a great cause!

🔗 Find more information and register your team at craftibility.org/6th-annual-trivia-night

We will see you there!

If you're looking for resources to help your neighborhood thrive, the Community Services Summit is your place to be.

Pathways to Independence is delighted to join Community Council of St. Charles County and participate in this gathering of resources shared by local experts who care. Make a difference in your community by registering today!

The details:

🗓️ When - Tuesday, September 15th from 8AM-3PM
📍 Where - Calvary Church, 3998 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, St Peters, MO 63376
🎫 How much - $50 for Community Council members, $75 for non-members

🔗 Click here to learn more and sign up: https://ptistl.org/2026/08/join-us-community-services-summit/