Specializing in social, recreational, and leisure education for adults with learning disabilities since 1987.
Pathways to Independence (PTI) supports a group of adults with learning disabilities and associated disorders that have NO OTHER RESOURCE TO TURN TO for group social development. They, in many cases, have never fit in socially and are now forming the first meaningful relationships and friendships of their lives. PTI’s program teaches interpersonal skills and how to apply them through community-based events and activities that help the participants feel more comfortable and experience success both in their personal and work relationships.
Pathways to Independence was recently recognized by the St. Louis Riverfront Times as the Best Worthy Cause – see the following link: http://www.riverfronttimes.com/bestof/2010/award/best-worthy-cause-1101958/
• Social Isolation • Depression • Low Paying Jobs • Reduced Benefits • Lack of Social Understanding • Difficulty Fitting In • Low Self-Esteem
OUR MISSION:
Pathways to Independence supports, educates, and empowers adults with learning disabilities and associated disorders to obtain the personal growth, enhanced social skills, and greater self-reliance needed for productive employment and meaningful personal relationships. We accomplish our mission through experiential education, employment preparation, recreational programs, community and volunteer activities, and family support programs.
Our Vision
Adults with learning disabilities will enjoy a fullness of life through:
- Living in a community which is accepting and offers choices
- Attaining self-realization, independent living, health and security
- Engaging in healthy relationships and using good judgment, and
- Contributing to the community with a sense of purpose, passion, and responsibility.
Goals:
During events scheduled each month, clients work to achieve success in two primary goal areas:
- Participants will create or maintain relationships that support them in their vocation and community.
- Participants will acquire or maintain vocational skills needed for employment and to be active members of their community.
Skills Areas:
Skill areas addressed that relate to these goals and improve the social and vocatonal functioning of our clients include:
Age-Appropriate Conversation Skills/Topics Team Building
Leisure Education/Awareness Receiving Guests
Hygiene/Appearance Problem Solving
Cash Handling/Money Management Conflict Resolution
Reading Comprehension Anger Management
Safety in the Community Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Transportation/Route Planning Self-Advocacy
Time Management/Planning Skills Basic Computer Skills
Following Multi-Step Directions
Job Experience Training through Volunteerism
