February Greetings, From PathPoint

Hello Friend,

February is upon us and it's a memorable month for PathPoint as we celebrate our 52nd anniversary! Since 1964, PathPoint has been instrumental in promoting, sustaining and advocating for the rights of underserved individuals in their efforts to live independently within their communities. We celebrate the clients and participants who have reached important milestones of independence over these past 52 years. Because of partners like you, we are able to continue our services supporting our participants as they individually reach new landmarks, now and in the future.

Inside this month's E-Blast is a story of new beginnings for a client in our Behavioral Health Division.  While this story of recovery is profound, it is not unique; there are many left unspoken that are equally compelling. The truth is, everyday our mission of "Learning. Living. Building Communities." impacts someone who is on their path to independence.  PathPoint does just that - creates a path of encouragement, independence and support to successfully place individuals with disabilities or disadvantages at the prime spot to flourish and maintain the independence they've always wanted.

Thank you again for all you do. We are so grateful for the support of each one of you.

Warm Regards,

Cindy Burton, CEO

Behavioral Health Feature - El Carillo
From Homeless, to Happy

Our Behavioral Health Division provides many outlets of mental health support to our participants in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. In Santa Barbara County, the residential complexes such as El Carrillo, Artisan Court and Bradley Studios all feature on-site supportive services for the formerly homeless and individuals with mental health challenges. PathPoint provides these support services, partnering with the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara, which manages these properties.

Frances is a client at our El Carrillo location who took time to share her story. Through her time at El Carrillo, Frances has developed a healthy friendship with Keely, her therapist and a PathPoint staff member. Keely works alongside Frances to provide her with emotional support and a therapeutic outlet to navigate life’s challenges. The two are pictured here, and it is clear their bonds of trust, hope and encouragement naturally shine through.

For many years Frances lived her life state to state, always searching for a place to call home. As Frances put it, she finally found her home here, in Santa Barbara and specifically, at El Carrillo. “PathPoint makes me feel secure” reveals Frances. A highlight for her living at El Carrillo is knowing that Keely and the other PathPoint staff are there to support her if she has a problem or concern. Every week Keely leads a coffee group, which Frances says is the highlight of her week – for both the coffee and the companionship. The impact that PathPoint has had on Frances’ life provides her with the opportunity to maintain her independence, while living in a safe community. The support is irreplaceable.

This community of residential complexes and social support network are made possible because of funding from donors like you, and partners such as the Housing Authority of Santa Barbara. Thank you for your continual investment in this important group of individuals. Just like Frances, many of the clients that live here are experiencing their first secure, safe and stable housing. Because of your financial generosity, these individuals are paired with a group of highly trained therapists and providers who can help in their transition into everyday life. The impact is both life changing and life affirming. Thank you!