Providing a PATH to self-sufficiency since 1985
903-597-PATH (7284)
WHAT WE DO
Providing a Pathway to Dignity and Self-Sufficiency
HOUSING
The availability of decent, safe and affordable housing is one of the most critical social issues facing the Smith County community today. PATH owns 52 homes in North Tyler. PATH’s Transitional Housing Program (THP) is designed to work with low-to-moderate income families to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing while at the same time requiring active participation in other PATH programs that lead to self-sufficiency. The THP program is designed to help families move into market-rate rental housing, or home ownership, in 18 to 24 months.
THP FAMILY CASE MANAGEMENT
PATH’s Family Support and Development Services provide long term case management to those needing or desiring more in-depth guidance and support in their quest to enhance the quality of their lives. Using the Family Inventory of Resources and Stressors (FIRST) assessment tool, the Family Support Specialist and client together are able to identify the family’s strengths (resources) and problems (stressors).
Specific areas of assessment include:
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Living situation
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Financial
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Physical health
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Emotional resources (personal and problem solving)
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Parent-child resources (authority, closeness)
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Social support resources (general and child support)
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Child education resources for each child in the family
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Family employment resources
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Emotional stressors (depression, anxiety, substance abuse, physical safety)
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Family/community stressors
Once the resources and stressors are identified, a family action plan is drafted and goals are established to begin the family development process. The Family Support Specialist provides guidance, instruction, and support and refers the family to other PATH programs or external organizations as necessary to provide for continuing growth of each family member. The Family Support Specialist and family have specific responsibilities and hold each other accountable for achieving identified goals. Weekly visits ensure that the family stays motivated and committed to making a long-term positive change. The FIRST is administered every three months in order to measure progress, celebrate accomplishments, and identify new goals. All families in PATH’s Transitional Housing program are required to participate in the Family Support and development Services.
EDUCATION
PATH’s Educational Services offer adult learning opportunities that address the skills, tools, and knowledge necessary to meet the challenges of daily life allowing for movement toward goals and aspirations.
Classes offered include, but are not limited to: Better Health Workshops, Computer Classes, Open Computer Lab, GED Classes, Home Ownership, Money Management, Nutrition, Typing, Resumes, and Job Searches. This is when hope begins to evolve into reality. Over 1,365 classes were held in 2012.
BASIC MEDICAL
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Dental appointments
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Eye exams
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Eye glasses
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Short term prescriptions
FOOD PANTRY
Path’s food pantry provides nutritious non-perishable food to thousands of families in need every year.
Staffed primarily by 40 plus volunteers, clients are taken through the aisles of the pantry to make their selections and assisted out to their car with their food. PATH’s food pantry is one of the only food pantries serving the local community Monday thru Thursday 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. Additionally, during the summer months with thanks to the East Texas Food Bank, fresh produce is provided weekly to an estimated 250 families.
YOUTH MENTORING
Bev’s Kid Reach Mentoring program is a community based effort for children between the ages of 6 and 17. The mentor serves as a guide and experienced friend to the child. Mentors spend a minimum of 4 hours per month with their mentee and make a 12 month commitment to the program.