By Tricia Hall
The Truth Reporter
Community members, friends and supporters joined the Pathway, Inc. board and staff on Thursday, May 9, to celebrate 60 years of local impact in the areas of guidance, support and assistance.
The program mistress of ceremonies, Artisha Lawson, welcomed all guests, shared agency highlights and facilitated the presentation of gratitude proclamations from across Ohio.
“Welcome everyone, Pathway, Inc., is an institute that elevates people from just living to existing with love and dignity,” began Lawson. “Pathway, Inc., formally EOPA kicks off an 18-month celebration to mark 60 years of service. EOPA’s emerged during President Johnson’s war on poverty and is committed to uplifting marginalized communities through holistic intervention strategies.”
Proclamations from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, President of the Lucas County Board of Commissioners Pete Gerkin, Judge Joe McNamara from Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, Mayor of Whitehouse Richard Bingham, Mayor of Toledo Wade Kapszukiewicz, Toledo City Council members Carrie Hartman; Brittany Jones, PhD and Cerssandra McPherson, along with a personal letter of gratitude from Councilwoman McPherson were presented to celebrate the agency’s 60 years of service and express community-wide gratitude.
The celebration then welcomed Board Chair Theresa Gabriel to give remarks.
“We are a family, there is a family in this room. We accomplished so much last year,” said Gabriel. “Last year, when we presented our first annual community meeting, we shared with you that we were about to embark on a new beginning. In 2023, we answered over 110,000 calls that’s an increase of 32 percent last year. We assisted over 28,800 individuals and families with housing and utilities, that’s an increase of two percent from last year.”
Immediately following Gabriel’s remarks and words of gratitude to the Pathway, Inc., board and staff. Current Pathway, Inc., Board Member Gerkin delivered a special presentation to recognize Gabriel. “This is to honor someone here who is doing the work,” said Gerkin. “This award and challenge coin is to acknowledge your work, tireless work in the community.”
“Our vision for the future is to increase our outreach throughout Lucas County and serve as a light, helping those who need assistance out of poverty and into self-sufficiency. With faith and hope, it is possible to further reduce the number of people living in poverty and create a more just and equitable community for all,” shared Gabriel.
