PATH PEOPLE ATTEMPTING TO HELP

Program: Prevention - Kid Reach

Program Description:

 Kid Reach is PATH's Prevention step program.

Prevention of poverty includes PATH's Kid Reach program. Kid Reach matches school-based and community-based mentors to children at risk. Mentoring has been proven to help at-risk children overcome the many challenges they face, including breaking the cycle of poverty.

Kid Reach directs mentoring and educational programs for the children. These programs are volunteer driven, anyone interested in mentoring children can choose from the following opportunities:

Community-Based Mentoring mentors children by matching an adult volunteer with an at-risk child from disadvantaged circumstances. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, with a desire to have fun and spend time with a child. Time commitment is minimal and free special events are planned throughout the year.

School-Based Mentoring matches volunteers with elementary and middle school aged children identified by school counselors as needing a special friend. Volunteers meet with the student 1 hour per week. Mentors do not provide counseling, but do set goals, study, improve attitudes, social skills and build self-esteem. A mentor is a friend and role model who can positively impact and change the child's attitude toward education. 

Program Long-Term Success:

Children with healthy relationships and lifestyles and respect for education.

Program Short-Term Success:

Improved relationships, improved school attendance, improved academic success.

Program Success Monitored by:

Program Coordinator, Pam McGee

Program Success Examples:

When Johnathan, a quiet and reserved ten-year-old, completed his first Kid Reach interview he said, "I don't have any friends. The kids at school tell me they hope I die. I hope I die." The program coordinator for PATH's Kid Reach program met with his school counselor who confirmed what he said was true. Sadly, home was no refuge - his parents were in prison and Johnathan had been a victim of abuse. He was now living with grandparents who had only $48 left each month after paying monthly bills. A loving, consistent, friend, and mentor changed his life forever. One year later, Johnathan is joyful and outgoing. In his last interview he said, "My friends invite me to their birthday parties and I get to sit with them at lunch."

Program: Rescue - Emergency Services

Program Description:

The purpose of The Emergency Assistance Program is to assist the indigent population of Smith County with a variety of services that will give them the hope, encouragement and support they need to reestablish their independence.

Currently PATH is providing close to 3,500 emergency services each month. The weakened economy has forced almost 1,000 new families to seek help from PATH.

PATH is concerned about and interested in the needs of others and strives to empower and encourage those hit hard by poverty to become self-sufficient.

The following services are some of the ways PATH is available to help:

• Food
• Fresh fruits and Vegetables – Every Wednesday morning at the East Texas Fair Grounds’ West Pavilion
• Utility Assistance
• Rental Assistance
• Mortgage Assistance
• Emergency Dental Referrals
• Emergency Prescription Assistance
• Fans during hot weather months
• Blankets during cold weather months
• Eyeglasses
• Diapers and wipes
• Personal hygiene items

Residents of Smith County are welcome to come to PATH Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 and 4:30. Please bring a picture ID and something that verifies your residence in Smith County (like a bill that comes in the mail). Utility, rent, and mortgage assistance require an appointment, please call 903.597.4044 on Monday mornings.

To determine eligibility for services clients can come into the PATH office and speak with a caseworker.

Program Long-Term Success:

Families no longer living in poverty and who no longer need social service assistance.

Program Short-Term Success:

Ameliorate immediate need for food, housing, utilities, dental care and medicine.

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Program: Stabilization - Tyler Community Homes, Prescription Assistance, and Special Projects

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Program: Growth - Education

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Program: Independence - Family Support & Development

Program Description:

The Independence component is designed to help a family recognize and leverage their strengths, establish and achieve goals and make positive changes in their lives. This is the most difficult and final step in PATH’s five-step plan. Family Support and Development Case management – The program operates under the strength-based case management principles. The Case Manager and client together identify the family’s strengths and problems. Specific areas of assessment include: Living situation, financial, physical health, emotional resources, parent-child resources, social support resources, child education resources for each child in the family, family employment resources, emotional stressors (depression, anxiety, substance abuse, physical safety, sexual safety), and 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. Goals are written and prioritized by the family utilizing the identified strengths. The Case Manager provides guidance, instruction, and support and refers the family to other PATH programs and classes or external organizations as necessary to provide for continuing growth of each family member. The case manager and family have specific responsibilities and hold each other accountable for achieving identified goals.

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