Letter from CEO and President Sylisa Lambert-Woodard
November 24, 2022
As 2022 winds down, I wanted to update you about what your support has meant to the community as well as encourage you to continue investing in Pathway Homes and our programs that are empowering people to live better lives. Here’s how your generosity has touched lives this year:
ENABLING SECOND CHANCES
- Emilio, an immigrant who was orphaned as a young teen and worked hard to learn English and go to college: “I am so happy with Pathway Homes, social services, and the mental health system. They all saved my life. I believe it really takes a village, and I wouldn’t have all of the opportunities I have now if it weren’t for everyone who helped me throughout my life. They gave me a second chance for which I am so thankful.
EMBOLDENING VOICES
Pathway’s consumers who represent people with lived experiences through Pathway’s Consumer Advisory Council shared insights with Virginia legislators:
- Jon said that opening channels for communication helps alleviate a lot of problems including the stigma that often follows those in need of affordable housing and mental health services, which results in “not a paranoia, but an understanding.”
GIVING HOPE
- Diamond had mental health setbacks during college and ended up homeless until she found Pathway Homes: “Thanks to Pathways’ housing and services, I feel more confident and closer to my goals. My advice to those experiencing homelessness or any other roadblock in their path is, ‘Keep the faith. There will be better days.’”
For clients like these and so many more, we have worked to remove barriers, helping them get housing, access to community-based healthcare, and vocational and job-readiness training so they contribute and live their dreams.
Over the past 42 years, our programs have enabled tens of thousands of people in Northern Virginia—and now DC—with serious mental illnesses and other co-occurring disabilities to recover their lives. With your help, we are a partner in preventing and ending homelessness, ensuring 1,578 people in 2022 had access to services and almost 500 permanent supportive housing units.
Our holiday wish is to ensure more second chances, grow voices that are heard, and inspire hope to unlock potential. We can with your continued support. Please see our attached wish list that captures some of our needs. You can send a check or click on the “DONATE NOW” button below and select Holiday Wish List to designate your gift.
I wish you the happiest of holidays filled with family, friends, and joyful memories.
With gratitude,
Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, EdD, LCSW, LSATP, MAC
CEO and President
Questions? Contact Liz Susla, Director of Development and Communications, at lsusla@pathwayhomes.org.
