Local non-profit, Pathways Abilities Society celebrates 70 years of community service

Pathways Abilities Society has been serving the Okanagan community for over 70 years.

In 1953, the organization was created by a group of committed parents, teachers and doctors who wanted to ensure children with developmental disabilities received an education. It began operating as Sunnyvale Centre, an educational center with an enrollment of thirteen students, and a staff of two teachers.

Over time they evolved to meet the needs of individuals post-graduation, eventually transitioning their focus into helping adults with diverse abilities live independent and fulfilling lives.

Pathways has accomplished a lot since the time of Sunnyvale.

They have and continue to make leaps and bounds for the wellbeing of individuals with diverse abilities through new locations which offer expanded on-site social recreation services, housing initiatives like Home Share and so much more.

In 2016, they were one of three not-for-profit organizations invited to pitch a cause to the Kelowna chapter of “100 Men who Give a Damn”, and won. As a result, Pathways was able to secure a $23,000 donation from the self described ‘non-organization’.

In 2017, the society purchased BikeWays, a used bike shop located on 1216 St.Paul Street which flourished with sales the following year. The bike shop became an integral part of their Integrated Career Program (ICO) program, which aims to employ individuals with diverse abilities who are eager to be part of the workforce.

“There was this perception that people with diverse abilities didn’t necessarily want to work, or couldn’t work. And that just wasn’t true,” says Executive Director, Charisse Daley.

Today, they are proud to serve approximately 220 people through their ICO program, social ventures, individualized funding, activity services and Home Share.

They embrace, empower and employ.

They believe that every person with a diverse-ability is on their own pathway and that it is their job to walk with them and provide them with the support they need to achieve their goals.