Tree of Hope Holiday Campaign

“I was connected with Pathways almost a year ago when my son with serious mental illness cut all the communication with me. The support I received in this difficult time from Pathways weekly support meetings has been extremely helpful.

Listening to other people sharing their similar stories gave me a lot of hope and ability to start taking care of myself. I’m extremely grateful to the organizers and facilitators of Pathways support meetings for doing such a wonderful work in helping people who support their loved ones with mental illness.

I have special thanks to Valeska who is always available by giving great advice and hope to people in difficult situation[s] by offering one on one meetings.”

– Support Group Attendee and receiver of peer support

“Hi my name is Maggie. Our young adult son was diagnosed with schizophrenia two years ago. I think my husband and I are still in shock, trying to manage the present and make plans for the near future. It has turned our world upside down, causing great fear and anxiety. It has been a struggle trying to communicate with the mental health system and we have mostly felt left out of our son’s care, even though he lives with us.

“I have benefited enormously from receiving 1-1 support from Pathways SMIS, where I feel heard and understood as a caregiver and mother. It was at Pathways that I learned about the LEAP program. It helps us to communicate with our son in a way that fosters collaboration regardless of insight. Pathways also offers a Family-to-Family education course, and offers peer support and system navigation, which has made all the difference.”

– Maggie, One-on-one support participant