The 2024 Annual Steps to Pathways Breakfast was held on Friday, November 1st. It truly was a success, made possible by the incredible attendees, clients, honorees, and generous supporters.
The breakfast, which raised $170K, which will go toward providing programs and services to those we serve. The morning celebrated the outstanding work of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in creating more affordable housing and providing services to individuals with serious mental illnesses and other disabilities.
Congressman Gerry Connolly opened the morning with remarks by reminiscing about his time on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors when Pathway Homes was starting out as a coalition of family members seeking better support for their loved ones with mental illness, and mental health professionals who believed that safe and decent housing with support services was necessary for recovery.
Rep. Connolly noted that the intersection of mental illness and homelessness is a pressing issue, as about 30% of individuals experiencing homelessness report having a serious mental illness.
“I’m a firm believer Pathway Homes is dedicated to changing this narrative,” he said. “Pathway Homes not only addresses immediate housing needs but also tackles the underlying factors that contribute to mental health struggles. Their holistic approach fosters dignity and purpose, empowering residents to not just survive but thrive. Moreover, Pathway Homes’ commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues.”
When “I” Becomes “We”
Attendees heard from clients whose lives have been transformed by Pathway Homes. Yerusalem Work, who spoke at the event, eloquently described what having a place to call home meant to her. Before securing affordable housing, Yerusalem lived with her parents. She was in and out of the hospital and struggled to find work despite holding a master’s degree in library science. Because of a physical injury and an onslaught of symptoms from a severe mental health condition, she found herself labeled as disabled.
But she said that her diagnosis does not define her, and that she is so much more than an illness. “When ‘I’ becomes ‘We,’ the word illness becomes wellness,” Yerusalem said. “Community building is how I transitioned from suffering with an illness to thriving and experiencing wellness. Pathway Homes was the miracle in my life that gave me the freedom to live, love, and work.”
Official Logo and Rebrand
Dr. Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, CEO and President of Pathway Homes, announced the agency’s new logo and branding elements and explained the symbolism behind them.
“We’ve been serving our community for nearly half-a-century, and over time we’ve grown and changed. It was time to refresh our branding to capture and amplify our work and impact,” she said.
Additionally, Lambert-Woodard shared a video highlighting Pathway Homes’ success stories telling the story of two residents’ journey on their path to wellness with the support of Pathway Homes. Watch the video below.
Awards for Support and Leadership
Mayor Catherine Read receives Pathway’s Spirit of Hope Award for support of mental health and affordable housing The Spirit of Hope Award is given to a leader who has been a beacon of hope to those struggling with recovery from mental illnesses.
Mayor Read’s voice and leadership have been instrumental in helping end homelessness through permanent supportive housing. As part of her efforts, she started the Fairfax City Homelessness Task Force to address the impact of homelessness within Fairfax City for both individuals experiencing homelessness and the greater community. She also supported the opening of the George Mason Center for Community Mental Health, enabling the community easy access to critical mental health services.
Shelley Murphy, former CEO, Wesley Housing, was also recognized, receiving the Joyce Flynn Award for her lifetime achievements as a housing advocate. She guided the retooling of nonprofit developer Wesley
Housing, helping it more than double the number of housing units and expand resident services programming to all its residents. In addition, The Morris and Gwendolyn and Cafritz Foundation was recognized with the Corporate Citizen Award for its leadership and critical funding related to housing and mental health in the DMV.
We raised nearly $170,000.
Please help us reach our goal of $175,000.
From left to right, Executive Vice President & COO Eleanor Vincent, Supervisor Kathy Smith, Congressman Gerry Connolly and President & CEO Sylisa Lambert-Woodard
From left to right, Supervisor Kathy Smith, Mayor Catherine Read, Congressman Gerry Connolly and Pathway Homes Board President Angie Garcia Lathrop
From left to right: Pathway Homes Board Vice Chair and Supervisor Kathy Smith, Mayor Catherine Read, Congressman Gerry Connolly, Board Chair Angie Garcia Lathrop and President and CEO of Pathway Homes Sylisa Lambert-Woodard
Yerusalem Work
Thank you to our Sponsors
