Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Are Making a Difference in the Tulsa Community

 In this season of gratitude, the students of Pathways Adult Learning Center, an organization that provides continuing education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are encouraging the community to consider giving back through volunteer work to help those in need. Each week, Pathways students are intentional in serving others by volunteering at the Regional Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma as well as Meals on Wheels. Pathways students are so grateful to all those that help make Pathways possible every day that they are glad to pay it forward, and hope that their story can inspire others to make a difference in the community as well.

"Pathways students are amazing, and we love having them with us. They are one of our favorite groups!" says Teressia Kehr, Director of Volunteer Services at Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma

Student Brett shares that he looks forward to volunteering at the food bank each week because he knows it’s helping people who need food, and he is thankful that he gets to do this with his friends. Pathways students are making an impact on others, but they also benefit from volunteering because they get to put skills they are learning in class into practice, from numbers and math to social skills and more.

“Our students' commitment to serving others and making Tulsa a better place is so inspiring to me. You can see the impact on the faces of the people they're helping. Just imagine what could be accomplished if we all gave just a little of our time to a local cause." says Monique Scraper, Executive Director.

Pathways students invite all Oklahomans to find an organization that means something to you and contact them to learn about volunteer opportunities. And if you are looking for ideas, the Pathways program has numerous volunteer opportunities and options that could fit your schedule and Pathways students would be thrilled to make a new friend. For more information on how to get involved at Pathways, visit www.pathwaysok.org/volunteer.

About Pathways Adult Learning Center, Inc.: The mission of Pathways is to provide a unique Christian program dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for adults with intellectual disabilities. Pathways works to assist each individual to achieve emotional, cognitive, physical, social, and spiritual growth to his or her fullest potential. Pathways provides in-person enrichment classes in Tulsa, and provides virtual classes to students from all over the world. www.pathwaysok.org.