Not only are the doors open to Pathways Clubhouse again, but, after two and half years, the non-profit will be putting on its annual gala again.
The 15th annual Building Pathways for Hope gala is scheduled for May 12 at the River Rock Show Theatre.
COVID-19 has been hard for many people, businesses and agencies, but the non-profit that provides programming and space for people struggling with their mental health, going virtual was a tough slog.
Executive director Dave MacDonald said opening their doors fully on March 1, including public holidays, made him feel “thrilled.”
“It just didn’t feel right (being closed)… there’s something about being able to see each other and give each other a hug,” he said.
Just as the pandemic was starting, Pathways launched its youth-focused programming, so many of the sessions connecting youth had to be held virtually but they also held some in-person events.
For youth, it’s all about social connections, MacDonald said.
To help students with school stressors, Pathways has been doing presentations about mental wellness at some Richmond high schools.
In fact, this year’s keynote speaker at the gala is a youth, Destiny Lang, a Grade 12 J.N. Burnett student who struggles with anxiety.
The gala normally takes place in the fall, but MacDonald said this year they were able to secure the River Rock theatre in May and they decided to go for it.
Proceeds from the event go to support Pathways’ programs, which include providing nutritional, affordable meals, employment and housing, as well as providing a place for its members to meet friends and socialize.
Tickets for the May 12 gala can be bought at www.pathwaysclubhouse.com - the deadline to buy them is April 25. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.
The website also provides information about Pathways programming and how to become a member at the clubhouse.
