The Winnifred Stewart Association is committed to embracing the philosophies of person-centeredness in all we do in our interactions with the individuals we provide services to and their families/supporters. 

We believe that all people have the right to:

·         Live valued and desirable lives in the community

·         To have friendships and other positive relationships that are meaningful to them

·         Be included in all aspects of their life

·         Work, be employed, live in their own homes, travel, recreate and learn together

·         Make informed choices

Community Pathways, in collaboration and coordination with individuals accessing services, their families and the community, is responsible for promoting opportunities for individuals to achieve these outcomes in the community.

Person-Centered Planning is the process Community Pathways facilitates to help individuals plan for their future based on their gifts, capacities, interests and personal dreams.  It is based on the belief that the individual’s dream is the driving force in their lives and utilizes a circle of committed family, friends, community members and staff to support the individual in realizing their dream.  The planning process ensures that individuals have a method to communicate their dreams in a manner that is meaningful to them. 

For some people, outcomes of person centered planning may mean having a paying job, for others, the opportunity to travel.  It may mean living independently for the first time, the development of relationships with people who are not paid, or becoming more involved in a favorite hobby.

Another key goal of Community Pathways is to find opportunities for meaningful community participation in the areas of recreation, employment, volunteering, hobbies, etc. and to facilitate opportunities to develop relationships with community members based on shared interests. 

As Community Pathways, we provide information and education about person centeredness and community building to individuals, families, staff and community members. By creating awareness through community capacity building we will develop mutually supportive relationships with volunteers, businesses, local community leagues, non-profit organizations, special interest groups and other service providers that will assist the individuals we support in living out their dreams and creating meaningful opportunities in the community.

Community Pathways also facilitates a self-advocacy movement within the Winnifred Stewart Association, providing the individuals with the tools and the confidence to have a strong voice in their lives, the services they receive and the community. 

For more information, contact the manager of Community Pathways at 780-453-6707 or click here.