Portage County – Pathways of Hope is a collaborative, holistic approach to providing strength-based, long-term case management as part of the Salvation Army’s initiative to help families with minor children break the cycle of multi-generational poverty by identifying barriers that prevent families from attaining self-sufficiency. The program elevates the impact for families using Salvation Army services and connects clients with other county resources that are available. Included in this approach is the availability of spiritual care, should the client need or request it.
The program began in Portage County in 2017 and the Case Manager for the county is Sandi Fordyce, who directs such aspects of the assistance as the Salvation Army’s Northeast Portage Food Shelf at 9005 Wilverne Dr. in Windham, OH. The pantry serves between 50 and 75 families a month from the Windham, Garrettsville, Freedom, Nelson, Hiram and parts of Mantua communities. A Red Shield Pantry is held on the 4th Tuesday of each month; this “super pantry” is open to all Portage County residents. At this pantry, the Akron-Canton Food Bank brings a truckload of food (usually about 15,000 pounds) to be distributed to residents on that day. One hundred fifty to two hundred families typically participate in this distribution on any given day.
The Pathways of Hope Family Picnic on July 14 will be a fund-raising event to increase awareness of the Pathways of Hope program. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. Pack up the family and head for 9005 Wilverne Dr., Windham for fun, food, face-painting and entertainment. Support the work that benefits the whole community. You’re all invited.
