Commit to Kids Day

Emma’s dream is a nightly family dinner.

A bright teenager, Emma appreciates the mentorship she receives at the Family Pathways Teen Center. She enjoys going with the group to visit colleges. She even likes the service projects they work on. But what she really loves about the Teen Center is that she gets dinner EVERY DAY—she doesn’t get that at home. Family Pathways brings healthy food to youth in many ways…food shelves, backpack programs and meals at the Teen Center.

Jackson and his brother live with their Grandpa…a veteran of Desert Storm suffering from PTSD. The two boys lost their father to suicide and their mother to drugs. Grandpa is very good to them and they love him dearly; but Jackson knows it’s not easy for his Grandpa. They don’t always have enough to eat, so to make ends meet they visit the Family Pathways Food Shelf. At their weekly visit, Jackson will ask if there are any odd jobs for him to do because he wants to help other kids like him.

Owen was terrified that dad would find them.

At just 9 years old, Owen is the oldest of 5 children that arrived at the food shelf with their mother. They had been in hiding for a month, trying to escape his abusive father, but were forced to come to the food shelf because they didn’t have anything left to eat. Owen was shaking when he arrived….he didn’t want Dad to find out where they were. Family Pathways loaded their car up with enough food for the six of them…lots of fresh fruit and items that didn’t need refrigeration. In addition to groceries, Owen’s mother was connected to Family Pathways Domestic Violence Services for emergency shelter and help with healing from the suffering they had experienced.

Sherri has lived a lifetime in her 16 years. Her mother left the family when Sherri was 3 and eventually she turned to drugs to cope living with a drug-addicted father in an abusive home. Sherri’s grades, once stellar, were faltering and she was considering leaving school. Then Sherri found her way to the Family Pathways Teen Center where she was encouraged and discovered unconditional friendship. She also found the strength to report the abuse to authorities. After the abuse was reported, she was placed in a safer home and successfully completed treatment and therapy for her own chemical addiction. Her friends at the Teen Center supported Sherri with letters, cards and occasional phone calls. She went from being a failing student to the honor roll and will start vocational training next year. “I would not be here today without the support of my Family Pathways family. If my dad’s attacks didn’t kill me, the drugs would have. Thank you for giving me a future.”

Tyler had never left the small town he grew up in. As a 17 year old honor roll student, he told a volunteer at the Family Pathways’ Teen Center that he was not planning to go to college. His mother is a single, working parent and Tyler works to contribute to the care of his 3 siblings. There is no savings or extra money to even think about college. The Teen Center opened his eyes to new opportunities. Tyler went on several excursions to Minneapolis and two college visits where he met with financial aid officers. This gave him the understanding of what he needed to do to fulfill his dream of going to college…which is where he is today.

Leah feels alone at school, even when surrounded by kids her own age. They just don’t know what it’s like to feel alone and be afraid. On the other hand, it’s the only time she feels truly safe and where she can count on getting a good meal. Her mother, with help from a Family Pathways Food Shelf, was able to put healthy food on their table and access the summer food program for kids and teens. Getting the proper nutrition she needs has helped Leah maintain her physical, mental and emotional strength. It has helped her be more resilient.