Pathways To Independence

Specialties

Our mission is to assist young women in getting an education and becoming independent, self-​sufficient members of society by providing the love, support and resources they require to heal emotionally and live productively.

Pathways to Independence commits to making profound and productive changes in the lives of young women in Long Beach and Orange County, California who have been neglected by their families and society. Many of our clients come from alcoholic families. Many have experienced years of incest or other forms of abuse or tragic circumstances. Some spent years in foster care or even became indigent.

We assist these young women in getting an education and becoming independent, contributing members of society.

History

Established in 1991.

Pathways to Independence was founded in 1991 by educators, Dave & Joyce Bishop, and received 501©(3) status as a Public Charity in February, 1994. The Bishops initial goal was to help a former student, Monica, get advanced education and achieve self-​sufficiency. Monica was the product of a dysfunctional alcoholic family and at age 19 had a 2 year-​old daughter and no support. With the Bishops’ help, Monica was able to get advanced training and a full-​time job with health benefits for her and her daughter.

No Executives or Board Members receive any compensation whatsoever. Pathways has 15 Board Members and 300+ volunteers collaborating to execute our mission.