"Building Community from the Inside Out"
Garden Pathways, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization in Bakersfield, CA, changes lives from the inside out through hope and relationship. Garden Pathways provides innovative opportunities for families and individuals of all ages to discover their unique purpose, activate their personal creativity, live in health and safety, and develop skills for success in life. Through collaborative efforts with community agencies, community service groups, and faith-based organizations, Garden Pathways offers mentoring, training, and education in the arts and the art of living.
Organization
The non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization was founded in 1997 by local individuals seeking to translate their faith into effective community building. Garden Pathways provides life-activating services to the community of Kern County through its comprehensive programs:
Garden Pathways offers its services without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, or any other classification protected by law.
Community Transformation
Garden Pathways mobilizes community transformation from the inside out — from the fundamental core values of each individual to the resulting impact on personal and community life. Beginning with each individual’s values perspective, clients receive the support needed to effectively build skills of learning and living and to make positive life-impacting choices that benefit themselves and others. Caring relationships established by staff and volunteers serve as the catalyst for values-based positive change that induces community transformation.
Community Service
Compassion and dedication to excellence comprise the core of all service at Garden Pathways. Garden Pathways is committed to delivering the highest quality of service to the community. We desire to offer affordable services and the finest training to families of diverse backgrounds and of all economic means. Garden Pathways’ commitment to serve over 50% of our students from at-risk and low-income families brings enrichment and advancement to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity. All participants benefit from the diversity of social backgrounds that presents a rich tapestry of learning. We actively aim to find financial resources for children who without sponsorship would miss pivotal developmental experiences that could impact their lives for years to come. For many of our parents, the quality preschool care and other family-centered services offered by Garden Pathways are critical in their journey from welfare to work. Our optional values-based training reinforces the values that are the foundation of our society.
Community Collaboration
Garden Pathways has been identified by the Kern County Department of Human Services as one of the major providers of first-line service to families who are in crisis. Garden Pathways’ proven record of success generates ongoing referrals from key county agencies, including the Kern County Department of Human Services/CalWORKs, Child Protective Services, foster care divisions, Kern County Probation Department, Kern County Department of Child Support Services, and Kern County Superintendent of Schools.
Through strong collaborative partnerships with community agencies, community service groups, and faith-based organizations, Garden Pathways is activating life-building success in the lives of hundreds of children, young people, and families.
Project 180 Gang Prevention Partnership Project 180 gang prevention partnership coalesces the efforts of diverse public, private, and non-profit organizations to prevent gang violence in Kern County. Six agencies, under the administrative oversight of the Kern County Department of Human Services, comprise the core of the partnership: Ebony Counseling Center, Garden Pathways, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Stay Focused, Stop the Violence, and New Life Recovery and Training Center. Project 180 implements the countywide prevention approach of the strategic plan created by the Joint City/County Standing Comittee to Combat Gang Violence. |
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Board of Directors
Mrs. Joan Dezember (Director)
Community Volunteer
Dr. David T. Goh (Founder and Interim President)
Senior Pastor, The Garden Community Church
Ms. Karen Goh (Ex Officio)
Executive Director, Garden Pathways, Inc.
Ms. Shannon Grove (Director)
CEO, Continental Labor Resources, Inc.
Mr. Gary Lasater (Director)
President, Gary Lasater Construction, Inc.
Miguel Lopez, Esq. (Director)
Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Miguel C. Lopez
Mr. Donald Olsson (Director)
President, Mineral Title Services, Inc.
Ms. Jeanette Richardson Parks (Director)
Executive Director, The Arts Council of Kern
Mr. Jay Richmond (Director)
Publisher, Homes Magazine
Mr. Mark Rutkoskie (Director and CFO)
Area Director, Crown Financial Ministries / Certified Public Accountant
Advisory Panel
Mr. Rick Davies (Former Director), President, Fleet Card Fuels
Thomas Eveland, Esq. (Former Director), Attorney at Law, retired
Mr. John Nilon (Past President), County Administrative Officer, County of Kern
Errol Shaw, Esq. (Former Director), Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Errol G. Shaw
