"Building Community from the Inside Out"
Garden Pathways, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization in Bakersfield, California, 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.
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