Pathway’s History
Founded in 1973 by Jim and Velma Bridges, Pathway Caring for Children is a private, non-profit social service agency. Jim worked as a social worker during college and watched young foster children move from home to home. He believed there was a better way to help abused, neglected and abandoned children. He began to envision a community based program that would provide support and training to foster families, so that these families could live through problems, and staff, parents, and children could work together as a team. With just four boys in a group home on Spring Ave. in Canton, Pathway began its humble beginnings.
In the words of our founder, “I count myself as one of the most fortunate people in the world, because I have been able to see my dreams come true. That’s something that does not happen to most people. That long ago vision—to provide places where foster children can live through their problems with people committed to them—is happening every day now at Pathway.” -Jim Bridges
Today, Pathway continues to live out Jim’s vision of empowering the children and families we serve.
Mission
Our mission is to help children and families realize the possibilities of their lives through foster care, adoption, and mental health.
Vision
Strengthening the lives of children and families.
7 Values
- Love
- Recognize
- Respect
- Security
- Success
- Responsibility
- Personal
Involvement
Join Our Mission
Help over 1,700 Northeast Ohio Children and Families realize the possibilities of their lives.
Pathway Today
- Serving 1, 793 children and families in 14 counties: Ashtabula, Carroll, Cuyahoga, Columbiana, Holmes, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Wayne.
- 141 Children slept safely in Pathway foster homes.
- 20 children were adopted by Pathway foster homes and now have forever families!
- 395 hours were dedicated by 72 volunteers in the last year who helped plan fundraising events, sat as board members, assisted with clerical responsibilities, and made Pathway kids feel valued!
- 6 School Districts and over 500 students have therapists and case managers who help enhance student well-being, resilience, and success through accessible mental health support.
- 380 children ages birth through six years old in 7 schools and daycares collaborated with Pathway’s Early Childhood Mental Health staff.
- 4 Pathway Locations in Canton(2), North Olmsted, and West Salem, OH.
Pathway Strategic Plan
Pathway Caring for Children’s new Strategic Plan (2025–2027) lays out bold steps to grow programs, support staff, and strengthen services for children and families across Northeast Ohio.
Guided by community input, this plan ensures your support drives lasting impact—bringing hope, healing, and stability to those who need it most.
