Pathway Donor Spotlight

Sarah Franks currently serves on Pathway’s Associate Board, and she and her husband recently became icensed foster parents. Sarah shares her experiences and why she chooses to invest in Pathway.

Thank you, Sarah, for your commitment to Pathway children and families!

What inspired you to get involved with Pathway?

My Dad would tell me stories about how his family fostered children growing up and it was always in the back of my mind as something I wanted to do in the future. In 2019 I was introduced to Pathway. As I learned more and more about the organization my love for Pathway and the mission grew even further. I got married last August and in early September my husband and I began the process to become licensed foster parents. In addition to being licensed I also joined the Associate Board this past year.

How have you helped Pathway make an impact in our community?

My husband, Vince, and I had the pleasure of doing our first respite foster care experience in July. Two fabulous and extremely energic 5-year-olds stayed with us for about 5 days. All I can do is bow down in awe at every single full-time parent. It is very hard work but also, I know this is exactly what we are supposed to be doing in our life.

As an Associate Board Member, how do you use your skills to help Pathway?

My skill set is more behind the scenes support and I work with a lot of organizations around Northeast Ohio. I jump at every organic chance I get to tell people about Pathway and my current involvement. At our first in-person meeting this year we made “birthday bags” for each foster child. It was fantastic to be a part of the bag stuffing process and see our goal come to life. There are days where I wonder if a child is currently having fun decorating their cake or playing with the balloons and I can only hope it made them happy.