Single mother Escapes Gunshots and Finds a Pathway of Hope
After bullets came within inches of hitting her teenage son, Katrina moved her family, connected with Pathway of Hope, and has now found peace in her new life.
Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
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Defeating Generational Poverty
Providing tools and resources to address their specific barriers to increased stability
What Is Pathway of Hope?
The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative provides individualized services to families with children who desire to take action to break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability that repeats generation after generation. It seeks to address the root causes of poverty in addition to The Army’s history of compassionate serving. By helping families overcome challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, we can lead families down a path toward increased stability and, ultimately, self-sufficiency.
Breaking the Cycle of Crisis
The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope initiative marks a pivotal shift from treating the symptoms of poverty to preventing the epidemic at its root. By helping families overcome barriers like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education, we can break the cycle of crisis and vulnerability, leading families down a path toward increased stability – a Pathway of Hope that will profoundly affect generations to come.
The Poverty Epidemic
Among the world’s 35 wealthiest countries, the United States has the second-highest child poverty rate. And children who live in poverty for half their lives are 32 times more likely to remain in poverty. Which means the epidemic is passed down from one generation to the next, over and over again. The cost to those families who are trapped in the cycle of poverty is staggering, but we must also consider that the effects of child poverty cost our country nearly $500 billion per year.
The Origins of Pathway of Hope
Pathway of Hope Around the World
The Pathway of Hope Approach Includes:
Catalyzing community collaboration in service of shared clients
Moving families from crises and vulnerability to stability and eventually self-sufficiency, tracking family progress along the way
Bringing all The Salvation Army’s internal resources to bear, aligned to the goals of clients
Focus on hope as a measured outcome, which represents the distinctly relational, spiritual outcome that The Salvation Army seeks in the work it does
Strengths-based case management services
What Does the Approach Involve?
Caring today for your family’s needs, while building a strong future can be challenging. The Salvation Army team will walk alongside you on your family’s journey:
Mapping it out
Meet with a caseworker to develop your personalized action plan.
Staying on track
Chart your progress and see your success with your dedicated case worker on a regular basis.
Passing the six month mile marker
See where you are at six months and decide what’s next on your journey.
Looking ahead
Celebrate your successes. Adjust any further goals. Encourage others.
Resources and Connections
Through your involvement with Pathway of Hope, you’ll be introduced to both Salvation Army and other services that are available within your community which offer:
- A network of support
- A sense of community
- Holistic programs
- Spiritual guidance
Service Connector to:
- Job training
- Health services
- Childcare and education
- Housing options
- Legal services
- And much more...
Pathway of Hope Success Stories
Who Can Join?
You’re eligible if:
- You have at least one child under the age of 18.
- You’re ready to take action!
Single Mom Living in Her Car Finds a Pathway of Hope
Alyssa and her son were forced to spend their nights in Alyssa’s car. Desperate for help, she contacted The Salvation Army and received food, gas cards, a new job, and a path forward for her family.
The Love of a Stranger Leads to a Pathway of Hope
Isolated and alone, Dawnette escaped an abusive marriage and began searching for a safe place to rebuild her life with her children. This is when she met Andrea, who was leading a program for women who needed help getting back on their feet.
Hard Work and Caring Give Single Mom a Pathway of Hope
Hannah and her new baby came to The Salvation Army to avoid being homeless. She found a way forward through her education and is on the path to breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
Contact Us
For more information:
The Salvation Army • USA Central Territory
5550 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
p.847.294.2000