Shortage of Permian Basin Foster Homes Covered on NewsWest 9

Reporter Abby Reed of NewsWest 9 in Midland ran a story about the shortage of homes for abused children. Featured in the story are Pathways and the Kounce family who have been with Pathways for 11 years. Thanks to Abby for bringing this need to the public eye. Watch the video of the broadcast.

Odessa BlueCross BlueShield® Covers Kids School Supplies

Holly & Kevin Moore at BlueCross BlueShield® in Odessa lead the effort to collect school supplies for all the children served by Pathways Foster care program out of the Midland office. Please join us in thanking them for their efforts to make life a little easier for these children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or otherwise unsafe conditions. We would not do our work without the generous contributions & giving hearts of individuals and businesses in the communities we serve. Thank You!

Abandonded Girl, Missing Kidney, Receives Transplant

CBS 7 in Midland ran a story about Ana Cole, a girl born in Mexico and abandoned in Odessa. She recently received a badly needed kidney transplant under the care of her Pathways adoptive family.

CBS 7 in Midland Features Pathways in Story about Shortage of Foster Homes

CBS channel 7 in Midland ran a spot on their evening newscast yesterday to help raise awareness for the shortage of foster care families in west Texas. Featured in the story are Pathways’ Morales family and Midland supervisor Belinda Jackson. If you are interested in helping please contact the Midland office at (432) 699-7763  or online.

Pathways’ Family Specialist Featured

At Child Protective Services’ Fourth Annual Hearts for CPS Children Adoption Festival in Houston, Pathways’ Family Specialist Marissa Avigne was featured in the Houston Chronicle. This event is held each year to introduce prospective families to children in foster care waiting to be adopted Several Pathways families attended.

My FOX Houston also covered the event with a story and video.

Public Service Announcement - I’m Just a Kid

Blue Santa Arrives at Pathway’s Christmas Party in a Helicopter

With the help of many generous sponsors and donors, Pathways’ Laredo office threw a grand Christmas party for their children and families. Blue santa brought presents via helicopter and Pro 8 News did a piece covering the event and interviewing our very own Annette Ugalde. Congratulations to Laredo for a fantastic event!

Adoption Month Across Texas and the Nation

As proclaimed by Governor Rick Perry and President Barack Obama, November was officially Adoption month in Texas and the Nation. As we do each year, Pathways participated in Adoption days during the entire month across the State of Texas including: Austin, San Angelo, Laredo, San Antonio, Odessa, Dallas and Forth Worth. We successfully adopted 17 foster children into permanent homes during this time.

Pathways Staff and Families Recognized by Texas Foster Family Association

Each year, TFFA recognizes caregivers and agency workers who go above and beyond in their commitments to Texas children. Please join everyone at Pathways in congratulating the following individuals for their great work:

Foster Family of the Year
Ken & Dr. Wendy Knox - Nominated
Jocelyn & Wayne Whitaker - Nominated
Kelli Riggins & Laura Smith - Nominated

Medically Fragile Family of the Year
Peggy Bean - Nominated
Fred & Wanda Wilson - Nominated

Case Manager of the Year
Rebecca Gerow - Nominated
Marissa Avigne - Nominated
Yolanda Harris - Winner

Behind the Scenes Video of Central Texas Heart Gallery

This great piece (by Amy Hadley of News 8 Austin fame) shows how the Central Texas Heart Gallery affects the lives of families, children and the photographers who volunteer each year for the project. Pathways is proud to be a supporting member of the Adoption Coalition of Texas who is responsible for this annual effort that averages a 60% adoption rate for the featured children.