Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

Vision

The time following high school is a difficult transition phase for those who have grown up in traditional homes with present parents, and it is especially difficult for those who have not. In traditional home settings, children have freedoms and opportunities introduced in small doses by their parents, but due to the restrictions of the Department of Child Services in Mexico, the majority of the 18 to 20 year-olds graduating from the City of Children have rarely left the home’s walls except to attend school. When these young adults become ready to leave the City of Children, new opportunities, new influences, and difficult decisions arrive all at once.

Beginning in 2012, a group of people who love the City of Children and its work got together to brainstorm what it would look like to help these young adults transition into the next phase of life. After much prayer and consideration, we believe that those leaving the City of Children will have a better chance if the next step is to a transitional home that offers additional support, guidance, and training.

All of our residents have left the City of Children for the next phase of their life. Whether that is going to college or beginning a job, The Pathway Project will try to serve all of their diverse needs while providing a foundation on God and teaching the Bible. We know that financial pressures might be greatest for some while spiritual or societal pressures may be greatest for others. The Pathway Project won’t solve every problem for everyone, but the support and guidance will be consistent and available.

Background

In January, 2009 there was a dream. The dream was that the children at the City of Children would be given every opportunity to succeed in life. The dream became a discussion. From that discussion plans were hatched to start the process that would ultimately facilitate the opportunities. These plans included a transitional home.

On January 30, 2012 a property was identified that could be a possible fit for the transitional home. Shortly thereafter a group of people, who love the City of Children and its work, got together and brainstormed to see what opportunities at the transitional home might look like. They saw a great need for continued financial, emotional, and spiritual support and development. The transitional home would provide structure, while also helping introduce freedom in a healthy, responsible way.

Staff

We have a House Parent who leads the spiritual, financial, and social development of the residents. They will also be responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the building. The House Parent resides in Casa de Mandy and regularly reports to the board.

The Pathway Project’s Leadership Team is a group that shares a vision for serving and guiding young adults in the Baja.

• Jacob and Katie Arthur
• Laura Dorris
• Steve and Kathy Moore
• Rob and Chara Regg

Casa de Mandy – Mandy’s Story

The first building The Pathway Project built is “Casa de Mandy” named after Board Members Steve and Kathy Moore’s daughter. Read on below for Mandy’s story.

Amanda Jo Moore was born August 11, 1990. Red hair, blue eyes, and beautiful. After complications during her birth she remained in the hospital, and a few days later was diagnosed with a disease that attacks the intestines. This disease is normally controlled with antibiotics, but they did not work in Mandy’s case.  After 12 surgeries to remove diseased bowel, she was only left with 9 centimeters, not enough to sustain life long term.  She was not able to absorb nutrients from the foods she might eat with so little bowel.  She was sent home after 3 months in the NICU, and she survived on IV fluids which, over time, caused severe damage to her liver. She needed a liver and bowel transplant, but the insurance company would not pay the costs of this experimental transplant so the Mandy Moore fundraising effort began. By the grace of God, we raised enough money to get Mandy on the transplant list, but she died before that transplant could take place.  She died 9 days before her second birthday.  We know that her life was not in vain.  We have used the monies from her trust fund to help others, and her short life has provided for so many. Her memory, her legacy will have an impact even thousands of miles away in Ensenada, Mexico.

Kathy Moore