Mission Statement

Introduction:

Path of Hope, was formed in 1996 by Colleen Peruo, PhD., of A.C.P.T.S. (Associates in Counseling, Training and Psychological Services) in Clifton and a grass roots community group of concerned friends. Path of Hope has been working to provide a joyful holiday celebration for children of limited means by bestowing gifts selected from the children's own wish lists. Through a series of fund raisers held during the course of the year, Path of Hope accrues funds to accomplish this goal, while keeping operating costs to a minimum.

Our Holiday celebration has expanded from the initial twelve children (12) to a current fifty-four (54) highlighting needs that Path of Hope seeks to address through Phase II of this project. We began Phase II in 2004 by sponsoring our first summer camp. We hope to continue to offer this camp annually. The initial experience was for 2 days, and the children fully enjoyed it; many took the opportunity to tell their peers about this experience.

All children deserve and have an inherent right to a healthy, happy, productive life not just for one holiday a year, or for a few days at camp, but for their entire childhood. In the future, Path of Hope seeks to help disadvantaged children by providing even more tools to make this possible. Specifically, as we grow, we want to provide the following:

1.    Health care referral assistance
2.    Support services for parents, guardians, caretakers, such as:
            a.    Parenting skills training
            b.    Career training/counseling
            c.    Training in daily living skills
            d.    Transitional housing (abused person/children, at-risk pregnant women)
            e.    Shelter for pets of individuals in transitional housing
3.    Financial counseling
4.    Legal referral assistance (initial legal consultation)
5.    Support groups
6.    Job training/placement for teenagers as well as adults
7.    Shelter for pets of battered families
8.    Tutoring/remedial education (children and adults).

All services will be equally available to male and female children and adults.

Path of Hope's past success in attracting the support of the surrounding communities, faith-based organizations, and a core of dedicated volunteers presents a continued opportunity to assist abused and vulnerable children. These children come to Path of Hope through referrals by professionals, agencies, and faith-based organizations.

We believe that by linking resources under one roof, we can afford a safe, cost effective environment for strengthening families and offer the care and opportunities they require to provide for their children.