The Empowerment Update: Growing Our Village & New Paths to Healing

Hello, Empowerment Pathways community!

As the sun begins to stay a little longer in the sky and the school year winds down, we find ourselves reflecting on the incredible journey of the past few months. It has been a season of deep roots and new blooms here at Empowerment Pathways. If there is one thing we have learned, it is that growth doesn’t happen in isolation, it happens when we lean into each other and build a community that is strong enough to hold us all.

This summer newsletter is a celebration of that growth. We have some major leadership updates, new faces on our clinical team, and a suite of virtual support groups that are already changing lives. We are also looking forward to a very special summer program that brings us back to our roots: supporting the next generation.

Whether you are a donor who makes this work possible, a client who trusts us with your healing, or a neighbor who cheers us on from the sidelines, this update is for you. Here is what’s been happening in our world.

Growing Our Team & Leadership

At the heart of Empowerment Pathways is a dedicated group of individuals who believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care and support. Over the last few months, our internal "community" has expanded and evolved in some truly exciting ways.

A Full-Circle Moment: Brooke Barlow, MSW

We are absolutely bursting with pride to share some news about one of our own. Many of you know Brooke Barlow, who served as our wonderful social work intern. Well, Brooke has officially graduated with her Master of Social Work (MSW)!

But she isn’t going far. In fact, she is stepping into a pivotal leadership role. We are thrilled to announce that Brooke is now a member of our Board of Directors, serving as our Board Chair. Having someone who has seen our mission from the front lines as an intern now leading the Board brings a level of insight and passion that is invaluable. Brooke’s commitment to advocacy for women and families is at the core of everything she does, and we are so lucky to have her guidance.

Expanding Our Clinical Reach: Welcome, Angelica and Prunella!

To meet the growing needs of our community, we’ve added two incredible licensed clinicians to our team. Both bring a wealth of experience and a deep-seated empathy that fits perfectly with the Empowerment Pathways ethos.

• Angelica Codner: Angelica joins us with a focus on providing a "glow" aesthetic to mental health, meaning she helps clients find that inner light even in their darkest moments. Her approach is bright, clean, and deeply professional.

• Prunella Harris: Prunella is a powerhouse in the therapeutic space. You can learn more about her background on our team page, where she shares her passion for helping families navigate complex trauma and everyday stressors alike.

Having these two women on board allows us to expand our outpatient therapy services and ensure that no one has to wait too long to begin their healing journey.

Strengthening Our Foundation: Samuel Wolf and the Advisory Board

A non-profit is only as strong as its foundation, and we are working hard to build a robust Board of Directors. We are pleased to welcome Samuel Wolf as our new Treasurer. Samuel brings a sharp eye for detail and a heart for service, ensuring that every dollar donated to Empowerment Pathways is used to its fullest potential to support our programs.

In addition to Samuel’s arrival, we are in the process of building a strong Advisory Board. This group will consist of community leaders and experts who provide strategic guidance as we grow. If you’ve ever wanted to lend your expertise to a cause that matters, stay tuned, there are more opportunities to get involved on the horizon!

A Shout Out to Escarleth Izaguirre

We also want to take a moment to celebrate a milestone. Escarleth Izaguirre, our dedicated Volunteer Coordinator, is nearing her one-year anniversary with us! Escarleth is the glue that holds our volunteer efforts together. From organizing events to making sure our mentors feel supported, her work is often behind the scenes but always felt by the families we serve. Thank you, Escarleth, for your tireless dedication!

New Virtual Support Groups: You Are Not Alone

One of our primary goals this year was to create more spaces for connection. We know that mental health isn't just about one-on-one sessions; it’s about feeling seen and heard by people who understand what you’re going through. That’s why we’ve launched three new virtual groups.

"You Are Not Alone"

In a world that is more connected than ever digitally, many of us feel more isolated than ever personally. This group is for anyone feeling lonely or disconnected. It’s a low-pressure, high-support environment where the goal is simply to feel a little less alone. We talk about the challenges of modern life and find ways to build real community in a virtual space.

The Mom’s Group: Finding Your "Village"

Motherhood is a beautiful, messy, exhausting, and rewarding journey. But it can also be incredibly isolating. We created this group specifically so that moms can come together to discuss the unique challenges they face. Whether you are navigating the "terrible twos" or the "teenager years," this is a place where you can feel like you are part of a village and not going it alone. We use that word intentionally because we believe that raising children, and raising ourselves as parents, truly does require a supportive network of peers who "get it."

Path to Maternal Wellness

This is a program very close to our hearts. Funded by a generous grant, Path to Maternal Wellness is a specialized support group for birthing people and their partners who have experienced the devastating loss of a child during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Healing from perinatal loss requires a very specific kind of care. This group is led by a licensed therapist, offering a safe, therapeutic lens through which to process grief. It is a space of profound empathy where participants can discuss the challenges associated with loss and find a path forward toward wellness. If you or someone you know is walking this difficult path, please know that we are here for you. Registration for all of the groups can be done online when you are ready. 

Looking Ahead: "Pathway to Discovery" Summer Program

As we look toward the warmer months, we are getting ready for our newest youth initiative: Pathway to Discovery.

We are so excited to be offering this program in collaboration with Wilson AreaLINCSCoalition for Family and Youth. Our partnership with LINCS allows us to reach deeper into the community and provide resources where they are needed most.

This summer, we will be welcoming 1st through 4th graders from Wilson Area Elementary and Avona Elementary schools. The program is designed to be a blend of fun, discovery, and emotional growth. We believe that by reaching children early, we can give them the tools they need to build resilience, self-esteem, and a love for learning.

The "Little Warriors" of Wilson and Avona will have a chance to explore new interests, make new friends, and see themselves as the capable, empowered individuals they are. It’s about more than just a summer camp; it’s about showing these students that their community believes in them.

Join Our Community

Everything we’ve shared today, the new clinicians, the support groups, the summer programs, is only possible because of the community that surrounds Empowerment Pathways.

• For our Clients: We hope these new groups and expanded team members offer you even more ways to find the support you deserve. Healing is a journey, and we are honored to walk it with you.

• For our Donors: Your contributions are the fuel for these programs. When you give to Empowerment Pathways, you aren't just funding an organization; you are funding a safe space for a grieving parent, a mentor for a 3rd grader, and a community for a lonely neighbor.

As we move into the summer, we invite you to stay connected. Follow our blog for more updates, and if you feel moved to support our mission, please visit our donation page.

Together, we aren't just providing services; we are building a community where everyone has a path to empowerment.

With gratitude,

The Empowerment Pathways Team