RE-INTRODUCING PATHWAYS CHB
By John Grossi
Photo by Monique Kuhlman
A community staple in Long Beach since 1985, “Pathways Volunteer Hospice” has recently rebranded itself to “Pathways CHB,” which stands for its tagline “Care Navigation, Hospice, Bereavement.” Or even simpler, just “Pathways.”
It may seem like a small change, but to Jeremy Crooks, the new Community Engagement and Public Relations Coordinator, it’s part of a massive turning point aimed at growing this mighty little non-profit’s visibility and reach, making sure they’re “built to last” for the next 40 years.
“Pathways is known as Long Beach’s best kept secret. My job is to get the secret out,” says Jeremy. “I don’t want us to be a secret any longer. I want us to be a household name. When people think of care navigation, or bereavement, or hospice, they should immediately think of Pathways as the place they can go. And right away, give us a call.”
A CORE OF COMPASSION AND EMPATHY
After Jeremy joined Pathways, his first action was to interview every person on the team. And the word that everyone kept mentioning was “compassion.”
“Almost every person who works here, at some point, first volunteered here,” Jeremy realized. “They saw first-hand what Pathways was about and became so invested that they were willing to also work here. Most of the employees have gone through death or dealt with grief… I think it’s interesting because every employee can empathize with the client, because each of us were the client at one point.”
CHB: CARE NAVIGATION, HOSPICE, AND BEREAVEMENT
While Pathways started as a volunteer hospice, the organization has evolved into a vital service for local residents who are facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Pathways provides:
1) Care Navigation for older adults to keep them safe and independent in their home or community for as long as possible
2) Hospice Care for clients and their families experiencing a terminal illness
3) Bereavement Counseling and Support for children, adults, and families in grief.
They do all of this at no cost to their clients. Pathways is a ray of hope in a sea of confusion, heartache, and healthcare red tape.
GETTING THE SECRET OUT
There’s really no organization like Pathways that helps people deal with life’s tragedies. Humans tend not to plan for these hardships in life… yet they are certainly not rare.
“What I always tell [potential sponsors] is at some point, everyone is going to need a service Pathways provides. We cover the gamut of the later stages of life, including loss of life,” explains Jeremy. “At some point you’re going to have someone older who needs care navigation, or they’re diagnosed with an illness where you need hospice care, or you may deal with a loss and need grief support.”
MORE ON PATHWAYS
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Pathways does big on a lean budget. Just four passionate, full-time employees help train, organize, and lead their handful of volunteers and nursing interns to help over 1600 clients a year.
THE YOUNGER GENERATION
Pathways’ re-brand comes with a focus on getting the younger generation involved in their organization. Pathways’ impact can be greatest if volunteers and donors give to the organization before they themselves are in need of the services.
WAYS TO GIVE
If you recognize the necessity of having this organization in our community that helps navigate the elder, frail, and fragile population through care, bereavement, and hospice… consider giving your time by volunteering 2-4 hours a week or making a monthly donation at pathwayschb.org.
LARGER DONATIONS
Individuals looking to make a massive difference in the lives of those dealing with loss, old-age, and death, are encouraged to learn more about programs such as “Karol’s Keepers” or “IRA ROLLOVERS.” Or ask Pathways about “Bequeathing your estate” or contributing toward the Pathways Endowment Fund.
